Richard Senior Shook Swarm
The shook swarm, or shakedown method, is a proven beekeeping technique for renewing comb, managing disease, and reducing varroa infestations. By moving bees onto fresh foundation and removing old comb,…
Apidea Expanded Polystyrene Mating Hives
Apidea mating hives are lightweight polystyrene nucs designed for efficient queen rearing. Each unit contains moulded plastic frames with recesses for queen cells and an integrated feeder. Though compact, they…
The Structure of the Honey Bee Sting
For many people unfamiliar with beekeeping, the honey bee is often seen as a threat because of its sting. In reality, bees do not sting at every opportunity, and the…
Jacques van Alphen
Professor Jacques van Alphen is an evolutionary ecologist and author of Honeybees: A Natural and Less Natural History. A leading advocate for sustainable, science-based beekeeping, his work highlights how wild…
Why Every Sustainable Beekeeper Should Read The Principles of Bee Improvement by Jo Widdicombe
In The Principles of Bee Improvement, Jo Widdicombe offers a practical, sustainable approach to breeding gentle, productive honey bees from local stock. Instead of relying on imported queens, Jo guides…
Jo Widdicombe
Jo Widdicombe is a Cornish bee farmer, author, and former BIBBA committee member dedicated to sustainable beekeeping. Best known for The Principles of Bee Improvement, he promotes the use of…
Swarm Triggers in Honey Bees
Swarming in honey bees is rarely caused by a single factor. Instead, it results from a mix of conditions such as overcrowding, lack of egg-laying space, declining queen pheromone, and…
Beehive Inspections
Hive inspections are essential, but knowing when to open colonies - and what to do once inside - is the real challenge. This guide breaks down seven key inspection questions,…
Swarm Collecting
Collecting a honey bee swarm can look daunting, but most are calm and manageable. This guide covers what every beekeeper should know before attending a swarm call: essential skills, safety…
Hiving a Swarm: Tips for Improving Success
Hiving a swarm isn’t as straightforward as it once was - modern swarms often come with failing or virgin queens, making success less certain. With the right precautions, from requeening…