Issue Page: TLAB
Think Like A Bee!
“Think Like A Bee” (TLAB) is a regular inclusion in The Amateur Beekeeper, and we hope that you may find it useful. It is a section especially for our members new to the gentle art of beekeeping. Hopefully these articles will inspire some of our longer-term members to keep learning. Look for the Yellow and Black TLAB symbol.
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How to Light a Bee Smoker
A bee smoker is used so the smoke stimulates the colony bees to gorge on the nectar in the uncapped cells temporarily disrupting the defensive behavior of the colony.
Smoke masks the pheromone communications between the bees, limits oxygen intake, and possibly impairs other sensory receptors, so beekeepers can open and manage colonies with very few if any stings.
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How To Use A Bee Smoker
Bruce White takes through the fundamentals of using a smoker
It is important to be able to control the honeybee colony, so as to carry out inspections and management, this is done by using a bee smoker with the smoke disrupting the bees organised defensive behavior, with the aim of you not being stung. Read More:
Increasing Your Hive Numbers
Bruce White discusses different approaches to creating a split. Hive numbers can be increased by splitting a hive when plenty of nectar and pollen is available, usually from spring to late summer. Boxes with a small number of frames are usually used to start the new colony - called a nucleus (or nuc) to accommodate a split
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Methods to Find a Queen in a Colony
Bruce White discusses one of the most difficult things to do in the management of a colony of bees for new beekeepers. Finding the queen amongst the thousands of worker bees and drones is hard for many new and not so new beekeepers. It is normal for only one queen to be present and finding the queen can be very rewarding for new beekeepers, many say they have never found a queen. Read More: