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The strange looking "poo" turns out to be earwigs that keep taking up residence in the top cover

Also, I used a 'natural' treatment just before winter for the mites. It was thyme essential oil with lecithin as a binder, in 1:1 sugar syrup. I had a terribly bad case of mites previous to the treatment, but by December I found none and same with this year, but I have found the numbers increase...

So, an update to the hive swarm.... That was a mating flight from a neighbors' yard, a hive living in a dead tree. My bees actually swarmed three days ago, and I happened to be outside when It happened and they landed in a small tree in my backyard! I was able to catch them and install in a hive...

Thank you!

Ok, I live in northern California, US. The weather is mild, yet still bi-polar, as in 50's one day, rain, then 70's the next and windy. All that being said, I have a hive that is approaching 1 year, and a package of Saskatraz bees I picked up last weekend. I noticed a swarm of bees outside my...

Thank you, your responses are very reassuring 🐝 😎

Lately there has been moisture on the observation board, and I'm not sure if it's condensation mixed with the pollen, or if there's something else going on in the hive, but it looks to me like insect droppings..... I haven't opened the bottom box since last month because there's so much going on...

Thank you for the thymol threads! This is so helpful :) is there a certain kind of thymol crystals to use? Ive been using a natural varroa treatment that really does work but is super pricey, and I'm so happy to get a recipe to make my own!!

We had a week of mid 60's, I waited. For the second day of 66° and sunny with no wind. I was quick and did my check and got out. My bees have been bringing in pollen all winter so I made the executive decision to open 'er up and do a check considering I did have a horrible case of varroa in the...

I didn't take photos this time 😏 I was trying to make the observation quick because it was a little chilly. I was very moved by the warmth emanating from the hive though! Next time I'll prop the camera up and take some pics. A selfie stick that I can mount to my work station would be handy when...

Seems pretty normal, capped brood, uncapped brood, with plenty of pollen and nectar

Thanks so much! So kind of you to share the link! I appreciate the feedback.

Thank you, that was very informative! I saw no traces of paint at all. The biggest worry to me is her not being mated well because it was possibly late in season. It's difficult to be patient but I need to practice that very thing🤎💛 🐝🤎💛

So, I've almost made it one year with my single hive of Italian bees! I have a question for the experienced Beeks... I opened my hive this week for the first time since November, and my marked queen was nowhere to be found, and I have a new queen. The last time I spotted the red painted queen...