Beekeeping Changes in 2023

This year, legislation was passed that was an overhaul of Texas Agriculture Code for beekeeping.  This is Chapter 131 of the Texas Agriculture Code.

The following letter was sent from the Texas Apiary Inspection Service in regards to some of the changes that take effect on Sept 1.

Changes coming September 1st, 2023 to the […]

Coming Home Magazine

Coming Home magazine is a publication focused towards community living and HOA demographics.

Karina Burnett -Senior Copyrighter interviewed Rex Smith of Harmony Hollow Apiary – to learn more about bees and what a beekeeper does.

Here’s a link to a digital copy of the Summer 2023 edition containing the interview – my interview starts on […]

Sowing the seeds….

This winter I am planning to add seeds to several bee yards.  I encourage every property owner that I manage bees for – to plant wildflower seeds to promote forage to help the bees.    In locations where no additional seeding has been offered to the Earth, I am doing some tests – with a goal […]

Sept 2022 Newsletter

This year has been so very dry (up until this week) – and natural food availability has been very scarce for the honeybees. You may have noticed that I’ve making rounds more often this summer to make sure they have supplemental feeding with sugar syrup provided directly into the hives, as well as protein supplements […]

Varroa and Mite Management – More important than ever

It is now July of 2022, and Varroa Destructor mites have been detected in Australia.   The beekeepers there have long enjoyed their vocation (and hobby) of beekeeping without this pest, which is a known transmission vector for at least 27 destructive viruses.

Varroa Mite

Australia’s Department of Primary Industries current action plan is […]

Bees for 2021 Season

Hello,

I wanted to send out a message to remind anyone on the fence about needing bees for the 2021 season – that Harmony Hollow ( Rex Smith ) is currently adding to the list for NUCs to be produced this spring.   If you think you’ll be needing more colonies – don’t hesitate to contact […]

NUCS – Bees for sale – Nucleus Colonies for 2021

2021 – Orders for Harmony Hollow nucleus colonies (NUC) are NO LONGER being accepted for 2021 delivery.   **UPDATE 3-25-2021 – CURRENTLY SOLD OUT – MORE WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE SUMMER ** **UPDATE 4-14-2021 – QUEENS ARE SCHEDULED FOR DELIVERY BY THE END OF APRIL.  THE FREEZE HAS AFFECTED MOST AGRICULTURE – INCLUDING THE QUEEN […]

Dealing with Small Hive Beetles

This video shows several methods for dealing with small hive beetles.  Some methods are:

Beetle Blaster Trays – Loaded with oil or DE Unscented Swiffer Sheets Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

Other methods not mentioned in the video are:

Beetle Buster Bottom Boards Mighty Mite Thermal Treatment (yes – kills SHB also!)

https://youtu.be/kc2bZhHtByw

 

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Successful Swarm Trap Pickup

This video shows picking up of a swarm trap that successfully lured a swarm to move in.

The traps are 38 liters in volume, and hold 6 deep frames.   They can be baited with old comb, Swarm Commander, lemongass oil, etc.   Traps were built over the winter, placed at the end of February, and were […]

Prepping your PRO-NUC for use with a feeder

If you are using a pro-nuc for raising bees, whether you have captured a swarm, or simply making splits – you will want options for feeding the bees when there is no nectar flow.

In the video below, I show two methods of opening the holes for an external hive (or NUC) top feeder.   Another […]