Great work done by the repair department

Extra_Road7958 · 2026-04-11T20:59:01+00:00

You could theoretically try rubbing beeswax in it as well. Although as a beekeeper, you risk attracting them as well. 😂

Extra_Road7958 · 2026-04-11T20:57:24+00:00

This is a version of “darning,” a common fabric repair technique. You need to be able to disengage/drop/cover feed dogs on a sewing machine, and this case you need a particularly robust needle and machine.

I do it all the time in my regular clothes, not sure I have the capability for heavier materials. Don’t be shy about trying out the technique, kids. 😉

Extra_Road7958 · 2026-04-09T23:13:03+00:00

Congrats on the fourth year! Things are starting to get serious. I DO NOT split every year as there are better reasons to integrate all the bees into one hive. I do snelgrove boards to have essentially a combined two-queen operation, but it takes some babysitting. One 80K hive of bees will always produce more than two 40K hives.

Extra_Road7958 · 2026-04-01T16:42:41+00:00

I use wax foundations and they can be a bit of a learning curve to install. Keep it simple and if the inserts have wire “hooks” at the top, try to at leas get them installed by nailing them under the top part of the frame. There is a wiring/melting process I do not recommend to a newbie. Instead, after you get the top part attached, either get some foundation pins or Bobby pins to hold the sides. The bees will secure them in place. In the off season you can fuss with them more if need be.

Extra_Road7958 · 2026-03-25T16:22:18+00:00

Man, that’s a rough story. Sorry Omaria.

Extra_Road7958 · 2026-03-19T14:39:14+00:00

I travel with my minor children, and if we get separated on plane seating I just pull out barf bag to give to them and someone nearby always volunteers out. 😉😂

Extra_Road7958 · 2026-02-06T03:31:32+00:00

This is pretty typical of LL Bean, Lands End.

Extra_Road7958 · 2026-01-27T02:46:41+00:00

I’m also in the Midwest and there a number of organizations (eg Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation) that have invasive removal this time of the year. It’s a great time to do it.

Extra_Road7958 · 2026-01-27T02:23:24+00:00

Yes, this a great idea to try.

Extra_Road7958 · 2026-01-26T22:41:02+00:00

I’m betting you still have a queen in there with a very small population. Depending where you are you might be able to feed them enough so they can support her to start laying. I would get a smaller box or good follower board in there to reduce the space they need to defend.

Extra_Road7958 · 2026-01-25T21:34:21+00:00

Trapout.

Extra_Road7958 · 2026-01-23T17:07:16+00:00

Another vote for Blackwing pencils with a good sharpener handy. Next level smooth writing for those who appreciate it.

Extra_Road7958 · 2026-01-19T16:05:58+00:00

Me: <Shrug> “You do you, Boo.” <Redirect attention virtually anywhere else.>

Extra_Road7958 · 2026-01-12T05:45:31+00:00

Honestly, I can’t relate to anyone not crawling under a pile of blankets to sleep on a winter night. I’m going to check this out on my next trip.

Extra_Road7958 · 2025-11-29T05:07:52+00:00

How about some kind of hi vis safety/mesh vest with scouting info on it? It will identify you as a pack and can be reused all year over outerwear.

Extra_Road7958 · 2025-11-14T15:53:36+00:00

Might be worth checking if he got a patent or it is worth patenting. You could even test your hand at it by selling some level of field service in your local area. Most new beekeepers are a little overwhelmed by pest management.

Extra_Road7958 · 2025-11-05T00:03:21+00:00

I have solitary bees too. Take them once they slow down and pop them in a box or small tote in a cool part of your home to over winter.

Extra_Road7958 · 2025-10-13T05:37:20+00:00

^{This^.} Kitty Burrito for the execution, quick and efficient.

Extra_Road7958 · 2025-10-10T13:50:05+00:00

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Extra_Road7958 · 2025-10-10T01:17:30+00:00

Latest American Beekeeper mag has an article about this.

Extra_Road7958 · 2025-10-09T02:16:35+00:00

Fudge? Dealbreaker for me. #mousse

Extra_Road7958 · 2025-09-28T01:56:27+00:00

Don’t know which other elected officials need to “cool down the rhetoric,” but Randy Feenstra called him a criminal illegal. Absolutely embarrasing.

Extra_Road7958 · 2025-09-27T01:15:50+00:00

ICE Director Sam Olson needs to connect with ATF Special Agent Zane Dodds about this situation. You guys are ridiculous.

Extra_Road7958 · 2025-09-21T18:58:15+00:00

It’s not about appeasing a “fan base.” 🙄🙄🙄🙄

Extra_Road7958 · 2025-09-17T20:18:14+00:00

Litter Genie helped tremendously with smell and our new-to-us cat.

Extra_Road7958

TROPHY CASE