Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Top 10 Beekeeping Questions for Beginners
- Why aren’t my bees using the second brood box or super?
- The lower box isn’t full yet (bees usually won’t move up until the bottom box is 80-90% full).
- There’s not enough nectar flow to warrant expansion.
- The queen excluder may be acting as a barrier, try removing it temporarily.
- Why did my bees swarm even though they had space?
- They may have become crowded with bees; not just comb population pressure can trigger swarming.
- The queen might be older, and the colony wanted to replace her.
- Poor ventilation or not enough fresh comb may have contributed to swarm impulse.
- Why is there no brood in my hive?
- The queen is missing, failing, or recently swarmed.
- Its a natural brood break (such as after swarming or during dearth).
- Disease or pesticide exposure may have suppressed brood rearing.
- What should I feed my bees and when?
- In early spring: 1:1 sugar syrup to stimulate buildup.
- In late fall: 2:1 syrup to help them store winter reserves.
- Pollen patties may be given in early spring if natural pollen is scarce.
- How do I know if my hive is queenright?
- Look for eggs or very young larvae (evidence a queen has been active in the last 3 days).
- Watch bee behavior – calm, organized activity usually indicates a queenright hive.
- Insert a test frame with eggs/young larvae and check for queen cells after a few days.
- Why are my bees so aggressive lately?
- The colony might be queenless or requeening, causing agitation.
- Robbing behavior from other bees or wasps can make the colony defensive.
- Environmental stressors like heat, storms, or human/animal disturbance.
- When should I harvest honey?
- When the frames are at least 80% capped.
- After the main nectar flow ends, usually mid-to-late summer.
- When the honey moisture content is below 18.6% (use a refractometer if unsure).
- How do I prevent mites from killing my hive?
- Monitor mite levels monthly using sugar roll or alcohol wash.
- Use IPM strategies like drone brood removal and screen bottom boards.
- Apply approved treatments (formic acid, oxalic acid, thymol, etc.) at proper times and temperatures.
- Why is there so much burr comb in my hive?
- Extra space between frames allowed bees to build wild comb.
- Frames may not be evenly spaced or straight.
- Foundationless frames or improper hive tilting can promote excess comb.
- Do I need to insulate my hive for winter?
- In cold climates, yes wraps or foam boards can help conserve heat.
- A top ventilation or moisture quilt box is often more important than insulation.
- Some beekeepers overwinter successfully without insulation by ensuring strong populations and adequate food stores.