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Equipment Build – Solar Wax Melter (Broke Boy SWM)

Broke Boy Solar Wax Melter – BBSWM

This solar wax melter is one that was cobbled together in the time-frame of about 2012. I call it the “Broke Boy Solar Wax Melter”.

Commercially sold solar wax melters for the hobby market – are currently (2024) marketed at prices ranging from $170-$350. For something that is […]

Rainfall and the Effects on Nectar

In North Texas – the 2024 spring season gave me a false hope of being a good honey production year. The first weeks in March provided the beginning of a decent nectar flow from the plants that were in bloom leading up to that week. Several hives proved to me that nectar was being brought […]

DIY Winter Nutrition Bricks for the Bees

For colonies that are more active, and may eat through their natural stores – I make winter nutrition bricks. They initially have a consistency of damp sand, and are dehydrated into bricks that I place on top of the frames of the bee hives.

Here’s my particular recipe. Everyone who makes their own – has […]

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 […]

Come to YAM for your honey this Saturday!

Come to Yoga Art Music (YAM Dallas) this coming Saturday for their Small Business Saturday from 1pm-5pm to get your Holiday honey and support several small local businesses.

We will be at: 9850 Walnut Hill Ln (Suite 427), Dallas Tx 75238. Saturday, Nov 26 2022 – 1pm-5pm

As a bonus – if you are […]

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 […]