All Categories - Monica King

Rubber Bands in the Bees

10/3/2024

Whether you need to fix burr comb inside your hive or you do cut-out established hive removals these rubber bands are the perfect size to run horizontally and vertically on a deep frame.

I use the same rubber bands on medium frames as well by doubling them to decrease their size, put one on and stretch the band apart to create a V shape. I will share a photo next time I do a medium.

Here is an affiliate link: amzn.to/3TTos7Y

The above affiliate link is to a product we personally use in our apiary and on the homestead. "We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites."

Vlog 10-03-2024

10/3/2024

Wax - How the bees make it and its uses

9/25/2024

The photo above are the wax flakes forming in the glands of a young worker bee. Bees have eight wax glands on the underside of their abdomens, these glands are largest when the bee is about 12 days old and gradually decline in size after that. Not all worker bees produce wax, this task is usually left to these young bees also known as "house bees".
The worker bee secretes a liquid wax from its glands, which hardens into scales when it comes into contact with air. Bees have to consume around 6 to 8 pounds of honey to produce one pound of wax.

Bees use beeswax to build honeycomb, which they use to store honey, pollen, and nectar, and to raise their young. Wax can vary in color depending on pollen sources, location in hive, and level of refinement. It is difficult to call beeswax "organic" as beekeepers do not have control of where their bees go to forage.

Humans have been using beeswax since ancient times. Here are some of the current uses:

Candles - Dipped, rolled, or molds. Beeswax candles are biodegradable, nontoxic, and environmentally friendly. They burn cleanly with little smoke and release negative ions that bind to pollutant ions. Don't drip or produce smoke.

Crayons - along with color pigments

Lipstick
Beeswax is a key ingredient in lipstick because it hardens the texture, gives it a glossy look, and helps retain moisture.

Rust prevention
Beeswax can be used to coat materials to prevent rusting. It can also be used to coat nails and screws to prevent them from splitting wood.

Waterproofing
Beeswax can be used to waterproof shoes and other cloth items.

Skin and hair care
Beeswax can be used to hydrate, condition, and soothe the skin and hair. It can also help heal abrasions and protect the skin from environmental pollutants. Component for mustache cream.

Food preservation
Beeswax wrap is breathable and can help keep food fresh for longer. It can be washed and air-dried after each use. Wax is also used in hard cheese storage and covering preservatives.

Furniture polish
Beeswax can be used as a natural furniture polish that gives wood a smooth finish and protects it when mixed with other products such as linseed oil and/or mineral spirits. Also used to lubricate old furniture joints.

Medicinally
Soothes irritated skin and is used in salve making mixed with herbal concoctions. Anti-bacterial. Contains Vitamin A - improving the healing of wounds.

Unstick the Stuck
Smooth movement for doors and windows.

Bronze Polishing
Prevents bronze items from tarnishing.

Conditioner for wood bowls and cutting boards.

Used by NASA with an enzyme to mop up oceanic oil spills.

Used by Archery Hunters

Musical Instrument Uses
Cake guitar bodies to boost longevity.
Coat tambourine surfaces for thumb roll playing technique.
Coat reeds for woodwinds to get a tight fit.
To coat the hemp strings on Bag Pipes.

Craft Uses
Egg painting in a Ukraine folk art of Pysanky.
An essential ingredient in Indian art of fabric dyeing called Batik printing.
Encaustic Art Painting.
Used in glass etching.

Shed Floor Removal

9/25/2024

Gift Idea! Make your own Hot Sauce

9/14/2024

The following affiliate links are to products we personally use in our apiary and on the homestead. "We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites."

Here is a link to an Amazon Hot Sauce Kit that has been nominated as best Overall!

Kitchen - Gadgets & Thrift Decorating

8/10/2024

"We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites."

Kitchen SinkShroom Strainer

Compost Tin

Scrub Daddy Sponge with Holder

Beekeeper Starter List - #3 Smoker & Hive Tool

3/1/2024

Beekeeper Starter List - #2 Gloves

2/18/2024

For the Full Beekeeper Start list click here.

GLOVES: I use latex or nitrile gloves when working hives. They are less cumbersome and do not smash bees, however I keep a thicker pair of gloves ready in case of an extremely defensive hive which will sting through the gloves in high numbers. The nitrile/latex gloves do not stop stings but most bees will not sting through them. The thicker the mil the better and the tighter fit the better so that it is easy to pick up the queen(s) if necessary. Many times I will get multiple uses out of each pair. To order 14 mil Latex gloves click here: https://amzn.to/3OPaLnY

Beekeeper Starter List - #1 The Suit

2/12/2024

For the Full Beekeeper Start list click here.

Mentioned in the video is the Rossman Apiaries VENTILATED Master Bee Suit with Clear View Hat Veil (Catalog number BM03). The following link takes you to the website: https://www.gabees.com/ventilated-master-bee-suit-sale.html

Beekeeper Starter List

1/23/2024

What you need before getting your bees:

Bee Suit
Gloves
Smoker
Hive Tool
Hive Stand with ant prevention
Bottom Board
Entrance Reducer
Robbing Screen (optional but recommended)
Deep Box with Frames and Foundation
Inner Cover
Telescoping Lid
Syrup Feeder

Soon after establishing you will need the following equipment:

A second deep box with frames (for the queen/brood, add when first box is 80% full.)
Queen Excluder (optional)
2 Medium Honey Boxes
Mite Treatment
Queen Marker

I will be adding more information and links to recommended products along with videos on how to use or why one product is recommended over another.

In spring we also plan to have Top Bar Hive, Layens Hive, Long Lang Hive, Apimaye, Flow Hive, and Hex Hive shown on our youtube channel as well as available in person for viewing when attending our Beekeeping 101 or Leave-a-Beekeeper Class/Workshops. When attending these classes you receive a one year membership to the Southern Arizona Beekeeper's Association. As a member one of the perks is free rental of equipment: Hand crank extractor and oxalic acid vaporizer.