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What Signals Honey Bees to Start Making Drones in Northeast Texas? If you open a hive in late winter or early spring and suddenly see drone comb, you’re not imagining things—your bees are responding to very specific signals. In northeast Texas, honey bee colonies begin producing drones when both environmental conditions and internal hive conditions say “it’s time to reproduce.” Here’s what’s happening inside the hive. What Are Drones and Why Do Bees Make Them? Drones are male

Liquid Gold: 5 Dishes That Are Instantly Better with Honey ​We often pigeonhole honey. It sits in the back of the pantry, waiting for a sore throat or a cup of tea. But to treat honey as just a simple sweetener is a culinary crime. ​Honey is complex. Depending on the flower source, it can be floral, earthy, nutty, or even slightly smoky. It is a master of texture, a browning agent, and the perfect counterbalance to salt, acid, and heat. ​If you are looking to elevate your coo

How Honey Bees Survive the Cold By S&B Nursery and Apiary When winter arrives, honey bees don’t migrate or hibernate. Instead, they rely on teamwork, stored honey, and an incredible ability to regulate heat inside the hive. At S&B Nursery and Apiary, we’re often asked how something as small as a honey bee can survive freezing temperatures. The answer lies in how the colony functions as one living system. 🐝 Winter Cluster As temperatures drop below about 57°F, bees stop flyin

Taking care of honey bees requires attention, knowledge, and patience. I have learned that maintaining healthy hives is essential for producing quality honey and supporting the environment. This guide covers the basics of honey bee maintenance, from setting up your hive to managing pests and harvesting honey. Setting Up Your Hive for Honey Bee Maintenance The first step in honey bee maintenance is choosing the right location and equipment. Bees need a safe, dry place with goo