The Blooming Sage: Tips and Tales from Buzzing Timber Lake Bluff

 As we head into fall, it’s critical to prepare your hives for the challenges of winter. With increasing climate unpredictability and ongoing pest pressures, beekeepers in Oklahoma , Kansas , and Arkansas need to adopt both conventional and natural methods to keep their hives strong through the winter months. At Timber Lake Bluff Bee Recovery , we offer professional swarm removals , hive recovery , and consultation services , and at Buzzing Blooms Nursery , we provide the native plants and pollinator-friendly seeds that can give your bees the resources they need to thrive year-round. Here’s an in-depth guide to help you prepare your hives, updated with 2024’s best practices. 1. Managing Hive Space: Optimize for Winter 🧰 The number of bees in your colony will decrease as temperatures fall, and this means your hive needs less space to maintain warmth and protect against cold drafts. Reducing hive space and combining weaker colonies are common practices to set your bees up f...

At The Blooming Sage, we understand that beekeeping comes with its fair share of challenges and uncertainties. One of the most pressing concerns many beekeepers face is when their queen stops laying eggs. This situation raises several questions: Why did my queen stop laying? Is my hive honey bound? Should I requeen this late in the season? Can a queen even have a mating flight this time of year? And importantly, what should I do if requeening isn't an option? Let's delve into these questions and provide actionable insights to help you navigate these scenarios effectively. 1. Why Did My Queen Stop Laying? 🐝 If you’ve noticed that your queen has stopped laying eggs, there could be several reasons behind this behavior. Understanding these possibilities can help you determine the best course of action. Seasonal Changes 🗓️ As the days grow shorter and the temperatures start to drop, it’s natural for a queen to reduce or even stop laying eggs. This is especially common in late su...