One Tew Bee

J. Tew pdf Notes from “Drone Biology” Presentation at Dadant 150th Birthday Celebration

jim — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 14:48:08 +0000

For participants at the 150th Birthday celebration at Hamilton, IL on March 16, 2013, I have posted my pdf notes from my Drone Biology presentation. I greatly enjoyed the event and appreciate the great audience response to all the speakers … Continue reading →

2013 Beekeeping Symposium at Auburn University

jim — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 01:58:16 +0000

Information and registration directions for the 18th Annual Spring Beekeeping Symposium sponsored by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, The Alabama Beekeepers’ Association, and the The Department of Entomology/Nematology is posted elsewhere on this blog. Save the February 2, 2013, date. Thanks,

For complete information, at the Symposium link posted in the Black Bar at the top of the blog page.

Jim Tew, State Beekeeping Specialist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System

On-Line Video-Based Beekeeping Training Program

jim — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 15:55:39 +0000

A generalized basic beekeeping training program is posted at: http://www.ohiostatebeekeepers.org/beekeeping_class/frame-assembly/ It is 34 video clips and a few captured PowerPoint programs supported by review questions. The clips are concise ranging from 3-9 minutes. We hope that this will assist new … Continue reading →

Grandkids and Stings

jim — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 19:45:59 +0000

My 2-year old grand daughter was stung by a Yellowjacket. At this moment she is napping, but when she awakes she still will not like any stinging insect. Not much I can say to change her 2-year old mind.

This 2-year old does not care for stinging insects – any stinging insect

Washboarding Behavior Video

jim — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 19:57:16 +0000

I have posted a short video of honey bee wash boarding behavior on YouTube at: http://goo.gl/duFdi

One particular colony was remarkably active all summer (2012) in NE Ohio. Most colonies showed some of this behavior, but this colony was exceptional.

If you are primarily a gardener who keeps some bees….

jim — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 17:56:41 +0000

If you are primarily a gardener who keeps some bees, could I ask you opinion?

From a gardener’s perspective, does present-day beekeeping equipment meet your needs? Is it the right size, the right color, they right style? Can too many bees be too much of a good thing? I’ve spoken to many gardening groups and have been told that the common beehive is not always well-suited for the garden environment. If you agree, what changes do you suggest?

Chicken waterer used to water bee colonies

jim — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 14:10:46 +0000

From GM: My father made his money with chicken eggs and as such he had automatic poultry waterers. Reading your article it seems to me they would be good for bee waterers as they basically need no attention to the keep water available to the bees. His were about a 6′ trough with a float controlled inlet from a pressure (home well) water source. They come in different sizes. Here is one source http://www.qcsupply.com/275005-biddie-drinker-with-hose.html

The only problem I can see is getting the right size for the needs of the hives. I would put sand up to the level of the water. Sand has more pore space thus more water surface than gravel,( check with the civil engineering department at the college), and no chance for drowning. These waterers would have the same need to be raised above predator available level and covered with 1/2″ hardware cloth to keep out the birds.

It’s true, I have been quiet

jim — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 15:21:12 +0000

For several months, I have been quiet while spending much of my time learning simple video production procedures. I will use this technology to supplement webinars and other such remote seminar productions. Otherwise, my bees are good (not great) and … Continue reading →

Water Foraging Honey Bees

jim — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:08:41 +0000

Today, as I prepared to get the lawn mower out, I noticed a significant number of water foragers around a rain puddle in front of my tractor barn. I changed my plans and posted the water foraging activity at: Honey Bee Water Foragers. It was bee biology in motion. I’ll mow later.

Thanks to the Northwest Ohio Beekeepers Association

jim — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 17:50:02 +0000

NWOBA, thanks for giving me the opportunity to talk to your group last evening. The room was full of mostly new beekeepers with a few old folks mixed in for good measure. I wish I had more good answers for … Continue reading →