Recognizing the Signs of Nectar Shortage in Your Apiary. When flowers dry up and the landscape turns brown, the hive’s behavior changes fast. As a beekeeper, I’ve learned to recognize the subtle and not-so-subtle signs of a nectar dearth long before the bees run out of food. Understanding what happens inside the hive during this stressful period is key to keeping colonies healthy and preventing chaos. What Is a Nectar Dearth? A nectar dearth occurs when flowering plants stop

A Beekeeper’s Guide to Doing It Safely and Ethically When people call us about bees swarming around their birdbath, we always start with one simple truth: bees aren’t there to bother you. They’re thirsty. They’re collecting water for their colony to cool the hive and feed brood. So the goal isn’t to “get rid of” them, it’s to redirect them  safely. As beekeepers, we’ve dealt with this countless times. From backyard birdbaths to pool edges and dripping sprinklers, bees natural

What Is The Spiritual Meaning of Bees Flying Around You? Us Beekeepers Have The Answers. When bees fly around you, many cultures and spiritual traditions see it as more than just chance. Because bees have been symbols of community, diligence, fertility, and divine order for thousands of years, their presence is often interpreted as carrying a message. Here’s how we frame it from our own perspective as beekeepers that work closely with honeybees every day. Listen to This Artic

Let's Look Inside the Mind of a Honey Bee. As a beekeeper, I get asked this question all the time: “Do bees even have brains?”  The...

What Are Vulture Bees? Most bees live on nectar and pollen, but one strange rainforest species has evolved to thrive on carrion. Vulture...

From My Hives to the Promised Land: Bees in the Old Testament. Bees and honey buzz through the pages of the Old Testament Bible as symbols of abundance, sweetness, and community. As a beekeeper I can’t help but smile at these images: watching bees returning to overflowing hives on a summer days make the promise of a “land flowing with milk and honey” feel vivid and real. But the Bible’s bee imagery wasn’t just poetic. Archaeology confirms that ancient Israelites practiced ser

Back in 2020, when the world was already on edge from the pandemic, another alarming headline began spreading like wildfire: "Murder Hornets Have Arrived in the U.S." The phrase instantly captured attention and stirred up fear. It sounded like something out of a murder hornets movie, and with everything else happening, people were ready to believe the worst. As a beekeeper, I paid close attention from the very beginning. Anything that threatens honey bees also threatens food

Key Takeaways for Forest Beekeeping: Forests provide diverse forage but also introduce challenges like predators and dampness. Hive...

When bees move into your home or yard, the first question I usually hear is, “How much is this going to cost?” That’s a fair question,...

The Rise of Backyard Beekeeping in Las Vegas. Over the years, Pete and I have had several situations just like the one we faced...

You Got Bees and Many Questions Hi, we're Betsy and Pete from Vegas Bees. When you call us, you’re often dealing with a stressful...

Wondering The Real Reason Why Yellow Jackets Love Your Picnic? Your Snacks Are to Blame. A picnic or party in the park is on everyone's...

The Unsurprising Contrast Between U.S. and Chinese Beekeeping. Key Takeaways: China’s secret weapon is diversity.  By keeping both Apis...

When bees move into your home or yard, your first concern is always safety. You want the bees gone, but you also want to protect your...

See How Backyard Beekeeping Is Easier Than You Think. Backyard beekeeping has changed our lives. When we first set up a hive, I thought,...

Key Points: Maryland’s humid, forested environment creates a very different beekeeping landscape than Las Vegas’s dry desert. Pollinator...

What to do when your bees turn mean, become a hot beehive, and how to calm them down without losing the colony. The Key Takeaways: Most hot hives are caused by bad genetics, queenlessness, or stress Always rule out temporary triggers before requeening Introduce a new queen slowly and only after the hive is stable Choose queen stock known for gentle traits (Italian or Carniolan) Use full protective gear and smoke when working hot colonies Don’t expect instant results as it tak

Why Africanized Honey Bees Get a Bad Rap. Every time a headline screams “Bees Attack!” , I instinctively brace myself. Not for the swarm,...

When it comes to our bees, we don’t cut corners. Every piece of equipment we bring into our apiary has to be sturdy, practical, and built...

You step outside your front door, look up, and there they are. Bees. Lots of Bees! Dozens, maybe hundreds, buzzing in and out from under...