Spring Swarm Traps: Setting Up Old Bee Boxes for New Bees
John deCaux John deCaux

Spring Swarm Traps: Setting Up Old Bee Boxes for New Bees

Spring has sprung, and with it comes one of the busiest times of the year for beekeepers: swarm season. The bees are abuzz with activity, and it’s the perfect opportunity to catch new swarms and give them a place to settle. In the latest episode of The Bush Bee Man, we dive into the art of swarm catching using some resourceful (and budget-friendly) methods.

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Turning a Fish Tank into an Observation Hive: The Bush Bee Man’s Balcony Project
John deCaux John deCaux

Turning a Fish Tank into an Observation Hive: The Bush Bee Man’s Balcony Project

In the latest episode of The Bush Bee Man, Mark embarks on an ambitious DIY project: converting a fish tank into an observation hive for bees, sneakily placed on his wife’s balcony. This episode is packed with Mark’s signature humor and practical beekeeping advice as he shows how he crafted this quirky hive setup and the steps he took to give his bees a new home.

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DIY Wax Extraction in the Shed with The Bush Bee Man
John deCaux John deCaux

DIY Wax Extraction in the Shed with The Bush Bee Man

In this episode of The Bush Bee Man, we explore the wonderful world of wax extraction. Dealing with wax can often be frustrating and messy for beekeepers. But with a bit of creativity and some backyard ingenuity, The Bush Bee Man shows us how to tackle the job with flair.

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Full Circle: A Return to Beginnings Amidst Varroa Threats
Mark deCaux Mark deCaux

Full Circle: A Return to Beginnings Amidst Varroa Threats

Today's tale is about coming full circle - quite literally - with our beekeeping journey. The Varroa mites are still lurking, and finding safe havens for our buzzing beauties is crucial. So, here's the buzz on our recent venture to the old grounds where it all began!

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Tackling Varroa Mites: A Live Chat with Randy Oliver
John deCaux John deCaux

Tackling Varroa Mites: A Live Chat with Randy Oliver

The beekeeping community has weathered numerous challenges over the years, but none quite as daunting as the Varroa mite infestation. In our conversation with Randy Oliver, a seasoned beekeeper since 1966, we delve into the gravity of this issue and its impact on bee colonies.

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Catching a Swarm in My Shed: The Queen's Great Escape!
Mark deCaux Mark deCaux

Catching a Swarm in My Shed: The Queen's Great Escape!

In a thrilling escapade, Mark, The Bush Bee Man, encounters a swarm of bees making a home in his shed. Despite the buzzing challenges and a swift queen, Mark shares his exhilarating experience and the lessons learned in the world of beekeeping.

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Navigating the Imminent Arrival of Varroa Mites
Mark deCaux Mark deCaux

Navigating the Imminent Arrival of Varroa Mites

Time has a funny way of sneaking up on us. Just when I thought we had more time before the Varroa mite arrived in South Australia, I've come to realise it's much closer than anticipated. It's currently just across the river, a mere 200 kilometres away from my location.

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Beekeeping Q&A: How Much Honey Should You Leave for Your Bees?
Mark deCaux Mark deCaux

Beekeeping Q&A: How Much Honey Should You Leave for Your Bees?

Beekeeping is a fascinating hobby and profession that comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. This month, we delve into some of the most pressing questions beekeepers face, from controlling ants around the hive to understanding the intricacies of honey production. Let's dive in!

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