A large number of worker bees, drones, and usually the old queen that leaves the parent colony to establish a new colony. Read More

The natural process of propagating a colony of honey bees. Read More

A device in which materials are slowly burned to produce smoke (not flames) which is used to subdue bees. It is important to use a material that produces a cool smoke as not to harm the bees. Read More

A viral disease which affects the larva of honey bees.

Worker bees searching for a new source of pollen, nectar, propolis, water, or a new home for a swarm of bees.

A smaller swarm which may occur after the primary swarm has occurred.

A beehive made of twisted straw without movable frames.

A wooden rack that fits between the bottom board and hive body. Bees make better use of the lower brood chamber with increased brood rearing. Congestion at the front entrance is reduced which can also reduce the swarming tendency.

The refuse from melted comb and cappings after the wax has been rendered or removed.

A glass-covered insulated box used to melt wax from combs and cappings by the heat of the sun.

A handheld device used for embedding wires into foundation with the purpose of reinforcing the foundation.

The modified structure of a worker honey bee used as a weapon of offense. Honey bees have a barbed stinger which stays embedded in the recipient of sting cause the bee to later die.

Bacteria that cause European foulbrood.

Principal sugar found in nectar.

Any hive body, or smaller box, used for the storage of surplus honey which the beekeeper will harvest. Normally it is placed over or above the brood chamber. Offered in shallow, medium, and deep supers.

The natural replacement of an established queen by a newly reared queen in the same hive.

Honey removed from the hive which exceeds that needed by bees for their own use.

Queen cells usually found on the bottom of the combs before swarming.