Honey Labeling Under Scrutiny
The latest bee-related House Bill to pass in Texas impacts honey producers who may have previously labeled their honey products as ‘Texas’ honey when it may be blended with honey from other states. House Bill 590 (HB590) will have minimal impact on hobbyist beekeepers because they are not interested in producing honey on a large…
Read MoreFive Things to Know About Dark Beeswax Combs
Often, beekeepers wonder why they have so many beeswax combs that are darker in color and how to use them properly. Questions like, “Can I get honey out of dark beeswax combs?” are commonly asked when facing a darker-than-normal batch of combs. Although some dark beeswax combs can be problematic, there are some unique uses…
Read MoreCalifornia Storms Delay Pollination and Yield Sweeter Honey
This year went down as one of California’s wettest and longest winters. The storms in California devastated some areas but were also an answer to an enduring hope that the drought state would experience a rainy season. However, the back-to-back storms were more than many crops and residents could handle. The continual and prolonged stormy…
Read MoreCalifornia’s Record Rainfall Provides Reclaimed Water Sources for Bees
California has experienced a bonanza of rain, which provides relief from the hovering drought conditions typical to the state. What is the best use of all this water, and how can it be reclaimed and used to bring value to the state’s agriculture and ecosystems? California leads the way when it comes to water conservation…
Read MoreSouthern California Residents Should Expect Swarming this Spring
Suppose you have ever encountered swarming bees flying over an area or conglomerating in a temporary spot while they look for a new place to call home. In that case, it can be alarming to witness thousands of bees moving together or hanging off a tree branch. Although this is a regular activity for bees,…
Read MoreThe Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing but the Truth About Honeybees and Native Bees
Have honeybees been skating under the radar as people assume they are part of native North American wildlife? Doubters would say that installing honeybee hives to save bees is like raising chickens to protect birds. Some claim that the two efforts, although at first glance, may seem to be closely connected, are anything but. What…
Read More