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Learn About Bees

Any successful beekeeper has a deep understanding of the honeybee, including the extraordinary science and the amazing life they live.

Can I share beekeeping with my kids?
Can I share beekeeping with my kids?
Fostering an interest in honeybees at a young age can lead to a generation of more successful and responsible beekeepers.
March 5, 2025
What is the role of a worker honeybee?
What is the role of a worker honeybee?
A honeybee colony can't survive without its queen, but worker bees and their role are equally important.
February 19, 2025
What is the role of a queen honeybee?
What is the role of a queen honeybee?
Arguably the most important bee within a colony, the honeybee queen's role is a vital one to their growth and survival.
February 18, 2025
Do drone bees serve a purpose outside of mating?
Do drone bees serve a purpose outside of mating?
Honeybee drones - not just useful for reproduction!
February 14, 2025
What is the role of the drone honeybee?
What is the role of the drone honeybee?
Drones are specialized for a singular but critical function: ensuring the genetic diversity and growth of honeybee populations.
February 13, 2025
How long do honeybees live?
How long do honeybees live?
The lifetime of honeybees is dependent on the type of bee and the role that they play within the colony.
February 10, 2025
Can I let a beekeeper use my land for their beehives?
Can I let a beekeeper use my land for their beehives?
What should you do if you love honeybees and beekeeping, but for one reason or another, you’re unable to be a beekeeper yourself?
February 7, 2025
How long does it take for a honeybee egg to hatch?
How long does it take for a honeybee egg to hatch?
Honeybee development time varies by role: worker, drone, or queen.
February 7, 2025
How do honeybees reproduce?
How do honeybees reproduce?
Honeybee colonies reproduce in different ways depending on their needs as a colony.
February 5, 2025
Should I join a beekeeping club?
Should I join a beekeeping club?
Brand new to learning beekeeping? Have years of experience? Being part of a beekeeping community can offer some great benefits.
February 4, 2025
What temperature is too cold for honeybees?
What temperature is too cold for honeybees?
When temperatures get too low, beekeepers should avoid disturbing the colony and cluster.
January 23, 2025
Do I need permission to start beekeeping?
Do I need permission to start beekeeping?
Beekeeping laws and regulations cover many aspects of beekeeping and may vary by location.
January 22, 2025
Can I be a beekeeper if I’m allergic?
Can I be a beekeeper if I’m allergic?
With certain precautions, it’s possible to safely enjoy the hobby with a bee sting allergy.
January 20, 2025
Why do bees buzz?
Why do bees buzz?
Bees buzz with intention. Communication is key when there are so many variables in the life of a honeybee!
January 20, 2025
What are “Winter Bees”?
What are “Winter Bees”?
Born in late summer or early fall, winter bees are built differently! Their bodies develop especially to survive the cold months.
January 17, 2025
Where do bees go to the bathroom?
Where do bees go to the bathroom?
In winter, it’s normal for honeybees to relieve themselves near the hive. Learn what is normal and when to be alarmed.
January 15, 2025
Do honeybees hibernate?
Do honeybees hibernate?
Honeybees use a wide array of tactics to see them through the winter, without hibernation. There is also the wonder of winter bees.
January 5, 2025
Winter Bees & Fall Honeybee Populations
Winter Bees & Fall Honeybee Populations
Consider how honeybee populations change in the fall and learn what the "winter bees" are all about.
September 11, 2024
Beekeeping Goals
Beekeeping Goals
From supporting pollination to producing honey, discover some of the possible and diverse goals of beekeeping for this season and beyond.
February 27, 2024
Don’t Forget to Take Video of Your First Hives
Don’t Forget to Take Video of Your First Hives
Although as you gain experience there will be a bit less to learn, beekeeping is a hobby where the learning never stops. When you’re first...
Is Beekeeping Right For You?
Is Beekeeping Right For You?
The pros, and cons, and other variables to consider when asking yourself, "is beekeeping right for me?"
January 14, 2023
How Far Do Bees Forage?
How Far Do Bees Forage?
For nectar, pollen and water, our bees will travel great distancesHoney bees are like foraging machines! While a single honey bee will make less than...
Great Gifts for Beekeepers
Great Gifts for Beekeepers
Whether the holiday season, a birthday or any other time of the year, it's always fun to gift your favorite beekeeper.
November 14, 2022
What is a Drone Congregation Area?
What is a Drone Congregation Area?
The fascinating world of drone congregation areas (DCAs), where male bees gather for mating. Learn their significance in the hive and the life of bees.
Do Bees See Colors?
Do Bees See Colors?
How the Vision of Bees Helps ThemAs with many things bee-related, the way honey bees see the world is remarkable. However, the way they see...
The Composition of Honey
The Composition of Honey
Examine the fascinating composition of honey, a natural sweetener made by bees from flower nectar. Learn about its unique properties and health benefits.
9 Ways For Bee-lovers to Celebrate Valentine’s Day
9 Ways For Bee-lovers to Celebrate Valentine’s Day
Who is the patron saint of beekeeping? St Valentine, no less. We can't let that go without a celebration. Here are 9 ways to do...
The PerfectBee Introduction​ to Learning Beekeeping
The PerfectBee Introduction​ to Learning Beekeeping
Why Learn Beekeeping?All beekeepers have their special reasons for doing what they do. Only you can decide what draws you into beekeeping, but here are...
January 15, 2020
Introducing the PerfectBee Colony Beekeeping Forum
Introducing the PerfectBee Colony Beekeeping Forum
Join the PerfectBee Colony forum to connect with fellow beekeepers, share experiences, and enhance your beekeeping journey in a supportive online community.
August 12, 2019
The Mechanics of The Drone Congregation Area
The Mechanics of The Drone Congregation Area
Drone Congregation Areas (DCAs) are a fascinating place where queens kick-start their life of egg laying - and drones end their own.
The story of a single cell within a beehive
The story of a single cell within a beehive
The events that happen within a beehive are hidden from view. But they shape the miraculous lives of our bees and, through the wonder of...
The wonder of pheromones
The wonder of pheromones
One of the most profound examples of collaborative groups in nature is the honey bee. Colonies function as a highly intricate and intelligent group, but...
Why Beekeeping?
Why Beekeeping?
This article is part of the A New Beekeeper's Journal column, which documents the story of Keith Stiles as he builds a keen interest in...
The Science of Bees Overview
The Science of Bees Overview
Discover the fascinating science of bees and their vital role in pollination, the ins and outs of their anatomy, and so much more. Learn how...
The Benefits of Bees
The Benefits of Bees
More than just the sting and the honey...The sight of their fuzzy yellow and black bodies buzzing around a picnic table is enough to make...
The Types of Bees
The Types of Bees
Discover the fascinating world of bees! Learn about the different types of bees, their roles in the hive, and the science behind their incredible behaviors.
A potted history of beekeeping
A potted history of beekeeping
Which came first - flower or bee?​It’s a good question, and just as hard to answer as the chicken and the egg one. Bees and...
Learn About Bees: Stage Summary
Learn About Bees: Stage Summary
IntroductionSo here we are at the end of Stage 1 of our beekeeping course. Our focus in Stage 1 : Learn About Bees was to set...
Natural Beekeeping: The Problems with Following The Crowd
Natural Beekeeping: The Problems with Following The Crowd
Explore the challenges of following trends in natural beekeeping. Learn how to make informed decisions for your hive and ensure the health of your bees.
Natural Beekeeping: An Introduction
Natural Beekeeping: An Introduction
Discover the principles of natural beekeeping, a captivating approach that emphasizes harmony with nature, sustainability, and the well-being of bee colonies.
What You Should Consider Before Becoming An Urban Beekeeper
What You Should Consider Before Becoming An Urban Beekeeper
Urban beekeeping. Is there really even such a thing? Why yes, yes there is. And it is on the rise, just like urban farming. People...
How To Cope With Bee Stings
How To Cope With Bee Stings
Have you ever been stung by a bee?Are bee stings something that has held you back in your beekeeping ventures? Have you ever wondered "What...
How To Get Your Kids Involved In Beekeeping
How To Get Your Kids Involved In Beekeeping
Are you a beekeeper with a child right on your heels?If so, you should encourage them!You are probably wondering how? Keeping bees is not the...
April Beekeeping: the challenges and rewards
April Beekeeping: the challenges and rewards
A crucial month for bees and beekeepers. Learn what to expect and how to make the most of April.
Bee facts for kids
Bee facts for kids
Bees and kids are often not a happy combination. Taught to fear bee stings at a young age, children often erupt with screams and tears...
Common concerns about keeping bees
Common concerns about keeping bees
It's not uncommon for the laymen to harbor a fear of bees. But a little digging shows they are far more docile than many consider.
Beekeeping and Easter
Beekeeping and Easter
There are more associations between beekeeping and Easter than you might imagine.
The special properties of propolis
The special properties of propolis
Propolis is more than just that sticky substance that makes it difficult to move your frames – it plays a crucial role in a hive’s...
Unique and Emerging Beekeeping Trends
Unique and Emerging Beekeeping Trends
Although beekeeping is a time-honored tradition, it is constantly evolving and new trends and technology emerging to aide beekeepers - and save the bees.
The language of bees
The language of bees
Just like most intelligent animals, bees communicate with each other. They don’t use words like we do, or clicks like dolphins, but they do have...
6 ways to join the beekeeping community
6 ways to join the beekeeping community
As a new beekeeper you have a lot to learn. Beyond old-school books, today we have the benefit of the Internet. But for the most...
Can I really be a beekeeper?
Can I really be a beekeeper?
Our resident curious beekeeper-to-be, Amy, wonders whether she has all she needs to be a beekeeper, while hoping her history with plants isn't an accurate...
Being thankful for bees
Being thankful for bees
As we sit down for Thanksgiving dinner there are so many things for which we should be grateful - but especially the bees!
Why bees fascinate me
Why bees fascinate me
How one intrigued, fascinated person is slowing getting drawn into the amazing world beekeeping.