Articles

The basics of Queen Rearing

The matriarch of the hive, an egg laying machine, the mother and surrogate father to all the workers and drones, and a creature of true beauty.

Powerful properties in an unexpected package

The powerful health benefits associated with manuka honey have made it a huge success story for New Zealand exporters. Manuka’s cousin, kanuka, is far less famous – but may be equally beneficial.

Learn, Disease, Varroa, Health

Tiny mites, huge problems

Varroa mites are a threat to bees all over the world, and New Zealand is no exception. The tiny creatures spread disease, weaken colony health, and, left untreated, eventually kill the hive.

Learn, How-To, Beekeeping 101

Bee Feeding Part 2: How To Feed Bees

There are many options for feeding honey bees. Here are some bee feeder supplies you can use.

Learn, Beekeeping 101

Bee Feeding Part 1: When, Why and What To Feed Bees

Wondering whether your bees have enough stores or are they getting enough nutrients? Here are some tips for when, why and what to feed bees.

Learn, How-To, Getting Started

Process, package, profit

Like any food product, honey needs to be handled safely before it can be sold. In New Zealand, safety standards cover everything – processing, testing, packaging and labelling. If you want to sell your honey, you need to meet these standards – and prove that you’ve met them. But before you do that, here’s our rough guide to safe processing and packaging:

Learn, How-To, Beekeeping 101

Managing wax cappings

The first honey harvest is a milestone for any new beekeeper. But honey isn’t the only useful substance made by bees. Beeswax, which is used to store and cover honey in the hive, is a valuable beekeeping by-product. Even if you’re not interested in using the wax yourself, it’s worth collecting and clarifying your wax for resale, or to give to friends. After all, your bees expend so much energy making and using wax, it seems wasteful to simply throw it away.

Learn, Disease, Health

The spread of a deadly disease

American Foulbrood strikes fear into the hearts of beekeepers – and for good reason. The bacterial disease infects larvae, kills bees before they reach maturity, and eventually destroys the colony.

Learn, Varroa, Health

New season, new bees

Spring seems to be starting slowly this year, but the days are finally feeling warmer. With spring comes an exciting and busy time for beekeepers