Beekeeping

[CloverKnollFarms]

If you where to guess, how many bees are in the big swarm?

And to be fair, they were a later swarm, but been in the trap for a month now, so they have grown in number. I've just never been able to hear them from 30' away, clearly, humming.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

We received our first orders this week. (4) hives, stands, frames, and two swarm traps. My first month of retirement looks plenty busy.

 

[wmfamily]

These are aggressive squirrels
View attachment 879141

They can be so destructive. Unfortunately you need something more substantial than aluminum since they can chew through that too.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

They can be so destructive. Unfortunately you need something more substantial than aluminum since they can chew through that too.

I mean it's 1/8" thick aluminum angle?

 

[ponytug]

I mean it's 1/8" thick aluminum angle?

I don't know what to say, but I have seen it eaten often, especially the typical box store angle material that never seems that hard. Stainless angle is probably an easier choice, unless you seek out hardened aluminum alloy angles. You are far enough from the ocean not to worry over much about stainless corroding.

My $0.02 on stainless is use a hand punch to make the holes to fasten it as stainless is rather unforgiving of drill speeds and feed rates that are too slow. Something like this;

Amazon.com

They make air operated ones, and bench versions if you have lots of holes to do.

All the best,

Peter

 

[oosik]

My father kept two hives of bees. Everybody in our neighborhood benefited from his bees. Those hives scared me. He never had a problem "keeping" the bees. He never had to wear any protective gear. It was VERY seldom that he ever got stung.

Wild honey is the best. Especially chewing the honey filled comb.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

The buckwheat looks great this summer. The hives are wayyyy in the back.

 

[lsgreg]

I pulled 16 supers of honey today, and left 9 on the hives to harvest later. Time to start extracting...

 

[lsgreg]

I pulled 16 supers of honey today, and left 9 on the hives to harvest later. Time to start extracting...

36 gallons from those 16 supers. I am hoping that when I harvest the other 9, I will hit 50 gallons.

 

[masseyrider]

36 gallons from those 16 supers. I am hoping that when I harvest the other 9, I will hit 50 gallons.

That's a lot of bee barf.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Starting builds on (6) more insulated hives. Recently retired, so now I can work at my own pace and enjoy the process.

 

[LittleBittyBigJohn]

I'm planning on building several swarm traps this winter. I would be interested in seeing yours. My plan is just basically a 5 frame deep without a removable base, and one of the round entry "seals" that can be rotated open or closed. But with a provision to hang from a tree. I've got 4 different properties that I'm planning on putting at least a couple each.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

I'm planning on building several swarm traps this winter. I would be interested in seeing yours. My plan is just basically a 5 frame deep without a removable base, and one of the round entry "seals" that can be rotated open or closed. But with a provision to hang from a tree. I've got 4 different properties that I'm planning on putting at least a couple each.

Mine are 6 frame, extra deeps, built from 1x material. I use the SS entrance discs and install 2 small ampules that contain lemongrass oil. I'm designing a new hanging method this year. I'm not completely satisfied with my swarm pro mounts. The 6 frame extra deeps are the ideal volume and have worked amazingly well for me. I briefly used a 5 frame design and it was not nearly as successful.

I have orders for several traps too, so I'll have some build photos.

 

[EddieWalker]

What is the difference between a sweat bee and a honey bee?

In the last week, we can't sit on our porch without being harassed by at least one, sometimes two of those bees. The only solution seems to be killing them. If they are good bees, I hate to do that, but they are relentless!!!!

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

What is the difference between a sweat bee and a honey bee?

In the last week, we can't sit on our porch without being harassed by at least one, sometimes two of those bees. The only solution seems to be killing them. If they are good bees, I hate to do that, but they are relentless!!!!

Honey bees don't come over to bother you. Sweat bees are solitary bees.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Framework for 6 hive floors complete!

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Vented hive lid components complete

 

[ponytug]

I enjoy seeing the hives get built. Thanks for sharing!

All the best,

Peter

 

[BackRoad]

Mr. CloverKnoll, are you following published build plans for your style of hive, or are you modifying it for your own custom design?

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Mr. CloverKnoll, are you following published build plans for your style of hive, or are you modifying it for your own custom design?

I have published plans, but I have made changes to aid in assembly and allow for the issues resulting from using pine. Ie... Imperfect lumber. One change was cutting some more critical parts thicker, and using my 1950s Rockwell jointer to true them up. That tool has been invaluable.

I've built about 24 of these and refine them a little each time. I keep detailed notes from each build to remind myself of the tweaks.

My first hives are still in service and have done all that I needed. They serve the bees well. I will say though that over the years I have realized where issues can arise.
Whether with fitment of these many parts, what dimensions are actually quite critical, and what assembly methods result in the best outcomes.

May seem excessive for a bee box... But I never half ass a project.