Beekeeping

[CloverKnollFarms]

How do you fight the mites? Or don’t need to?

I don’t. The only bees we keep, deal with mites themselves. I decided long ago that the only genetics I wanted to propagate, were those resistant to mites.

 

[EddieWalker]

That's pretty much what I use as well, though Sherwin-Williams has so many grades of paint, and pricing to match, finding the right paint can be a search. Have you ever tried the SW "Self cleaning" Emerald Rain Refresh paints?

All the best,

Peter

I'm not familiar with it. Usually I tell them what I need the paint for, and what is their best paint to do the job. When buying paint for my clients, I've never had one yet ask me to use the "cheaper" stuff. In the grand scale of things, paying $20 more isn't something they every complain about when hiring me. A lot of the time, the reason I'm there is because the "cheaper" stuff was used!!!

 

[ponytug]

I'm not familiar with it. Usually I tell them what I need the paint for, and what is their best paint to do the job. When buying paint for my clients, I've never had one yet ask me to use the "cheaper" stuff. In the grand scale of things, paying $20 more isn't something they every complain about when hiring me. A lot of the time, the reason I'm there is because the "cheaper" stuff was used!!!

That pretty much aligns with my painting experience as well.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Another order filled. Some of the best aluminum work I've ever done

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Off season work...

Making lip balm with our own beeswax! Need to print labels next week.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Another hive getting insulated and exterior walls tonight

 

[EddieWalker]

Is that just regular wall insulation? Do bugs and small critters move into it?

To me, it seems like a sheet of foam would work better, but I have no idea how it holds up or what the disadvantages are?

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Is that just regular wall insulation? Do bugs and small critters move into it?

To me, it seems like a sheet of foam would work better, but I have no idea how it holds up or what the disadvantages are?

Raw wool. It has breathability that synthetic insulation like foam, doesn't have. It's much more costly to use, but has moisture wicking properties that other insulation types just don't have.

I've never had bugs infiltrate the walls of a hive. Everything is glued and then stapled, so the joints are quite tight. This construction has been in use for a very long time, and continues to prove it's durability.

I'm going to make some rooftops with cedar shake shingles this winter. More costly than aluminum, but it should add some aesthetic appeal.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Delivered a couple hives yesterday, and should have another order ready for pick up next week. Had to fill the 40lb propane tank to keep a little warmth in the shop to keep working. Making 50 more lip balms today... Those things sell well this time of year

 

[BackRoad]

That's some nice clean, dent-free metal work!

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

That's some nice clean, dent-free metal work!

Thank you. I do pride myself on good metal work. All hand bent too!

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Finished assembling this tonight, now I need to pull it apart and paint it. Buyer comes to pick it up, along with a stand and swarm traps, this next weekend.

 

[BackRoad]

It's evident that there is a lot of material, considering all the plywood, dimensional lumber, metal and fittings to complete a hive, even without adding in your time invested on top of that...

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

It's evident that there is a lot of material, considering all the plywood, dimensional lumber, metal and fittings to complete a hive, even without adding in your time invested on top of that...

They are very complex builds, compared to a langstroth hive, for sure.

I've looked at other Layens builders offerings, and I think we build the premium example. Our pricing is also extremely reasonable considering the labor involved.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Another order out the door... One more big order to fulfill for January. 4 hives and 4 swarm traps, with frames and cedar stands.

Then I'll have 5 hives built for quick sale in the spring.

 

[Tpondel]

A local bee guy put some hives on our property and I find it fascinating to watch and want to learn more about bees and honey.

Suggestions for good books to read to educate myself on bees?

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

A local bee guy put some hives on our property and I find it fascinating to watch and want to learn more about bees and honey.

Suggestions for good books to read to educate myself on bees?

Keeping Bees With A Smile

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Our bees were all flying this week as the temps neared 60F. Finishing up 4 more new hives this week.

 

[lsgreg]

A local bee guy put some hives on our property and I find it fascinating to watch and want to learn more about bees and honey.

Suggestions for good books to read to educate myself on bees?

My favorite for beginners is "First Lessons in Beekeeping." "Beekeeping for Dummies" is also pretty good.

 

[drumminj]

Glad search turned up this thread. Been considering trying out beekeeping and have a question for the folks here...

(yes I know get a mentor, take a class, etc. I've been reading up on beesource, got "Beekeeping for Dummies", etc)

Is it possible to have a hive and worry about growing/splitting it, swarming, etc? Basically, can I start with and maintain just two langsroth hives (or whatever other structure) each with 1-2 deep brood boxes and a super or two and maintain that indefinitely? Or does keeping bees mean continuously growing hives, more colonies, etc?