Beekeeping Inspection Lesson One: Finding & Evaluating Your Queen

Apple trees, black cherry, and plum are in full bloom. Bee's are going crazy on them. Love hearing them just humming away

I admire the macho men who can ape their apiaries without a suit but just about five years ago I suddenly became VERY allergic after several stings in a giant wasp attack. I got a general sting allergy. So now it‘ s the full suit, hat, gloves, suit of armor, laser pistol, plexiglass riot shield and two epi pens in each side pocket! It’s hot, it’s uncomfortable and heavy but I can’t give up my bees! So just call me chicken little! I’ll use a couple old broomsticks to hold the sky up. Thanks for another great video! New subscriber here! Ps: I had a severe head injury 30 years ago so I learn coping skills with memory and concentration with EVERYTHING I do. My boxes are marked with arrows and the words ‘Top’/‘Bottom’. It’s a bit like with an Alzheimer’s patient except it’s consistent and predictable so coping skills work better.

Gosh that's a good brood pattern!

I'm laughing at yoir glasses sitting in your veil, waiting for up close viewing! 😂 I'm with your

Hey Dave, Thanks for all you do for us other beekeepers. It has just been one year since I started beekeeping from a swarm that came to my house and today I caught my first swarm so now I have 2 hives and soon to be 3. I even started to build my own boxes and frames, I have my own woodshop and the time to play. Great info for us beginners.

Hey David! Thank you for your videos! These are so valuable to us and especially ppl that are greenhorn newbies like me!

I am learning a great deal. While I have assembled my hives newly arrived. I am now binge watching and reading to learn all I can before purchasing my bees. Thank you so much while I have been seeking a local mentor I have not been able to find one. So if you don’t mind you are it

Your content is interesting but your bare-handed approach got me subscribed!

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. My daughter and I live watching you.

Thanks Dave as always for another great video. I learn something new each time. Also, will get the word out to friends to like your channel. The goal of 100K is almost in reach! Thanks again. Kevin

I learned something new. I did not know the queen does not mate with the drones in the colony. Makes sense.

Hi there Dave. First timer from Jamaica. Enjoying your video.

I just enjoy your videos. I learn multiple things every time.

Hey Dave, thanks for all your great videos. I guess you could call me a born-again beekeeper it’s been nearly 20 years since I had a hive. I have set up a new one this year and with your help and classes I should succeed.

Awesome queen! I just use the lid flat on the ground, lip up, to set my box on (a bit off set so no bees or possible queen cells) are smashed. No tipping, always available, box stays right side up, not in the grass, can stack subsequent boxes on are a few advantages Thanks for sharing your mistake as well as the tips- we all make them!

My first overwintered hive - started last year in Pennsylvania then moved to Michigan. my colony survived but post my mentor… listening to you really helps

Did my first walk away split with the nuc I purchased from you last year. Worked out quite nicely. Produced a queen that is black as night 😊

You have great information. I have never had beetles or mites. I started with Italians April 2022. 2 hives. All great. 1 super gave me 26 lbs honey. Took them 2 months for 1 super full. Brood in deep hive filled. So happy. Then fall time to winterize in NC. Close to border of VA and I 95. Insulation and pollen patties water. Checked on warmer days and one day all bees gone. It was February. Both hives. They did not die because very little dead bees. I could only deduce they were cold and went elsewhere. I learned that I should have put solid bottom board on not screened. Also better to use that wrap in my area. Ok So now year 2 and Russians. They are nuts. They are going to town immediately. I have learned how to find my queen with no marking. I decided to try deep hive with feeder up top. Water with vitamins and other side lemon balm. I have plenty of bee flowers so don't need pollen patties until winter. My question is when should I add the super?

13:31 Loved the content quality and light of your video!

Thanks for all your hard work , has helped me SO much to learn rapidly Much respect sir