Information about honey
How Honeybee Colonies Coordinate Behaviour Honeybee colonies operate as highly organised units. Each bee contributes to the survival of the colony through structured roles and sophisticated communication. This coordination underpins every collective activity, including defence, foraging, brood care and environmental adaptation. Understanding how colonies work together helps explain why bees sometimes sting — not as … Read more
Varroa Control Strategies for South African Beekeepers Varroa mites (Varroa destructor) are among the most serious threats to honeybee colonies worldwide. In South Africa, these parasites are a constant challenge for beekeepers, particularly during the seasonal shifts when colonies are vulnerable. Understanding how varroa mites affect bees, how to identify infestations, and what management strategies … Read more
Best Winter-Flowering Plants for Bees in South Africa Winter in South Africa (April–July) brings fewer flowers, but certain plants provide critical nectar and pollen. Knowing which species support bees helps beekeepers position colonies and improve survival. Top Winter Forage Plants 1. Aloes (Aloe ferox, Aloe arborescens) 2. Eucalyptus 3. Wild dagga (Leonotis leonurus) 4. Fynbos … Read more
How to Feed Bees: Syrup, Fondant, and Pollen Substitutes Explained Feeding bees is a key management practice in South Africa, especially in winter when natural forage is limited. Knowing when and how to feed ensures colonies survive and thrive. Sugar Syrup Fondant and Dry Sugar Pollen Substitutes Feeding in South African Seasons Risks of Poor … Read more
Bee Sting Behaviour Explained Bee stings are a defensive mechanism, not a random act of aggression. Understanding why bees sting, what happens after a sting, and how humans react helps beekeepers, outdoor workers, and nature enthusiasts stay safe around hives in South Africa. Why Bees Sting The primary motivation for stinging is defence. Honeybees sting … Read more
Why Bees Cannot Be Sociopaths Bees are often compared to humans because of their complex societies, teamwork, and communication. But when we use human terms like “sociopath” to describe animal or insect behaviour, it can create confusion. Sociopathy is a human psychological condition, and bees cannot be sociopaths. Here’s why. What Is Sociopathy? The terms … Read more
Insecticides in South Africa and How They Kill Bees Farmers in South Africa use insecticides to protect crops from destructive pests. While these chemicals improve yields, they also pose a major risk to bees, which are essential pollinators for both crops and natural ecosystems. Understanding how insecticides harm bees is critical for sustainable agriculture and … Read more
Human vs Honeybee Senses – The Difference Humans and honeybees both rely on senses to survive, but the way these senses work reflects very different needs. Humans are generalist mammals who use senses for social life, safety, and tools. Bees are small insects living in colonies that depend on foraging and hive communication. Human Senses … Read more
Cape vs African Honey Bees South Africa has two important honey bee subspecies: the Cape honey bee (Apis mellifera capensis) and the African honey bee (Apis mellifera scutellata). Both play vital roles in pollination and honey production, but they differ in behaviour, reproduction, and beekeeping value. Geographic Range Colony Reproduction Behaviour Productivity Climate Adaptation Beekeeping … Read more
Why Bees See Flowers Differently Bees and humans both rely on vision to navigate the world, but what each species sees when looking at flowers is very different. For bees, this difference is not just interesting – it is essential for survival. Bees use vision tuned to ultraviolet light to find nectar, while humans see … Read more