Are you a beekeeper who desires higher colony survival and more honey?
On average, U.S. beekeepers lose nearly half of their honey bee colonies each year. Conventional beekeeping methods no longer adequately support the health of managed colonies in the age of deadly Varroa destructor, pesticide exposure, and diminishing natural forage. The bees themselves reveal the solution to this crisis. Recent science explains how wild bees survive, despite experiencing similar pressures and without human help.
Incorporating the survival strategies of wild bees, Martin shares 10 tips that combine to create a holistic approach that strengthens managed colonies and increases honey production. She also provides 10 real-life examples showing how BroodMinder temperature sensors detect problems, so issues can be resolved before the colony dies. Finally, Martin tackles treatment-free, summarizing the pathology, obstacles, and opportunities so beekeepers can make better decisions on how to handle the significant Varroa threat.
Theresa Martin has achieved 99% colony survival with 20–25 colonies, producing a honey crop that is above the local average. Martin demonstrates a beekeeping methodology that places bee health as the highest priority and optimal pathway to productivity. By adapting the methods described in this book to match your own objectives and local environment, you can improve colony survival, increase honey production, and find more enjoyment working with healthy, thriving bees.
