Welcome to another episode of backyard beekeeping topics.
Today we're covering a lot of ground.
Does smoker fuel composition matter?

You can submit your own topic for consideration here:
https://www.fredsfinefowl.com/thewayt...

Do you have a situation that just can't wait? Join the conversation right here:
  / 3062274013832702  

These are today's topics:

1) Do you see any reason not to use food-grade mineral as a sealant on my hive body?

2) I have frozen honey frames, would you explain the Vivo Sun and how you set it up to liquify set honey in the frames, etc?

This is an affiliate link to their Amazon listing, you can also just Google Vivo Sun: https://amzn.to/3HVsfvm

3) How often would a hive swarm into another empty hive within 20 yards?

4) We are in the process of building Long Langstroth hives based on your 2024 plans. Would the shim box cause lots of burr comb?

5) With a small backyard and young children, do you think keeping a hive would be a good idea?

6) I do not have a lot of drawn comb, is there a way to feed the bees so they draw comb but don't fill the cells with sugar syrup?

7) With your enclosed screen bottoms, how do you prevent moisture from rotting the wood under the trays?

8) Question about Queens, are there any scents or pheromones that can attract a Queen to certain areas inside the hive?

9) When you put honey in your hot tea/coffee, does the heat negate the health properties?

10) I have two hops vines in my yard. Do you see any benefit of adding some hops to my smoker?

UPDATED Feb 11, 2024 This is the Hops VS Burlap study. The final finding is that more study is necessary. Defensive behavior variation was not significantly different, however when electricity was added to cause the bee to extend her sting, droplet production was evaluated. I leave you to draw your own conclusions regarding this study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...

Thank you all for your contributions today, for those looking for a good cause to support, please consider: https://hivesforheroes.org/

All of the information I post on YouTube is free to you. I'm also a member of the NWPA Beekeepers Association and our mission is education.
We are currently running a fundraiser, selling switch grass pellets for your smoker.
Aside from the fundraiser aspect, this is the best smoker fuel I've ever used. Long-lasting, cool smoke, pleasant smelling for the beekeeper.
Please consider getting some for yourself while supporting our organization and its mission.
I receive no compensation, this is a certified Non-Profit: https://nwpabeekeepers.org/pay-member...

Thank you.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
06:23 Do you see any reason not to use food-grade mineral as a sealant on my hive body?
08:40 I have frozen honey frames, would you explain the Vivo Sun and how you set it up to liquify set honey in the frames etc?
16:28 How often would a hive swarm into another empty hive within 20 yards?
23:00 We are in the process of building Long Langstroth hives based on your 2024 plans. Would the shim box cause lots of burr comb?
30:12 With a small backyard and young children, do you think keeping a hive would be a good idea?
36:00 I do not have a lot of drawn comb, is there a way to feed the bees so they draw comb but don't fill the cells with sugar syrup?
42:14 With your enclosed screen bottoms, how do you prevent moisture from rotting the wood under the trays?
48:57 Question about Queens, are there any scents or pheromones that can attract a Queen to certain areas inside the hive?
54:37 When you put honey in your hot tea/coffee, does the heat negate the health properties?
01:01:32 I have two hops vines in my yard. Do you see any benefit of adding some hops to my smoker?