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David, a scientist and beekeeper, writes about sustainable beekeeping, blending science and art in managing bees.

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Beekeeping Sustainable beekeeping Biology of honey bees
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The post examines the complexities of gauging reader engagement on The Apiarist and the author's commitment to producing quality beekeeping content amidst the rise of AI-generated information.
This post highlights the risks of European foulbrood in bees and the importance of managing swarms from infected areas to prevent disease transmission.
Alternative protein sources may enhance pollen substitute patties for bees, impacting nurse bee development and improving beekeeping practices during winter.
The author reflects on a busy week of preparing and selling honey, discussing the challenges of managing orders, labeling, and delivery logistics. They share insights on the tools and methods used for honey processing, including t...
The post examines the division of labor in solitary bees and honey bees, highlighting the significance of temporal polyethism for colony survival and beekeeping practices.
Understanding the triggers of bee aggression, including hunger and environmental stress, is crucial for effective apiary management and ensuring a peaceful beekeeping experience.
Larger eggs laid by honey bee queens, influenced by environmental factors, can lead to bigger and better queens, impacting colony success and survival.
The post reflects on the quiet period for beekeepers in the Northern Hemisphere as they prepare for winter. The author discusses the completion of essential winter beekeeping tasks, such as treating hives with oxalic acid to comba...
The blog post introduces Varroxal, a new/old miticide available in the UK for controlling Varroa mites in beekeeping. It discusses the advantages of using Varroxal over hard chemicals like Apivar, particularly in midseason mite co...
The post discusses Vadescana, an EPA-approved treatment for Varroa control, marketed as Norroa™️ in the US. It highlights the product's cutting-edge technology compared to older miticides, while also noting that the underlying mol...
Ownership of swarms in beekeeping can lead to significant responsibilities and risks, particularly concerning pests and pathogens like foulbroods.
This post delves into the history and science of queen rearing in honey bees, offering practical methods for beekeepers of varying experience levels.
The blog post discusses the commercialization of Black Friday, highlighting its evolution from a day of overindulgence to a major shopping event. It critiques the marketing tactics surrounding Black Friday deals, emphasizing that ...
New beekeepers are advised to start with essential equipment, prioritize quality and compatibility, and take their time in making informed choices.
The author shares insights from their first year of beekeeping in the Scottish Borders, highlighting the challenges posed by severe weather and the resilience of honey bees.
The post explores how honey bee egg sizes relate to queen rearing, emphasizing that larger eggs are not laid in queen cups.
Partners of beekeepers often face unique challenges due to the hobby's demands on home life and relationships, requiring understanding and communication.
The post discusses strategies for managing Varroa mites during the midseason of beekeeping, emphasizing the importance of local conditions over a strict calendar. It highlights the need for beekeepers to understand the impact of V...
Essential equipment choices for beginner beekeepers are crucial for successful hive management and swarm control, with financial implications to consider.
The arrival of spring prompts rapid expansion in bee colonies, highlighting the need for beekeepers to manage food supplies to prevent starvation.
The Demaree method effectively prevents swarming and maximizes honey production, but requires careful management and effort from beekeepers.
The author reflects on their beekeeping presentations, advocating for focused topics to provide more valuable insights to audiences.
The post discusses the historical context of hat advertisements from the mid-20th century, particularly focusing on their role in promoting hat-wearing for style rather than practicality. The author shares personal experiences wit...
The post discusses the end of the beekeeping season and the various chores that beekeepers need to undertake during the winter months. It categorizes these tasks into four groups: urgent tasks, easier tasks, tasks better done in w...