Beekeeping

How to Use a Honey Extractor: A Step-by-Step Guide This article is part of our complete guide to Starting Beekeeping in South Africa. A honey extractor is a device that spins honey out of combs using centrifugal force. It’s the fastest and cleanest way to harvest honey from Langstroth hives without destroying the wax comb. … Read more

Crush-and-Strain Honey Harvesting This article is part of our complete guide to Starting Beekeeping in South Africa. The crush-and-strain method is the simplest and most affordable way to harvest honey. It works well for small-scale beekeepers in South Africa, especially those using Top-Bar or Langstroth hives without extractors. This method requires minimal equipment and keeps … Read more

How to Deal with the Small Hive Beetle in South African Beehives This article is part of our complete guide to Starting Beekeeping in South Africa. The small hive beetle (Aethina tumida) is a destructive pest found across South Africa. While strong colonies can usually defend themselves, unmanaged infestations can lead to slime-out, comb destruction, … Read more

Preventing and Managing American Foulbrood Disease in South African Beehives This article is part of our complete guide to Starting Beekeeping in South Africa. American Foulbrood (AFB) is a highly infectious bacterial disease caused by Paenibacillus larvae. It kills bee larvae and can wipe out entire colonies if left untreated. AFB spores can survive for … Read more

Queen-Rearing Techniques for South African Beekeepers This article is part of our complete guide to Starting Beekeeping in South Africa. Raising your own queens gives you control over colony genetics, productivity, and temperament. Queen rearing can also provide income by selling queens or strengthening weak colonies. In South Africa, the best time for queen rearing … Read more

How to Split a Beehive for Colony Expansion This article is part of our complete guide to Starting Beekeeping in South Africa. Splitting a hive is a method of creating a second colony from a strong, established one. It prevents swarming, increases honey production, and helps grow your apiary without buying new bees. In South … Read more

What Tools Do You Need for Beekeeping in South Africa? Starting beekeeping requires the right equipment to ensure safety, efficiency, and hive management. Whether you’re a beginner or setting up a commercial operation, these essential tools will help you manage your bees effectively. 1. Protective Gear – Keeping You Safe Bee stings are part of … Read more

The Buzz on Bees: Pollination Services and their Importance in South Africa Bees and pollination is a prerequisite for a thriving agricultural sector and South African agriculture relies heavily on a hidden army of pollinators – bees. But pollination isn’t just a happy side effect of honey production; it’s a specialized service that demands dedicated … Read more