Category: Bees
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It’s not the humidity it’s the heat
The author reflects on the challenges of beekeeping in Philadelphia’s summer heat, emphasizing the importance of water for bee survival in high temperatures. Strategies for maintaining hive temperature, such as proper ventilation and hydration, are discussed. The post advises beekeepers on suitable protective gear and the necessity of staying hydrated during intense heat.
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If you see a bee hive – swarms and hornets
Honey bee swarms and hornet nests. In the spring it’s common to see swarms of honey bees. They are usually hanging on a tree or other object and have thousands of visible bees with many flying around. In the late summer fall and winter it is common to see bald faced hornets nests. They look…
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Learn about the PA bee law from the experts at Penn State
VIRTUAL LIVE WEBINAR The Pennsylvania Bee Law June 3, 2025 Explore Pennsylvania’s bee law—past, present, and future—and discover how upcoming changes may impact beekeeping across the Commonwealth. Learn about the current Pennsylvania Bee Law, enacted in 1994, and how it shapes beekeeping practices across the Commonwealth. This presentation will provide a detailed overview of the…
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Update from Project Apis m.
We’ve gotten a note from Tessa Dingman at Project Apis m. about a webinar on what they’ve found out so far about the big bee die off this spring. From all reports it’s much bigger than the 40% annual losses that seem to be reported every year. Those reports also usually say that commercial beekeepers…
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Beekeepers Experiencing Heavy Losses Across the Country
Boxes where the bees were found dead in California this month. Beekeepers across the country are experiencing heavy overwintering losses this year. Attached you will find the best information we have about this situation. It also explains what is being done to understand the cause of the losses. Please share this widely. – Robyn Underwood. Original…
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Honey Fest 2024 Recap
We had a great time at Honey Fest this year! It was only one day and at one venue, but we had record turnout in spite of the threat of rain, and wonderful honey sales, our biggest single day ever. We had the best bee beard ever. Thanks to everyone who turned out. If you…
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The Best Bee Beard Ever
Honey Fest was a big success this year! It was only one day instead of the two or three we usually have. However, we had record turnout at Wyck and record sales at our honey table. It was a blast! The really amazing thing was the bee beard. Don Shump has been doing bee beards…
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New study shows that neonicotinoid exposure increases Varroa Destructor in honeybee colonies.
A new study published in Entomology Today shows that neonicotinoid exposure increases Varroa Destructor in honeybee colonies. It’s a very interesting study and is reported in plain English here. This is another great example of the kinds of powerful collaborative studies being done by young researchers all over the country. In this case teams from…
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We’re calling it Drone Congregation Air Space, DUDE.
Penn State Extension ran a drone workshop in State College that brought together beekeepers to explore honeybee drone behaviors and test methods for mite controlling behaviors. The event featured activities like semen collection for queen insemination and searches for drone congregation air spaces.
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More Data Collection!
Robyn Underwood is asking PA Beekeepers to participate in a survey about overwintering survival of honey bee colonies in PA. A new online tool, Bee Winterwise, is now available. Follow the link to participate by June 30th!