The Beekeeper's Problem Solver

Book excerpt: Author, experienced beekeeper, and apiary expect James E. Tew explains 100 common problems faced by beekeepers, clearly spelling out their underlying causes and how to solve all of them.Beekeeping requires understanding, commitment, and attention to detail. Laying the groundwork for a successful hive is essential, and demands a keen appreciation of critical areas like hive management, breed choice, and health requirements.Bees often disguise problems, though, making recognizing trouble in the crucial, initial stages that much more difficult. Whether you’re a newcomer or an old hand, The Beekeeper’s Problem Solver provides the information you need to nip problems in the bud, or avoid them in the first place.With color photography throughout and a glossary of terms at the back, each beekeeping problem is tackled in depth, covering a wide range of practical tips and useful insights. The problems are conveniently organized into the following categories: ·Beekeeping Basics – My new bees arrived during a cool, rainy period. ... ·Beekeeping Equipment – The beehive smoker will not stay lit. ... ·Biology and Behavior of the Colony – There are many dead drones at the hive entrance. ... ·Managing and Manipulating Hives – The brood nest has been built across multiple boxes. ... ·Queen Production and Maintenance – The queen is not a good egg producer. ... ·Diseases and Pests of Honey Bees – Varroa mites have overrun the colony. ... ·Pollen and Pollination – Too few bees are pollinating the target crop. ... ·Producing and Processing Honey – The honey filter keeps getting clogged. ... ·Beeswax, Propolis, and Specialty Issues – Propolis is difficult to gather and process. ... Don’t lose your hive to something preventable, just grab your problem solver!