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Welcome to
THE BUZZ
What's the Buzz?
The Buzz is a beekeeping blog by Master Beekeeper, Christine McDonald.
Through these articles, I share my experiences and advice in a way that is concise and easy to understand. If you would like me to speak at an upcoming club meeting or event, you can learn more about my speaking engagements here. And if you've found this valuable and would like to buy me a cup of tea, you can do so here.
Bee well!
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Managing Varroa: Cultural Controls
Testing and treating for mites are essential. But beyond those essentials, there are a few actions that you can take to help slow the...
rushingriverapiaries
Feb 27, 20231 min read
Your Bee Equipment Order List
It's that time of year! Time to start preparing for the bee season ahead. Bees don't tend to wait around for their keepers to catch up,...
rushingriverapiaries
Jan 4, 20233 min read
Hive Top Insulation
After fantastic success with our new inner cover insulation last winter, we are doing it again with one small tweak. Watch the full video...
rushingriverapiaries
Nov 9, 20221 min read
Replacing a Blown Extractor Fuse
A minute ago you were spinning honey, and now the extracting room's gone quiet. Chances are, you've blown a fuse. Fixing an extractor...
rushingriverapiaries
Sep 14, 20221 min read
Using a Bee Escape Board
A bee escape board is the easiest and gentlest way to remove bees from the honey supers so that you can harvest honey. They are fairly...
rushingriverapiaries
Aug 21, 20221 min read
My Bee Library
This is a collection of my favourite bee books for bee-ginners, experienced keepers, and those who just love bees 🐝 Each photo is an...
rushingriverapiaries
Jul 17, 20221 min read
My Bees Won't Draw Comb
There are three things required to make fresh wax: young bees, lots of nectar, and heat. If any one of these is missing, your bees won't...
rushingriverapiaries
Jun 25, 20223 min read
Building an Electric Fence
Buckle up because this is a big one. But so is building a fence so let's do this, shall we? What you Need It really works best to draw...
rushingriverapiaries
Apr 21, 20222 min read
Three Types of Bee Feeders
Whether you plan to feed your bees strategically, or just for survival when necessary, having the right tool for the job will make your...
rushingriverapiaries
Mar 12, 20221 min read
Making a Sugar Board
Making a sugar board for your bees can provide extra food for them if their honey stores run low and can provide peace of mind for you as...
rushingriverapiaries
Mar 1, 20222 min read
Assembling a Bee Box
Bee boxes are most commonly sold pre-cut but unassembled. Putting them together is a fairly simple task, but you do want to make sure...
rushingriverapiaries
Jan 18, 20222 min read
Gear for Growth
How much gear do you need to grow your apiary? Would you be disappointed if I told you "it depends"? Because it really does, of course. ...
rushingriverapiaries
Dec 28, 20213 min read
Nuc Box Reviews
Now that I have convinced you that you need a nuc box (or 10), here are some tried and true reviews to help you decide which nuc box(es)...
rushingriverapiaries
Dec 20, 20212 min read
Why You Need a Nuc Box (or 10)
Yes you. You with dreams of doubling your hive numbers. You with dreams of raising your own queens. Yes, even you with one or two...
rushingriverapiaries
Dec 16, 20212 min read
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