Bell & Bee Apiary

If you’ve ever heard a beekeeper say, “The flow is on,” they’re talking about one of the most exciting times in the hive, the nectar flow. A nectar flow is a period when flowering plants are producing abundant nectar, and honey bees are actively collecting it in large quantities. This typically happens in the spring and early summer, though timing can vary depending on your local climate, rainfall, and the types of plants in bloom. In Virginia, for example, major nectar flows

If you’ve noticed bees flying on warm afternoons lately, you’re not imagining things. Even though winter hasn’t fully released its grip yet, the hive is already shifting gears into spring. March is one of the most critical, and fascinating, times in the beekeeping year. Inside the hive, the colony is waking up, rebuilding, and preparing for the explosion of life that comes with spring. The Queen Is Laying Again As the days get longer and temperatures slowly rise, the queen be

What Bees Really Do in the Winter: A Peek Inside the Hive When the temperatures begin to drop and the first frost settles in, many people assume honey bees hibernate. But inside the hive, an incredible transformation takes place, one that showcases the resilience, teamwork, and survival instincts of these remarkable insects. Winter is not a time of rest for honey bees; it’s a time of careful conservation and cooperation. The Winter Cluster: Their Survival Engine As soon as te

As summer winds down and colonies prepare for winter, one of the greatest threats to honey bee health becomes more dangerous: Varroa...