bee hives (forum)

peter starts with ...
i am buying a bee hive soon,
is anybody in adelaide interested in
getting one.

Time: 1st January 2009 3:48pm

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About the Author peter30001
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SlickMick says...
Good luck with it. Check to see if there is Small Hive Bettle in the hive before you buy. I have lost 2 hives to this introduced pest in the last couple of months.


Time: 1st January 2009 6:17pm

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peter says...
is that the same pest plaquing american
hives or has it been here for a long time.
what do i look for.

Time: 1st January 2009 7:07pm

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Lauren says...
Hi, am also thinking of buying a hive. Need to do some more research as really have no idea on what to buy or from where. Any useful links you can recommend?

Time: 2nd January 2009 9:03am

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peter says...
lauren,
no i dont know of any links.
the hive that i have mentioned that i am buying is from an elderly bee keeper
who is selling his established hives
he has about 10 or so available,
some doubles and some triples.

Time: 2nd January 2009 10:04am

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Jantina says...
Drat, if I lived in Adelaide I'd get one or two.

Time: 2nd January 2009 10:07am

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Anonymous says...
How much and where in Adelaide?

I have a bee hive in the shed that hasn't been used for years but I need some honeycomb frames for it.

Time: 3rd January 2009 2:59am

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Phil says...
Have you checked out www.zabel.com.au? They only deal with native bees though.

Time: 3rd January 2009 8:26am

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kert says...
Do you know what is charged for native bees by the Zabels?

Time: 3rd January 2009 12:51pm

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RolFlor a says...
HONEYCOMB photo.Mmmm so sweet.
Is native honey similar to regular honey?
Can beehives be moved at night without being stung ,if no protective clothing is worn?
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 3rd January 2009 1:38pm

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peter says...
annonymous,
the hives full of bees are costing
$150.00 for a double and $200.00 for
a tripple.
there is a bee supplies shop on prospect
rd, prospect where you should be able to
get frames from. then you would have to get bees from somewhere.

Time: 3rd January 2009 4:25pm

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Phil says...
I think the Zabels charge $250 for hives of Trigona carbonaria or Austroplebeia australis.


Time: 3rd January 2009 4:36pm

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BJ says...
I'm a little slow and still getting my ambitious project of self-sufficiency in the city sorted - but I am thinking of having a small hive in Perth (Belmont shire) - probably in the next 12-18 months. I'm really quite clueless about bees and am wondering if anyone has tips for Perth?
(My desire is two-sided ... I love honey and I do want the little critters to rush about pollinating for me!)

Time: 11th March 2010 5:29pm

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Julie says...
BJ, have you checked with your local council? Some have restrictions on keeping bees in suburbia.

Time: 11th March 2010 7:43pm

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Charles cant spell says...
Get in touch with a bee club I think there are a few in Perth. Start here, http://www.beekeepingwestaus.asn.au/associations.html#waas

Bees are a reasonable amount of work not really set and forget, its not like putting goldfish in a pond and cleaning out the plants once a year.

My mum has Hives in Pemby, look into it well before you commit as its a costly set up unless you can share with someone, hence joining a bee (Apiary?) Club.

There is a good cheap bee store in Midland near the railway, Tonkin cross-under.

One point to note, if you have an issue with bees not visiting you yard enough to pollinate your plants you are not attracting them. That mean there isn't much food, so if you want bees you need to plant appropriate plants to attract them. Even your own bees wont hang around or survive if you don't have a decent food supply nearby. I cant recommend the 'wild' multihead Geralton sunflowers enough, they also feed the parrots if you like that once they have finished feeding the bees. Happy to give you some seed. I will take a pick and add it to my edibles section tomorrow so you can see em in action.

Certainly not looking to dissuade you as I would be interested in a hive myself, however I have a good supply of honey and I have loads of bees in my yard already so it low on the priority list.

Time: 11th March 2010 10:40pm

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BJ says...
Thanks heaps for all the information - I might start with a few extra flowers first and see how I go. I'm a little way out if from committing if I choose to!
Thanks for the Sunflower advice too Charles - I'll check out your pictures!

Time: 11th March 2010 11:22pm

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amanda says...
Hi BJ - can I also suggest one of these in your garden - I find them the ultimate bee magnets! This is a Misty Pink Grevillia (Pink surprise, Kay Williams great too) they flower all year round, no extra watering once established, no pests..including parrots!? :-)

I have many of these and loads of bees all year round. Rosemary is another excellent bee attractant. I know the Gero' sunflowers well - they are super tough (but will set seed easily...) Pretty too.
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 12th March 2010 10:37am

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BJ says...
Another plant that I've noticed attracts thousands of bees is the pink crepe myrtle. The neighbours have a big one on our fence line, and it hangs right near our balcony. When the flowers first come on it is absolutely covered in all sorts of bees. It sounds like a generator out there with all the buzzing. If you have limited space I believe they have 'dwarf' versions to 1.5- 2m.

Time: 12th March 2010 11:32am

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Julie says...
If you have space in your garden for a small tree/shrub, Tagasaste (tree lucerne) is excellent for bees. It flowers in winter when there is little else.

You can keep it small by pruning - these prunings make good compost/mulch, as this plant is a nitrogen fixer.

Time: 12th March 2010 3:59pm

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Charles cant spell says...
Nice Idea I dont think I have the space But I do want something to make mulch with so that might be a better option than a crop of Luecerne etc.

Sorry I cant upload pics atm, server must be full again, so no Sunflower Pics yet. Look up Geraldton Gaint and you might find so on the web.

Time: 13th March 2010 9:11pm

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Diana says...
Hi RolFlor and everyone,

Native bees are a lot less work than European bees. They are good for busy people that way- my daughter's kindy had a hive. They can be better pollinators for some types of fruit and vegies than European bees, but they apparently only travel up to 500m from the box. I haven't got one (I would like one though). In our garden, wild native bees swarm all over brassica flowers in particular.

Diana.
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 14th March 2010 9:48am

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Diana says...
I did a few searches on bee-attracting flowers. Lots of people recommend multi-head sunflowers, French lavender, catmint and blue salvia.

Also these plants for European bees, and native ones (stingless, blue-banded)-
Rosemary
Clover
Grevillia
Bottlebrush
Everlasting daisies
Eucalyptus
Citrus
Sweet basil
Daisies
Nasturtiums
Camomile
Hyssop
Lemon balm
Paraguay Nightshade- Solanum rantonetti

Thanks,

Diana.

Time: 14th March 2010 10:22am

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Charles cant spell says...
You people got my hopes up on the hive based native bees.....unfortunately they only exist in the warm regions, and the honey is only havestable in the very hot regions of Aus. A very productive hive will give 1kg of honey in North QLD per year, and the process of extraction from the hive looks very slow n painful.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Stingless bees occur only from the Hamersley Ranges northwards in Western Australia. The species found in these areas are not currently available for commercial sale.

So not an option for Perth, Tas, Vic, NSW etc, from a temperature warm season length perspective.

So its either European bees or just plant garlic chives (best plant I have for local bees), leaks and other burrowing bee attracting plants.

Time: 14th March 2010 3:50pm

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speedy says...
CharlesCS, if you find a hive of Trigona carbonaria, they should do ok in Perth's climate.
I reckon they'll go anywhere you can grow a Mango, as a rough guide.
I'd give them a go , and just make sure you give climate protection , from direct midday sun, wind and cold

for more info try ANB forum
http://www.australiannativebees.com/

Time: 15th March 2010 12:17am

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BJ says...
Speedy,
I'm hoping to have bees more for the hobby than anything else - so the prospect of native bees is very attractive. But like Charles I didn't think they were feasible in Perth.
Thankyou very much for the link - I've definitely got to keep researching!

Time: 15th March 2010 10:21am

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BJ says...
On of the things that really concerns me about native bees is how easily I could hurt them. A rookie error and attempt to harvest honey if the hive was stressed could cause significant harm. Hardly the sustainability I'm aiming for! As the stinging bees make more honey I'd be less concerned about making such a mistake. I've a lot of research still to do; and like Charles my desire is more of a "want" than a "need" ...
I'll keep the post updated as I discover any more information (I might just have to e-mail the local professionals and go to a few seminars)

Time: 15th March 2010 1:21pm

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amanda says...
What is happening to our bees? I wonder if our councils should be making bee habitats in our inner suburbs reserves, parks etc - not for the honey - but for the fact that we depend on them. Not many people would want a hive in their backyard..understandably.

Probably better than planting public food trees.

Time: 21st March 2010 11:48am

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VLR says...
There is already a problem with feral honey bees taking over nesting sites of native birds so I don't think that should be encouraged. At least one Perth council has a Feral Bee Strategy that involves the removal of hives from tree hollows in bushland reserves though if/when the Varroa mite reaches our shores we'll need them. A permanent water source helps attract bees I hear. For now I can only dream about moving down south and becoming an apiarist and have to settle with annual trips to Bartholomews Meadery. Mmmm....

Time: 21st March 2010 12:18pm

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Guy who's looking for aussie stingless bees that can be shipped into the US says...
I've been looking everywhere for someone who can ship aussie native stingless bees into the USA. Do you know of anyone? I'm willing to pay alot.

Time: 19th April 2010 7:51am

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Wayne says...
http://www.aussiebee.com.au/buy-stingless-bees.html

You could ask these guys, but I doubt it

Time: 19th April 2010 5:46pm

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Guy who's looking for aussie stingless bees that can be shipped into the US says...
I know, most places say,"We don't want to do that" or something along those lines.

Time: 19th April 2010 11:45pm

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Guy who's looking for aussie stingless bees that can be shipped into the US says...
Oh, mabye this will help if you think they'll die-- I am located where all the native bees died out with lemon, orange, grape, (and rose, monarch host plants) and grapefruit trees right next to the where it would be. The temp. stays between 68(F) (winter) and 93 (F)(summer). I would put a bowl full of flowers and honey right next to their hive.

Time: 19th April 2010 11:54pm

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snottiegobble says...
Countries are now extremely cautious of introducing anything especially insects!
I doubt very much if Aussie insects of any description would be allowed into USA.
They now believe that GM canola crops are affecting honey bees in a frightening way! They literally cannot find their way home to their hive after working a GM crop which means that they succumb to the cold & damp of the night & their larvae, juvenile inside workers
& queens slowly starve to death as the colony depletes. Isnt Alzheimers enough for us humans to contend with???
American Foul Brood is the disease that devastates apiaries & it rampant in Aust. Any beekeepers who find it active in even only one hive in Vic. must have a pit dug & the hives sealed just before dark & placed in the pit,doused with petrol & then set alight. All under the control of Apiarist Inspectors. It broke my F.in.L`s heart to have 17 hives destroyed in one night!

Time: 20th April 2010 1:05am

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John I says...
Hi snottiegobble,
I watched a documentry late last year about the Australian bee export business to the USA. Apparently it is big business and Australian bees are highly sought, because our bees don't have a parasite that is killing bees world wide.

Time: 20th April 2010 7:53am

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Guy who's looking for aussie stingless bees that can be shipped into the US says...
But here's the catch for the weather: It's only in about 2 miles that the weather is so the bees can live (too hot or cold).

Time: 20th April 2010 9:21am

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snottiegobble says...
Hi John, Do you mean honey bee hives from Australia or just the queens? I know that queens are sent all round Aust in little wooden boxes with wax plugs at the entrances. The idea is for the boxes to be placed in the hive & by the time the workers & their new queen have eaten away the wax plug from both ends ,she smells just like them & so is accepted as their queen! Of course the old queen is destroyed before this
introduction.
Its a case of " The queen is dead. Long live the Queen!"

Time: 20th April 2010 1:31pm

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John I says...
No they loaded pallets of hives containing live bees. I'm not certain but I may have seen in on landline on the ABC.

Time: 20th April 2010 1:49pm

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John I says...
On second thoughts, I think what I saw on landline was about the asian bee threat to australia. I'm not sure if the documentary I watched was on the ABC or foxtel.

Time: 20th April 2010 1:54pm

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John I says...
I think the documentary was called "Honey Bee Blues", and it was aired on SBS in December last year.

Time: 20th April 2010 1:58pm

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Guy who's looking for aussie stingless bees that can be shipped into the US says...
I'm kind of desprate, so anyone who wants to sell a hive speak up!

Time: 20th April 2010 11:47pm

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amanda says...
Guy-from-USA.. The first logical step would be an import permit? If all else fails - use flies or ants...they are pollinators in their own right.
Your country has a bee-disease that we don't have in Aust (as yet...) so u may go to all the expense of importing, only to have them die also. Also - if your neighbours are "toxic" these bees will suffer also. They are only a "band-aid" - not a solution - to your problems.

Anyway - this is a gardening type forum... I think u are in the wrong place - u need to contact a professional supplier or such..

Where, exactly, are u in the "warm USA"? It would want to be "warm" for our native bees..and a 2 miles radius sounds a bit silly really..(thinking from a bee's perspective, of course..)

Time: 21st April 2010 12:23am

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Guy who's looking for aussie stingless bees that can be shipped into the US says...
I am in a town near San Diego, CA. The two miles are full of houses and beeless, so there's no disease that can kill anything. Those big-time bee sellers won't ship to me, so in my googling I came here. I have fruit trees, and I'm going to use them for
education (like my trees).

Time: 21st April 2010 3:20am

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Guy who's looking for aussie stingless bees that can be shipped into the US says...
Oh, and i'm a big-time gardener.

Time: 21st April 2010 3:23am

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snottiegobble says...
Surely there are are gardens with flowers etc in S.D that attract bees, ants, hoverflies etc.? Arent there any
birds that pollinate such as hummingbirds? We have a huge variety of honeyeater birds in Aust. They did so well with our apples & pears in Vic. we had to shake the trees because of far to much fruit developing!
Maybe your answer is to grow plants (in your orchards) with flowers that are particularly attractive to pollinators.

Time: 21st April 2010 1:46pm

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BJ says...
The 2km radius isnt too silly. I thought the most popular native bees here had a very small forraging area - something like 500m?

I do remember seeing those Hummingbirds in Arizona, so SD should also have them? Also, between LA and Phoenix I saw a few fruit laden cacti, so there must be polinators - probably moths - about!?

Time: 21st April 2010 4:50pm

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Guy who's looking for aussie stingless bees that can be shipped into the US says...
Yes they go only 500 m from their hive.

Time: 22nd April 2010 8:29am

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Guy who's looking for aussie stingless bees that can be shipped into the US says...
There are a few moths about, but they only visit certain plants-- weeds and cacti.

Time: 29th April 2010 12:02am

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Guy who's looking for aussie stingless bees that can be shipped into the US says...
Now, I have a friend going to Aussie. He's is going to bring a hive to me! YES! All he needs to do is ship it and then it's to me! Can I have a friendly tip on how much food they need for about 2 months? All the stingless bee guys agree that they can use regular bee honey and yurn it into their food-- their honey.

Time: 15th May 2010 11:48pm

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Diana says...
Hi bee guy,

Australian stingless bees are an interesting novelty for sure, but importing any insect to a country where they are not native is a risk that isn't worth the novelty value. If you can't buy them from the USA, it sounds like it would be a new import.
It's not just that the insect might become invasive (you can never tell even if it seems extremely harmless), but also that they may transmit diseases to your native and domestic animals. If your quarantine laws allow individals to import insects from overseas, they are being lax and it isup to the individual tobe responsible- I would be surprised if they do encourage this.

Diana.

Time: 18th May 2010 7:44pm

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snottiegobble says...
yeah I agree, when you look at all the insects that we have here that came by ship somehow it really makes you think & it costs the Aust. government( from us citizens) millions trying to keep them under control.
Here are just a few : Argentine ants, fire ants, English wasps, European wasps, white cabbage butterfly, cabbage moth,German cockroaches,weevils,
cockchafer beetles, pear slugs, codling moths,common snails,earwigs etc, etc.
Get the message???

Time: 18th May 2010 9:01pm

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About the Author snottiegobble
bunbury
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amanda says...
USA Bee guy...what makes u think u can get our bees into your country, BTW??? I think u are having a lend of us really.

Time: 18th May 2010 11:11pm

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About the Author amanda19
Geraldton. WA
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Steven says...
Hey all how are you.

The varroa mite problem all around the world is thought to have been caused when european honey bees were introduced to asian bees somewhere in russia, the asian bees have been living with the mite for god knows how long and have developed ways to keep it in control but the european honey bees cannot. the bees were then taken to west russia i think and the mite spread like wild fire through europe and the rest of the world. Australia is the only country that does not have varroa mite.

With that said Guy, why would you want to potentially make the same mistake again Australia is an island continent and has been isolated from the world for millions of years and as such has developed its own unique flora and fauna and if a virus, mite etc was accidentally introduced into America is could make your been problem 100 times worse. its honestly not worth the risk.

With that said what makes you think that Australian native bees will be better pollinators that European honey bees. if they were then wouldnt they be widely used in Australia for their crops? in reality the australian native bee doesnt make much honey and cant be cultivated like the european honey bee. the australian bees will probably just die, who's to say they wont become victims to varroa also?

Australia does export alot of honey bees to America each year to keep your agriculture going and even that is very difficult to get through customs at times. The best thing for you to do would be to get a hive of honey bees and try to fight off varroa. the more hives there are in the world the more chance the bees have!

for everyone else who is interested in starting up a hive. I started one a few months ago and its doing really well so far. i was recommended a book (beekeeping for dummies) by almost every beekeeper i spoke to and it is a really good book. Beekeeping isnt very labouring (you only need to check them say once a month). especially in Australia as the climate is warmer, for the most of it the bees look after themselves, they can travel up to 5km to find food so they help out your whole neighbourhood and they arent very intrusive or dangerous, i can stand right next to my hive with bees flying in and out of it without a problem.

Regards

Steven

P.S. Its said that 1 in 3 pieces of food you eat exists because of a bee

Einstein once said that if bee's were wiped off the earth tomorrow humans could only survive for another 30 years.

Time: 19th May 2010 11:01am

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Brian Lewis says...
hey there bee keepers, hoping for some help here simply put am looking to buy a two super hive in Brisbane. Been bee keeping for some 45 years so understand the mechanics as such just need to know where I can buy one for the back yard, can anyone help

Time: 20th May 2010 11:16pm

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Steven says...
Hey Brian, i just did a search on yellowpages.com.au and found some places that may help you:

http://www.yellowpages.com.au/search/listings?clue=beekeeping+&locationClue=Brisbane+QLD&x=48&y=20

This probably doesnt help you but i got my hive at Bob's Beekeeping in Eltham, Melbourne, it was a good place, the people were friendly and the price was reasonable.

And get the book beekeeping for dummies, i found it really helpful, according to the beekeepers i spoke to the only differences between beekeeping in the book and in Australia is that we only need two supers not 3 and we dont really need to medicate the bees.

Regards

Steven

Time: 21st May 2010 6:24pm

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snottiegobble says...
Medicate the bees???? OMG what next!
They will need to have their flu injections too of course!

Time: 21st May 2010 11:06pm

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Jantina says...
Thanks for that Steven, I've been wanting to get a couple of hives for a while , will follow up on your link.

Time: 22nd May 2010 10:09am

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Mt. Gambier S.A.
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Steven says...
No problem....good luck :)

Time: 24th May 2010 7:14pm

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BP says...
For those worried about heavy capital investment in equipment and medicating bees, I practice natural beekeeping in Canberra using top bar hives. For no bending, lifting and working at waist level I build Kenyan Horizontal Top bar hives. For completely hands off I have built Warre Vertical Top Bar hives. If you don't have the oppurtunity to be at Beekeepers Association of the ACT meeting for one of my presentations on hives, managemet and running thereof and want to look at natural beekeeping methods and results I have also posted pictures of construction of hives on a natural beekeeping website based out of the UK biobees which has a forum. Just google search if looking for the forum web page. These build or assemble faster than langstroths and you don't need most of the gear we use to run Lang hives. A side benefit is you get more wax harvest which is great because chemical treatments in Lang hives build up in the wax so you have healthier more valuable honey if into the whole organic thing.

Cheers,
BP

Time: 24th May 2010 7:43pm

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Jantina says...
Hi BP, haven't managed to find your actual article yet, but thanks so much for the info. So interesting, that UK biobees site has heaps of info for a beekeeper "wanna be" like me.We have many hives in tree hollows and bird boxes here, maybe if we build a Warre Vertical Top Bar hive a swarm will say thanks and just move in (we have swarms just hanging off various branches and things in the summer).

Time: 25th May 2010 1:30pm

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Rob says...
I was looking into getting bees not long ago for a small suburban area and these little hives looked quite interesting. Which can be found http://www.fewresources.com/boulder/thebackyardhive

I also looked into native stingless bees which dont produce a huge amount of honey but enough for a small family and the whole stingless thing means less protective equipment, but they are not suitable for colder regions.
Check them out http://www.aussiebee.com.au/buy-stingless-bees.html

Alas no bees for me until i have more room.
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Time: 25th July 2010 11:03am

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hawkypork says...
Hi Mick

Bees can be terrific fun if a little freaky at times for a beginner. My first effort ended in tears however, when my bees got infested with American foul brood and I had to euthanase my non-unionised workforce and incinerate all the gear. Another hard learned lesson is although a extractor is an expensive bit of kit, extracting honey without one is a total palaver.

Other things:
I have seen people do a profitable sideline in bee removals.

Bees are a feral menace. They occupy increasly scarce tree hollows at the expense of birds and other animals. If you are going to keep bees in the vicinity of habitat trees (virtually anywhere) you should understand how to prevent swarms from leaving your employ.

There is a bee forum on the Bobs Beekeeping Supplies website called Ask a Beekeeper. He seems to be very patient and generous with his knowledge.

I want to get bees this spring. My plan is to put them in the chook run and safely away from my small children. Now, about that chook run....

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Time: 27th July 2010 5:27pm

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DougBee says...
Hi, I am setting up a hive in Sydeny and can reccommend the book by the DPI in NSW called agskills Bee Keeping, its now part of my bee library.

We need more bees as we are the only place in the world free of the varoa mite and Colony Collapse Disorder...where Bees just dissapear.

I can reccommend "a world without bees" as a chilling read and incentive to get a backyard hive going, they will not sting you and can safely be kept in a suburban backyard with little risk.

Bees only sting as a defence so as long as you don't squash a bee or act agressivley to the hive they will not sting you....Feral bees can be quite agressive and are a whole different ball game.


Time: 9th August 2010 12:27pm

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Steven says...
Hey everyone

I bought a beehive in march this year, so far they are doing great, ive checked them a few time. but no honey yet. im hoping to get some at the start of spring.

Ive never seen or heard of anyone using a top bar hive so i would recommend using the traditional hive, but that hive does look interesting.

I recommend reading the book beekeeping for dummies, it was recommended to be by every beekeeper i spoke to and it is a really good book. you dont need much room to keep a hive even the side of a house a couple of meters from your hot water unit would do fine.

I also want to clarify, bees arent domesticated and wont remember you, or learn your not a threat to them. there isnt a real difference from captive and non captive bees. many people capture swarms of bees in summer and start new hives with them. you can buy queen bees which are less aggressive but even these will sting you if you are seen as a threat.

Outside of their hive no bee is aggressive and will only sting you if you trample or sit on it etc. but all bees are defensive of their hive.

If you want to keep bees then its inevitable that you will get stung, and every time you check your hive some bees will try to attack you, but as long as you have a smoker, wear the right ppe and only check them when the weather is right then 99% of the time it is easily manageable and over time you will develop a resistance to bee stings and they wont really bother you. that is of course if you develop an allergy to them and in that case you would have to stop beekeeping.

Regards

Steven

Time: 9th August 2010 4:43pm

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guy who's looking for aussie bees that can be shiped into the US says...
Hi, me again. Turns out my friend won't get me a hive. So no one can just ship me one hive? Just let me know what type of bee if possible. I'll tell you where to buy it and I will pay you extra? I talked to some experts and they said that I had good conditions to raise them in.

Time: 19th August 2010 4:21am

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About the Author guy whos looking for aussie bees that can be shiped into the US1
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Rev says...
Hey Guy

you will find the whole "oh my god the bees are dying" thing is overated
Honey Bees are exotic to North america
you will have plenty of other bees to replace them if you look, just like we do

I love my little trigona bees! buzz buzz and no sting

i think you will find north american bees aretoo highly bred and controlled and thus susceptible to nasty diseases

find a wild brood, or go native
honey will be expensive but your crops will still get pollinated

Time: 31st August 2010 10:49pm

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guy who's looking for aussie bees that can be shiped into the US says...
Can anyone just SELL me a stupid hive?

Time: 2nd October 2010 1:18pm

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guy who's looking for aussie bees that can be shiped into the US says...
I don't care what type they are, just sell me a hive!

Time: 2nd October 2010 1:19pm

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Brad says...
despite the fact you've come across as rude and pushy, I figured it can't be that hard.
1 google & find a news article talking about it sending australian bees to the US
2 google & find the guy mentioned who sends them

if you phone him, have the courtesy to figure out the time difference correctly first

Time: 2nd October 2010 8:28pm

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About the Author Brad2
Como, Perth
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Jason says...
We were talking to a bee keeper the other day that is 100% certain on the theory mobile phone towers make his bees loose their way home. He's always trying to take the hives to places that don't have coverage (or a weak signal) otherwise he loose's x percentage of the bees each time. I've defiantly noticed a huge decrease in the number of bee's in my garden this spring, there's probably only 20% of what there was a few years ago

Time: 2nd October 2010 10:48pm

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Portland, Vic
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Steven says...
I might be wrong but im pretty sure the theory of mobile towers disrupting bee's navigation has been disproven. youll probably find there is a much simpler reason for there being less bee's in your garden. The weather has been much cooler than usual this september, your neighbours could have chopped down their flowering trees, people might be destroying nests or someone in your area has gotten rid of their bee hive.

You should get a hive of your own. Ive noticed a huge difference in the number of bees in my backyard since ive gotten mine and every time i walk around my area i always wonder if that bee on that flower is one of mine! Im predicting next week ill be getting my first batch of hive fresh honey!!!

A word of advice guy: First of all your on a gardening website not one dedicated to beekeeping, Secondly you wanted us to illegally export native australian bees to you so that you could destroy whats left of your bee population. Thirdly after the problems America is having with thier bees its almost impossible to export bees legally into your country so what hope do we have even if we wanted to which we dont because thats what has started this bee problem in the first place and fourthly the best way to preserve the rapidly diminishing bee population you have in America is to get people to own their own bee hives therefore if you did a simple search like brad is suggesting youll find many people in America who are more than willing to sell you old fashoned European honey bees!!

Time: 3rd October 2010 12:58am

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hawkypork says...
A bit disapointing that people add comments that this is not a beekeeping forum. If you arent interested in this thread move on!

Time: 11th October 2010 4:51pm

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Caz says...
negative spoil sport.
Bees are important especially for fruit trees. Many of my fruit trees arnt fruiting. From the bee post I recognized
I have to plant certain plants now thanks to everyone.

Time: 11th October 2010 7:03pm

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Melbourne
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Steven says...
I think you misinterpreted what i meant.

A guy from the US wants us to send him a hive of bees as he is very eager to start a hive in his backyard. What i simply said was this isnt a site dedicated to beekeeping. I meant that if he wants to find a hive or get information about beekeeping in America he would be better off going to an American forum dedicated to beekeeping to find the hive he wants.

Time: 12th October 2010 12:22pm

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BJ says...
If anyone wants to catch their own swarm there is one swarming in the block between Graham Farmer Freeway, Riversdale road, Hawksburn Road and Malvern Road (Belmont, WA).
Alas ... my "Bee keeping for dummies" is in the post.

Time: 12th October 2010 2:43pm

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Steven says...
I read that book too. I wouldnt have bought it but everyone i spoke to recommended it to me and it actually was a great book to learn how to manage a bee hive.

Yesterday i got my first harvest of honey from my hive. Out of 3 frames out i got 7 jars of honey and 6 take away containers of comb!

Im going to make honey liquor!!

Time: 12th October 2010 3:33pm

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BJ says...
Steven, it is your fault I'm buying the book!! (and also your fault that all I can think of right now is mead).
Out of interest - are you close to the city? Did you need council permission to have a hive or just sneak one in? (I'm a little scared to ask just in case they say 'no'.) Does your hive impact upon your neighbours?

Time: 12th October 2010 5:19pm

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Steven says...
Hahaha well im glad to have helped you!

i cant wait to make the liquor. I tried some once at a bee festival and it was beautiful!!

you are supposed to register your hive and for that you are able to send a sample of your honey in each year and get it tested for diseases like american foulbrood and a couple of other things and i think if your hive is infested they will dispose of it for you (i might be wrong with that) however apparently only about 5% of beekeepers register their hive and thats because they are commercial hives. if you get caught they either send you a warning or a fine and you can then register. After you buy a hive if you want to register it all you have to say is that you caught a wild swarm (as they want proof of where you bought your hive). Ive asked a few people and i dont believe its something thats really enforced. If you live in the city alot of people put their hives on their roof and you cant even notice it there.

Im in the outer suburbs of Melbourne so theres a nice mix of country and city here. you have to keep your hive at least 2m from any boundary. ive got bushes about 3m tall along the fence which means the bees have to fly over it to cross into the other property, so far no one has complained and if they do just tell them they fertilise your vegetable garden and flowering trees, then give them a jar of honey. Im sure they wont mind after that :). But i was really surprised on how non intrusive they actually are. unless you go up to the hive you dont really notice them.

Check on the net what the legislation is in your area because it differs from place to place but more areas allow them. If you cant find any information call up and tell them you just want to enquire.

Time: 12th October 2010 11:46pm

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jasmel says...
Is there anyone in the northern suburbs of Adelaide that are willing to come and take a swarm of bees away for free? The swarm is located in a standard rose outside my front door and I think they have migrated from a large gum tree we have seen bees in for years. I don't want to kill them but also dont want to pay to have them taken away if possible. I can send a picture of the swarm if needed. Please reply on this forum if interested, thanks.

Time: 13th October 2010 6:28pm

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adelaide
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Joe says...
I bought a good hive through Bob's Beekeping Supplies in Eltham, www.bobsbeekeeping.com.au. Bob and Barbara are very helpfull towards beginners and will spend a lot of time explaining beekeeping to newbees.
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Time: 13th October 2010 9:37pm

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Steve says...
Hi Lauren,
I am thinking of buying some native bees for a community garden. A great place to start your research would be the link below;
http://www.aussiebee.com.au/

You would need to see if any of the native bees suit your area. They are stingless bees which is a big advantage in a suburban environment,people who are alergic to bee stings are safe.

I am going to build my own hive box, that way will be cheaper and disease free. I was able to find hive plans for free download.
Hope you get some, we need more Aussie Bees.

Time: 17th October 2010 6:57pm

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Kyogle. NSW
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Simon says...
Hi Jasmel, Do you still have the swarm? I may be able to help, as a friend and I are wanting to get started on a hive asap.

Time: 20th October 2010 7:15pm

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www.gilbertbeekeeping.com.au says...
RIRDC ( Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation) has recently released the "Pollination Aware" series.
"Free download" www.rirdc.gov.au - Click on - publications / honeybee
The series of 35 individual crop pollination studies relates to fruit trees as well as vegetable crops in both the recreational and commercial sectors in Australia.


Time: 23rd October 2010 2:27am

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Wol says...
Hi Everyone, I just wanted to know if anyone knows where you can buy Honey Bees in Western Australia? and Queen Bees?

Thank you

Time: 24th October 2010 12:10pm

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www.gilbertbeekeeping.com.au says...

Wol
Have you spoken with John or Stephen Davies at Davies Apiaries on Baldivis Rd ? They ahve both been involved with the WA - " Better Bee" breeding program


Time: 24th October 2010 12:57pm

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hawkypork says...
I was able to get a hive fully set up for about $150 by contacting the WA Apiarists Society. In addition I have been given a lesson in the Harmony Frame Rotation Method. (Actually, I havent picked up the hive yet. We had a new human join our menagerie recently and I havent had the time).
This method is supposed to keep your bees busy so that they wont swarm. When bees swarm you lose part of your workforce and the bees can become a nuisance in the environment (taking up valuable tree hollow habitat for example).
After a short lesson on the Harmony Frame Rotation Method I am converted and will be using it as part of my hive management from now on.

Time: 25th October 2010 3:05pm

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BJ says...
Hawkypork,
Congratulations on the new addition to your menagerie! Did you just contact the WA Apiarists Society directly, or attend meetings? Is there a good way of 'getting involved' and 'getting the lessons' (I'm expecting my 'beekeeping for dummies' any day now and want to get a good idea of how I might go about obtaining bees!)

Time: 25th October 2010 3:47pm

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hawkypork says...
Hi BJ,
Have a look at the website. http://www.waas.org.au/

They have meetings and a library. I emailed the president and he put me onto another member who is supplying me with the bees. I spent a day with him visiting a couple of hives at Forestfield and then looking at his hives in East Vic Park.

You are welcome to come around to my place in Fremantle once I am set up.

Consider getting some basic gear. A veil and gloves. I would consider a full or half suit. If you are secure from stings you will get off to a more confident start.

After that a smoker and a hive tool.

One of the most expensive essential bits of kit you will need is an extractor. The Apiarists club hires them out so that might be enough reason to join right there.

regards,
Haakon


Time: 26th October 2010 6:11pm

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hawkypork says...
One other thing... spring is the ideal time to get a new hive, so pull you finger out!

Time: 26th October 2010 6:13pm

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BJ says...
Thanks Hawkypork, I'm not ready for a hive this year - I want to get as much knowledge and information as I can so I can ascertain if it is even possible. That said, when you're set up I'd love to check out the system you use!

Time: 26th October 2010 10:09pm

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hawkypork says...
BJ, I will be in touch when my bees are set up.

regards
Haakon

Time: 27th October 2010 4:43pm

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Wol says...
Hi Gilbert, No I havent I dont have his contact, I was told about the Davies Family having a lot of hives and I live just off Baldivis Rd. I have just googled them and will give them a call.

Thank heaps :)

Time: 6th November 2010 11:45am

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Steven says...
Hey everyone. here is what not to do with your hive! :)

By the way a good resource of information and networks that you might find helpful is http://www.vicbeekeepers.com.au/

regards

Steven
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Time: 15th November 2010 2:01pm

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hawkypork says...
The pictures look pretty good. You found an easily assesible swarm, you captured them, they were happily migrating from capture box to hive. Not sure what is going on in picture 7.

What was the problem?

Time: 15th November 2010 7:16pm

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Jimmy says...
I know that bloke in vic park, he gave me foulbrood.

Check you hives well !

Time: 16th November 2010 4:09pm

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About the Author Jimmy
Perth
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BJ says...
If anyone is into catching a wild swarm ... on the corner of Kooyong Road and Fransisco St there is a block that should be developed soon. There is a hive in one of the trees on the block.
(My husband is coming around to the idea of bees, he was asking if I could catch them ... but I don't think we're ready for the 'extreme')

Time: 16th November 2010 9:39pm

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WA
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Steven says...
Yeah that was a swam from my hive. they ended up on my persimmon tree about 10m from the hive. when i went outside there were bees absolutely everywhere!! they were finding every little crack they could find to start a new hive. they would find their way into the house, there were probably about 200 bees in the house. was a bit of a disater!! :)

In picture 7 what i think happened is we accidently spilled the bees when we put them in their new hive and i think the queen fell to the ground with them and for some reason they didnt want to go into the hive box, instead they just hung there all night in the rain. it was an interesting experience!!

I emptied out 8 frames on honey from my hive yesterday, i have a huge mess but i think i ended up with about litres of honey!

Time: 16th November 2010 9:52pm

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Eastern Melbourne
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amanda says...
You are brave Steven - what a huge swarm! :-O I know some folks who ended up with a hive in their roof - it's made such a mess that their ceiling has to be cut out to repair...oops!

Time: 17th November 2010 1:06pm

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Geraldton Mid West WA
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Steven says...
Thanks Amanda.

It was huge, i needed help to get rid of it. Im still an ameature at beekeeping so i wasnt 100% sure what to do. everytime i went up to it about 10 bees would be trying to kill me!!

Ive heard stories like that! what a disaster. i was worried this swarm was going to end up in the roof or between a wall.



Time: 17th November 2010 2:12pm

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hawkypork says...
Steven, If you are keeping bees I am sure that you will already know that bees are at their most passive when they swarm. You are not likely to get stung. I have heard two reasons 1. They are not protecting a hive so they are not so fiesty 2. They have engorged with honey and they can't bend their abdomens sufficiently to land a sting.

Once they have set up in your roof is a different matter. I have heard that Sheltox pest strips will cause a colony to move on.

Time: 17th November 2010 3:07pm

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hawkypork says...
Jimmy, The guy I am getting my bees from in Vic Park is named Dan Dowsett. I think it is very unlikely that he would spread foulbrood (but not impossible of course, thanks for the heads up). The day I met him we went to look at hives with a mate of his, an apiary inspector from the the Department of Agriculture. His hives are registered and he is a senior member of the WA Apiarists Society. Nonetheless I will ring him and talk the issue through.
This weekend I am finishing the grape pergola over the chook run. Once the building activity is complete I will be able to put the bees on a dedicated stand in the chook run, that way you would have to be in the chook run to get in their flight path.
On Sunday I hope to be able to sit under my new pergola with my chickens and watch me bees as they get used to their new home. Happy days!

Time: 17th November 2010 3:17pm

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Pooh Bear says...
I Just found this story while googling for hive boxes. Does anyone know about this? how fast can they spred?

http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/201011/s3070055.htm

Queensland Primary industries minister Tim Mulherin has confirmed 40 jobs have been cut from the Asian honey bee eradication program.

Asian honey bees were first found in Cairns in 2007, and can host exotic pests and diseases as well as wipe out Australian bee populations.

The minister says the jobs were short term casual work and were always planned to finish up now.

However Maurie Damon, president of the Cairns and District Beekeepers Association, says he's worried the pest could spread further now.

"Things can only get worse because they won't have the opportunity to eradicate the problem," he said.

"They'll be monitoring, and they'll probably be controlling the reported sightings, but they won't be able to go out and eradicate this apis cerana problem."
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Time: 18th November 2010 4:51pm

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northern nsw
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Wayne says...
Queensland is broke Pooh Bear, seriously broke.

Our customs services are virtually non existent now, the only inspections carried out on imports is by parcel post. All importers of bulk items are now self regulated, the importer sign a declaration declaring the goods safe and that's good enough.

Tim Mulherin is our local member and tells lies, I caught him out when he told me by an email that they were not selling any of our forestry land freehold, just the management rights, when in fact they had sold 35,000 hectares of it freehold to a Canadian mob

We still have that fire ant problem because they can't afford to fix it, so you can expect these bees to spread -- but kept quiet

Time: 18th November 2010 5:49pm

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About the Author Wayne
Mackay QLD
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www.gilbertbeekeeping.com.au says...
http://www.honeybee.org.au/
Above is the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council Website (AHBIC)
The monthly newsletters give an update on the status of Cerana Incursion.

For all new beekeepers you may find the national beekeeping competancy downloads on the AHBIC education page useful.


Time: 19th November 2010 12:10am

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www.gilbertbeekeeping.com.au says...
Hi Wol

How did you go with obtaining bees from Davies? If not sucessful try Fewsters.
www.fewstersfarmhoney.com.au

Time: 19th November 2010 12:17am

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Steven says...
Hi Hawkypork how are you. I was really surprised with how agressive they were, i went there expecting them to be docile, instead they were much more agressive than the bees in my hive. They didnt want to give up either!!

Its sad to say it but its only a matter of time before varroa mite comes into australia. Its found its was to New Zealand and papua new guinea. The only thing we can do is hold off as long as we can and hope someone by them finds a solution to the problem.

That swarm is my contribution to the global bee problem :)

Time: 19th November 2010 12:12pm

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Eastern Melbourne
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hawkypork says...
Well I finally got my bees on the weekend. (I wouldnt recommend letting them fall off your trolley, opening gaps and letting huge numbers of sleepy cranky bees out. Leading to rushing to suit up and unsuccessfully pacifying wife)

But here they are, there are not many bees in the entrance as it is early on a cool morning.

Time: 22nd November 2010 4:30pm

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hawkypork says...
The photo
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Time: 22nd November 2010 4:33pm

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Steven says...
It looks good!

Let me know if having them in a chicken coupe causes any problems for the chickens or the bees, ive been thinking of getting chickens and i want to put them right where the bees are.

Time: 23rd November 2010 7:25pm

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hawkypork says...
Only good things to say about bees in the chook run.
The bees and chooks ignore each other, the bees get to use the reticulated chook water, the chooks prevent ants and other pests from getting into the bee hive, the chooks clean up dead bees and detritus out of the hive entrance, people dont get into the bees flight path unless they are in the chook run (ie kids are fenced out). And the chicken wire I use is about 1cmx1cm mesh which acts like a solid barrier to flying bees. This means I can sit and watch within a couple of feet of the hive entrance behind the mesh and not irritate the bees.
I have noticed plenty of pollen on back legs of returning bees so I presume they are onto plenty of local nectar too. I am wondering what type of flowers they are working.

Time: 25th November 2010 6:08pm

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Steven says...
ohhh ok well thats good new. I was also concerned with chicked poo and food scraps being so close to the hive it could cause the honey to spoil or create problems with diseases, if they both can work in harmony together it would be great as its ideal to have the together,

Thanks alot

Steven

Time: 28th November 2010 11:14am

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Wol says...
Hi Gilbert,

I got hold of Dave and he is just 5 mins down the road only thing was he was just heading off on 2 weeks holiday and said to give him a call in a couple of weeks, so will try him again soon. Would like to get the hive happening soon through so will check out that like.

Thanks Gilbert

Time: 30th November 2010 10:28am

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Baldivis, Perth
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Steven says...
Hey everyone.

Just a word of advice. If you decide on getting a propolis trap for your hive and you want to have a quick peek inside the hive. Make sure the trap isnt stuck to the lid because bees come out and they sting you.... :)

Time: 31st January 2011 6:35pm

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Scott Leger says...
Honey bees which are the primary source of Pollination for approximately one -fourth of all Crops produced throughout the world and has taken over as Pollinator of many of the wild Plants that maintain the Stability of ecosystems are subject to various Diseases and parasites. Since the publication of the First Edition of this book in 1997, Investigation into the Pathology of honey bees has progressed considerably. Furthermore, several different agents of disease, some newly discovered, have been causing increasing concern in recent years in many parts of the world. Some new Parasites like Varroa destructor Anderson & Trueman and Nosema ceranae hitherto unknown has been discovered which has threatened the very existence of beekeeping industry and Crop pollination across the globe. Nomenclature of some of the existing Pathogens has been changed for example European foul brood causing Bacteria Melisococcus pluton has been changed to Melisococcus plutonius. Some new viruses and bacteria have been discovered.

Source : http://bit.ly/p21jra
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Time: 25th August 2011 7:32pm

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About the Author Scott a Leger
USA
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jo says...
Excuse my ignorance, but will this bee ever be a possibility for perth bee hives?

http://www.aussiebee.com.au/new-perth-bee.html

Maybe we could help save this bee?


Time: 2nd September 2011 4:40am

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Steven says...
by the looks of this bee its a solitary bee that lives in burrows. i guess you could build something they could use to burrow in but you would never get a hive out of them or honey.

Regards

Steven

Time: 2nd September 2011 3:00pm

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Eastern Melbourne
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wendy says...
I have a swarm of bees that arrived yesterday 24th /9/11. Is anyone interested in taking them.
Churchlands Perth

Time: 25th September 2011 11:53pm

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radmac says...
I have a small swarm hive in a old outside speaker box in Mount Hawthorn - ready to be taken away. If anyone wants the hive, give me a email. Otherwise the hive will be euthanized on next Sunday 15/10.

Email is radmac at hotmail dot com

Time: 11th October 2011 11:15am

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About the Author radmac
Mount hawthorn
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Brad says...
how are people supposed to email you radmac...

Time: 11th October 2011 12:18pm

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About the Author Brad2
G Hill,Perth
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Steven says...
Hey everyone. My bees have swarmed and have contained them in a nuc hive for the time being. if anyone is interested im happy to sell them for $50. let me know if your interested, my email address is smarasea@hotmail.com

Time: 11th October 2011 1:20pm

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radmac says...
Sorry my email is radmac at hotmail dot com

Time: 11th October 2011 6:39pm

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Mount hawthorn
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Noelene S says...
I have a bee swarm settled yesterday in SUBIACO in the top of a worm farm box. VERY easy access. Let me know if you'd like to take it away. noelene@freshf.com.au

Time: 21st October 2011 9:28pm

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SUBIACO, WA
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Imbi says...
I have a hive of honeybees in my backyard in Henley beach SA.
Am looking for someone who wants bees to come collect them for free.
Email
Imbi007@gmail.com

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Time: 22nd October 2011 10:14am

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About the Author Imbi
Henley beach
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peter says...
hi imbi,
i have given your email address to
somone who has a couple of hives on my block.
his name is mark.

Time: 24th October 2011 3:52pm

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Bryn says...
Hi BJ,

Just read your comment from 11 march 2010.

I may be inheriting a bee Hive in the next couple of weeks, but I can not have them on my property (flat mate has phobias).

If you still dont have bees and are interested in hosting some please get in-touch with me soon.

P.S. I live in Belmont WA too.


Thanks
Bryn
ButlerBryn1@hotmail.com

Time: 9th November 2011 3:36pm

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Belmont WA
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BJ says...
Hi Bryn,
Thanks for the opportunity - that sounds awsome ... I've sent you an e-mail!
-BJ

Time: 10th November 2011 12:30am

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bRad says...
Hi BP from Canberra
I was hoping you could give me some pointers on Kenyan style top bar designs and dimensions that work well in canberra. I have found lots of designs on the net and now am a bit unsure of which will work best in our climate.
Particularly keen to find out the width, deepth and angle of the sides you would suggest.

Time: 11th November 2011 2:50pm

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Canberra
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Scott a Leger says...
I would like to say something about "Langstroth on the Hive and the Honey-Bee A Bee Keeper's Manual
Author : Rev L. L. Langstroth"

I am a beginner with keeping bees. I bought this book so I could see examples of hive set-ups. This book has no pictures at all. I confirmed the front of the book does say "Illustrated Edition." I do not recommend if you're buying this book for the pictures.


Visit here to browse this Text Book cover : http://www.printsasia.com/book/Langstroth-on-the-Hive-and-the-Honey-Bee-A-Bee-Keeper-s-Manual-Rev-L-1409912345-9781409912347
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Time: 11th November 2011 6:54pm

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AZ
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BP says...
bRad. The basic idea is to have longer bars but less depth. More wax covers the top bar in the ratio versus weight and they do better in hot climates. Longer bars may increase the tendency of the bees to do their natural curving designs for wild comb so you will get good benefit from using a follower bar that buts up against the outside bar being built that makes them build straight comb or else bump their heads against the follower bar. Just move the follower bar back in the hive as they expand. You are lucky I caught this post as I have been offline due to various mobiles not working with the web site. Most of the posts, actions and developments in top bar hives is on biobees.com so if you go there the link bar at the top has an option to read the natural beekeeping forum part of the web site. Click that and enjoy :)

PS I've moved to a farm in Vic. I had my bees in NSW while moving and unfortunately a neighboring farm their sprayed their paddocks. Within one week all my bee colonies died. Coincidence? ;-)

Time: 16th November 2011 5:20pm

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VIC
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jelly says...
i am intrested in buying a bees nest where can i get one from that is close to sydeney or it can be in NSW
please and thanks!! :)

Time: 9th December 2011 12:08pm

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sydney
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jelly says...
i am intrested in buying a bees nest where can i get one from that is close to sydeney or it can be in NSW
please and thanks!! :)

Time: 9th December 2011 12:08pm

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sydney
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jelly says...
i am intrested in buying a bees nest where can i get one from that is close to sydeney or it can be in NSW
please and thanks!! :)

Time: 9th December 2011 12:08pm

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sydney
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jelly says...
i am intrested in buying a bees nest where can i get one from that is close to sydeney or it can be in NSW
please and thanks!! :)

Time: 9th December 2011 12:08pm

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sydney
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Gary says...
I have a new Bee Hive in external laundry wall, can someone help and take this bee hive away.

Time: 5th January 2012 11:32am

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Box Hill, Sydney
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David says...
I have a bee hive in a plastic box in a tree in my yard. It is easily accessible if anyone would like it. I am in Mt Lawley area.

Time: 30th January 2012 1:34am

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Perth
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jtorcon says...
I am selling 2 beehive boxes
8 frames per box.
full off bees and honey!
$175 pickup from Bulleen Melbourne
email John for further info
jtorcon92@gmail.com

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Time: 4th February 2012 7:07pm

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Melbourne
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Dave says...
I have about 50kg of cold extracted honey for sale bulk. all sorted into variety. All organic, coastal honey. Some from Mt Eliza, some form near wilsons prom. The Wilsons prom stuff is all native. 12-15 per kg depending on how much you need. Let me know if interested. I also have two hives for sale in south gippsland. Had American fould brood tests done and came back all clear. these hives are 3 supers each, have top lid, bottom board and queen excluders. Presently two boxes as I have just havested. Just got 60 kg and a total of over 100kg this season of both of them. Hives are for sale on ebay. Honey is not. We are selling as we are going O/S. let me know if interested.

Time: 26th February 2012 11:54am

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Mt Eliza
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Dave says...
hives for sale
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Time: 26th February 2012 12:05pm

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Mt Eliza
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Josho says...
does anyone know of anywhere in Adelaide that you can go and check out a beehive?

Time: 27th February 2012 8:59pm

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None of Anyone's business
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www.gilbertbeekeeping.com.au says...

Josh
Contact The beekeeping Society of South Australia. They meet the first tuesday evening of the month at Kensington contact them via their website www.bees.org.au

Time: 2nd March 2012 9:15am

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SA
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ekmchan says...
what types you got?

Time: 9th March 2012 10:02pm

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Melbourne
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Dave says...
tea tree, eucelypt(stringybark) and general garden variety. all very different tasting.

Time: 9th March 2012 10:08pm

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Mt Eliza
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alias says...
Try it and find out ha ha

Time: 12th March 2012 11:34am

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Troy says...
Hi All,
I live in Perth and would like to get a bee hive set up for spring can anyone advise where I could get a hive/queen bee from locally?

Time: 11th August 2012 12:53am

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WA
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snottiegobble says...
Try this mob, Troy

www.beekeepingwestaus.asn.au/links.html

Time: 13th August 2012 12:58am

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Bunbury/Busso
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Sam Mawhinney says...
Hi I am on the sunshine coast a friend has a swarm that just formed and I am looking for a second hand hive to get started. Anyone know where I could get one? cheers

Time: 16th August 2012 8:11pm

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sunshine coast
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Muzzy says...
Hi im from perth too
Yes there are a few options for you
I found out the Guilfoyles beekeeping 92745062
Is a conpany in midvale they suppy a package
Of vee hive that cones with queen and bees
With a box i dont know what that is called
But its about $254
Or just the bee' s fir $ 120
Also there is a suplier of products at
Symmond seeds osbornpark

WA aqisrist siciety ( hobby st)

This is a website fir new bee keepers
A wa bee keeping club they show you
And help you is all areas of the hobby
I will go there too its at south perth

Good luck

Time: 17th August 2012 8:58pm

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About the Author muzzy
Cannington
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muzzy says...
hi i would like the bees if you still have them
i live in cannington i could come saturday to have a look .

Time: 18th August 2012 4:15am

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About the Author muzzy
east cannington
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Troy1 says...
Hi muzz,
Thanks for that and I will see you at the september meeting in September if you go

Time: 22nd August 2012 10:36pm

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About the Author Troy1
Perth
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muzzy says...
Hi , do you still have the bee hive on the tree

Time: 30th August 2012 9:54am

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About the Author muzzy
east cannington
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muzzy says...
Hi, i did a lot research and bee keeping is not
On ghe 5 of next month there is a bee club
Meeting which i will go and there they can help
New comers to the hobby.

Time: 30th August 2012 9:59am

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About the Author muzzy
east cannington
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muzzy says...
Hi , I was told
By a bee keeper that i will get trained that his bees dont swam and he will train me how to do
This.
I little info he said was his queen bee will come
Out of the hive when he opens the top cover ever
4 days and she actually nows him apparently
And can smell him.
So he never experiences bee swaming

Also is there anyone whi could explain to me in simple terms how harmony frame rotation in bee keeping is done . I think that helps bee swaming too.


Time: 30th August 2012 10:50am

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About the Author muzzy
east cannington
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Haakon says...
Muzzy,

The idea behind harmony frame rotation is to keep your bees busy working so that they dont feel overcrowded and therefore start creating new queen cells.
In essence you put a couple empty frames right in the middle of their activity area (an imaginary football shape that will expand and contract with the weather).You have to be careful not to move brood too close to the edges as the bees might struggle to look after them.
That said, my bees swarmed last spring so what would I know.
I have never been to the Apriasts Society meeting at the Dept of Ag in South Perth but they would know. I got my bees from a chap called Dan Dowsett who goes to those meetings I believe and he tried to pass on the Harmony Frame Rotation Method to me (with only limited success apparently). I totally rate the method though.
Note to self: check bees this weekend and see if the little communists are creating a new dear leader.

Time: 30th August 2012 4:42pm

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Fremantle
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muzzy says...
Hi i would like it if you still have it

Time: 30th August 2012 8:47pm

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east cannington
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Laura says...
I live on the lower North Shore of Sydney and I want to start keeping bees in my backyard. Anyone know where I can find any used bee hives and equipment. I've looked at Gumtree and eBay and there's nothing there. I could buy new but if someone has hives they are ready to get rid of, I'd be happy to take them over.

Time: 25th September 2012 1:09pm

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About the Author Laura
Sydney
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John Mc says...
Laura, good luck with your search, working hives are harder to find then hens teeth, at the right price of course. I've been looking for ages and finally got 4 working hives from a friend who downsized. The price some sellers want are just over the top. Most ask around $200 + per hive. You can buy all the hive parts new and build them yourself, it's not difficult, you will need expert advice to get them up and running. There's a beekeeping supply shop at Hornsby. If you Google them they have an excellent website.
I'm now looking for the necessary equipment. I'm very lucky in that I have a mate that is doing (showing) me everything for now. Beekeeping is quite a science and if you arn't already a member, I'd suggest joining a beekeepers club. The locals up my way are the most friendliest guys and are willing to divulge everything they have acquired over many years of beekeeping. It's a great hobby and goes well with your fruit and veg pollination. My Macadamia nut tree has never seen so many bees in it's lifetime.

Time: 25th September 2012 10:59pm

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Warnervale NSW
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Jantina says...
Becs beehive (google it) sells beekeeping equipment at very reasonable prices John, and gives good service, I have bought my stuff from her, it was way cheaper (still good quality). There was a spread and a front page picture about her in Grass Roots a few issues ago. I got 3 working hives for $150 each from some lovely blokes in Adelaide last autumn and will be able to get some honey from them very soon. Exciting stuff.
If suitable to your area I would recommend some South Australian Bluegums, nowhere near as big as the Tassie ones, a pretty tree and they flower for a long time in winter (lovely deep pink flower) and the bees go mad for them, completely cover the tree.There's a succulent they go mad for too, when I remember the name I'll post it.
Laura, John is right about local beekeepers and beekeeping clubs, they are very friendly and helpful and may even know where you can get some hives.
Good luck with it.


Time: 26th September 2012 9:28am

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Mt Gambier
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denise1 says...
Until the varroas a few years ago, There were plenty of swarms that could be got free. You could leave your name with the local council and they get back to you when there is a easy to get swarm. You just give the branch a strong jerking shake and they all fall into a cardboard box. Then you can dump them onto the landing with a board on it so they dont fall under the hive. You can sometimes see the queen running into the hive on the bees backs. The bees dont sting much because they gorged themselves on honey before they swarmed. This is said by some to be the best way to start a new hive because they naturally accept you because you gave them a new home. They will be a calm hive. It seems to work that way with some of them anyway. I saw a doco on tv about a man who has a whole apiary with calm bees starting that way. He never wears protection and seldom gets stung. Any further comments.

Time: 26th September 2012 11:50am

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About the Author denise1
auckland NZ
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Laura says...
Thanks for the advice John, Jantina and Denise. We will definitely join the local beekeeping club. We've been to an open day there and liked what we saw. My husband's father kept bees but that was in Europe and I know it's a bit different here - but at least he has some understanding of the critters.

I'll look around for a little while for some hand-me-downs but then I'll end up buying new. Our local society sells components of boxes and they do have a list for people wanting to adopt a swarm so that may be the way to go. It takes a bit longer but I don't have time pressure.

Time: 29th September 2012 10:33am

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Sydney
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Jantina says...
Remembered the succulent bees love, Sedum Spectabile, has huge flowerheads on it, easy to grow, goes dormant in winter.

Time: 30th September 2012 12:53pm

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Mt Gambier
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denise1 says...
There has been mention of strong smelling flowers being beneficial in repelling varroa from a hive. One report mentions a possibility of using certain salvias. When the honey is stored in the hive, the bees go to work fanning the honey to reduce it and to evaporate volatile oils etc. The vapors are suggested as possibly repelling varroa. I wonder if planting pennyroyal or other odourous plants around a hive would give any benefits. Beware that excessive volatile oils can disrupt the queen from laying. An oldtimer beekeeper said that blue flowers are most beneficial to bees. and planting them near a crop in flower will attract the services of the bees.

Time: 30th September 2012 1:23pm

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auckland NZ
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Julie says...
I don't keep bees myself, but I notice that tree lucerne -Tagasaste - flowers in winter when there is little else, and they love it. If you have space, consider planting some. They can be kept pruned, but aren't a large tree.

Time: 30th September 2012 6:31pm

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Roleystone WA
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Matt says...
Hi Laura,
I have 10 fully formed hives my father left in my garden that I'm looking to get rid of. Theyre full of honey too. Don't know much about them either. Get in touch with me and we'll organise something.
mvsimsek@gmail.com

Time: 3rd October 2012 6:59pm

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About the Author Matt11
Sydney
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Laura says...
Matt - I've tried your email address and I haven't heard back from you. (Maybe life has taken you away from the computer? How 20th Century of you.)

I just want to make sure your email address above is correct and I'm not emailing Pluto.

My email is llrittenhouse@gmail.com

Thanks,
Laura

Time: 15th October 2012 9:25am

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About the Author Laura
Sydney
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Julian says...
I have a large hive in my brick fence at 73 Berwick Street... local council letter demands killing the wee valuable critters!
any body is welcome to remove or do the ghastly whatevers..

Time: 14th December 2012 7:24pm

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About the Author Julian DS
Victoria Park WA
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Mike says...
Sounds like you have been stung by the Council Julian.Do they classify them as livestock? Maybe they are concerned there will be too much pollination going on in the neighbourhood.So much for the State of milk and honey.
It is an outrage I reckon.

Time: 14th December 2012 10:15pm

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Cairns
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Jantina says...
Is the fence next to the footpath ? if so people walking past may be in the flight path and complained to council about being stung. That can be remedied if you can put something in front of their entry/exit that forces them to fly up out of harms way instead of straight out.
If that is impractical then there may be beekeepers in the yellow pages who would be willing to have a go at moving the colony.

Time: 16th December 2012 8:21am

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Mt Gambier
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Julian DS says...
it is sad that bees have such bad press... yes it is right on the footpath but I have never been stung nor do they apparently... with Christmas no time quarter is given by Council.. however I like the concept of their own entrance. Thanks

Time: 18th December 2012 3:28pm

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Mike says...
Julian you could donate the hive to the Council as a xmas treat.I suggest the council chambers would be a good spot.

Time: 18th December 2012 9:08pm

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Better Bee Hives says...
New 100% BPA Free food grade plastic bee hives now available in Australia, never needs painting or any other assorted maintenance, just clean where required with warm soapy water.

Check them out at www.betterbeehives.com.au

A free Apithor small hive beetle trap with every hive sold.

Time: 4th February 2013 4:11pm

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About the Author Better Bee Hives
ACT
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Diego says...
No prices on that website that I could see. I wonder what the bees feel about them.

Time: 4th February 2013 6:22pm

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About the Author Diego
Costa del Sol
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John Mc says...
Plastic beehives? Just doesn't seem right, does it?
The wooden box parts are cheap to buy and putting them together is half the fun of beekeeping in my opinion.

Time: 4th February 2013 8:16pm

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Warnervale NSW
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Jantina says...
I agree with you John, to each his own and we have a friend who is changing to plastic bee boxes but I'm sticking with wood. It isn't all about convenience, think a bit further, plastic doesn't breathe, wood has natural anti bacterial properties, better insulating properties and yes, the plastic boxes may be BPA free but what other chemicals are outgassed that we don't even know about yet.
It's the same with robbing bees of all their honey and feeding them on a sugar syrup mix. Natural honey has lots of trace nutrients in it, that is, they may be trace to us but looking at the bodyweight of a bee compared to a human those "trace" nutrients would have to be significant for bees and their health.
Yes I feel rather strongly about bee welfare. Bees almost always choose a wooden home for themselves.

Time: 5th February 2013 10:46am

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Mt Gambier
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VF says...
I agree Jantina, BPA free is not necessarily better. http://www.naturalnews.com/038856_BPA-free_BPS_toxic_chemical.html Regardless, plastics are made from petroleum, a not (readily) renewable resource, and if discarded do not break down easily and just add more bulk to tips and such. On the other hand, timber is an easily renewable product that can break down readily, and then provides benefit to the environment. Not hard to make a choice as to which is the better option I would have thought.

Time: 5th February 2013 11:09am

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About the Author VF
Wongawallan
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Better Bee Hives says...
One of the best bee hive systems is now available in Australia, available from www.betterbeehives.com.au.

Food grade 100% BPA free virgin plastic bee hives, plastic lid, base, body / box, frames, pollen traps, feeder, the list goes on and on.

Your hive will never need painting, sanding etc as the plastic never warps, etc. Simply wipe clean where required with warm soapy water.

100% compatible with wooded hives, to you can interchange frames, lids, bases and supers as and where required.

And for those that argue wood is best, you might wish to re-read the MSDS on the paint and associated chemicals that you are using to preserve your timber hives before you eat your next jar of honey...... BPA free food grade virgin plastic, has my vote as a clear winner.





Time: 9th February 2013 3:43pm

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About the Author Better Bee Hives
ACT
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jimo says...
Are these Australian native bees, or fruit flys?
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 1st November 2013 6:07pm

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aus99a says...
Not Qld fruit fly, they normally have some bright yellow/green colouring. I can't tell if they are native from that photo.

Time: 1st November 2013 6:16pm

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About the Author aus99a
Bexley
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jimo says...
i will send some more photos,

Time: 1st November 2013 6:18pm

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Anonymous says...
Hard to tell from the photo, but that looks too big and the wrong colour to be a native bee. Native bees are very easy to keep--just don't expect to get any honey from them. Unless you know exactly what you're doing, robbing the hive will probably decimate them--also, they only produce a very little amount ( some Aboriginal people call it 'sugar bag', because of the way the honey hangs in little sacks). You have to keep the hive in a shady spot, otherwise you'll cook them. They are very good pollinators.

Generally the native bees look like tiny little black flies. They swarm in very similar ways to fruit fly though and you could easily mistake them for FF at a glance.

Time: 1st November 2013 6:20pm

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jimo says...

Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 1st November 2013 6:20pm

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aus99a says...
But if that hole near it is a nest it is either a bee or wasp. Definitely not fruit fly.

Time: 1st November 2013 6:21pm

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Bexley
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jimo says...
this is about 4 or 5 mm

Time: 1st November 2013 6:22pm

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jimo says...
this log is empty i am trying to attract N bees to it the bee or whatever they are are only 4 to 5mm ,i spread some Manuka honey that's seems to get attention, just trying to start a new nest,

Time: 1st November 2013 7:00pm

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jimo says...
the bee in the photo is only 3mm long to big!! how small is a native bee??

Time: 1st November 2013 9:56pm

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Anonymous says...
From that photo I think it is a native stingless bee. There are several native varieties, but the one in the photo is the swarming kind.

You can buy native bee boxes, complete with bees, for 250$.

s

Time: 1st November 2013 11:00pm

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Jason says...
There's probably tons of native bee species. The ones we have here are about 4-5 mm long. Narrow bodies and they hover much better than the common bee, they also have yellow and black bodies. Favorite flower seems to be Avocados. I don't know where they are living but I have 100s of them hovering around every avocado tree constantly during spring.

Time: 1st November 2013 11:00pm

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Portland
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Anonymous says...
Jason,

I think there are about 7 types from memory, one is actually a burrower, another the teddy bear is like a bumble bee, doesn't swarm.

s

Time: 1st November 2013 11:04pm

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BJ says...
There are 1500 types of native bee. Only 10 species are social though and form colonies. I have lots of blue-arsed bees on my native gingers now. Love watching them, they are the clowns of the bee kingdom. They also love to pollinate guavas. Perhaps that's another reason they are such big pests. If you make a mud pizza oven here you are likely to have dozens of these guys burrowing into it!



Time: 1st November 2013 11:11pm

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Brisbane
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Anonymous says...
Get the black stingless as my place. There are a few hives scattered about, always in the hollows of dead black wattles. I've never tried the honey, its supposed to be like a concentrate though, really strong. I think you can buy specialised boxes which allow you to harvest it without harming the bees, but I think I'd rather just go with a standard european species, tbh.

Used get fireflies too, but haven't seen them in along time. The last time I spotted one was in 2011, I think it might have got blown down from the mountains with all the crazy weather.

s

Time: 2nd November 2013 9:02am

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jimo says...
do you sell the native bees

Time: 3rd November 2013 2:13pm

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brisnane
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sternus1 says...
No, But here is a list of sellers in for the brisbane region:

http://www.aussiebee.com.au/buy-stingless-bees.html



Time: 3rd November 2013 2:40pm

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Terry says...
Hi any all, would really love to start a bee hive. Have a home in Adelaide also on the Fleurieu Peninsula SA. Not sure were to start from scratch, Can anyone help please.20-12-2013

Time: 20th December 2013 5:19pm

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SA
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JohnMc1 says...
I would start looking up a local club or association, they are a great bunch of guys n gals. Go along to a few club meetings where you will get all the help you need. When you are confident, you can be asked to be put on the swarm list, a good source of free bees.
In the meantime, watch some youtube clips.
You might find a club close to yourself here:
http://www.honeybee.com.au/beeinfo/assn.html

Time: 20th December 2013 8:44pm

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Warnervale NSW
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sternus1 says...
John would there be any dramas with just keeping a hive for pollination purposes? What I mean could you just set up and forget about it or I's there some mandatory level of maintenance and care required? I'm wondering if euro bees might do a better job at pollinating and be less fragile than the stingless natives. No desire to cultivate honey.

Time: 21st December 2013 6:17pm

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About the Author sternus1
Australia
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JohnMc1 says...
In your case you're probably better off with the stingless natives. You just set and forget, I've seen logs that have housed native bees for over 25 years with no human intervention. They work side by side with the euro's.
Some people do keep euro bees and never touch them, but they really should be inspected on a regular basis for a range of reasons, mainly control of disease and hive management. In NSW each beehive has to be registered with DPI, in case of complaint or disease outbreak, they can quickly narrow down the source.
One last thing, if you're not into honey production, but still want to keep euro bees, there's another type of beehive, Google "Top bar hive". Briefly, you make the box yourself and if you do want the honey, you have to crush the comb.
One warning though, keeping bees can be addictive.


Time: 21st December 2013 9:56pm

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Warnervale NSW
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sternus1 says...
I had a bit of browse on beekeeping sites today, and was tossing up getting a proper beebox but have since been deterred by the setup costs. I could probably keep myself in honey for the next ten years for 1000$, which is what all the equipment adds up to. I think I'll go with a native box, and try strategically placing this and see how that goes. I do have some wild hives on the property(natives) but I'm not getting any pollination happening. I don't use any pesticides, I'm not sure why this is. This is a fairly recent phenomenon.

Time: 22nd December 2013 7:41pm

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About the Author sternus1
Australia
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KLC says...
If anyone is looking for a top bar hive, there a 2 brand new for sale at
http://www.auburnwoodturning.com.au/top-bar-bee-hive

Happy beekeeping!



Time: 26th August 2014 7:56pm

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About the Author KLC
Northcote
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Slicko says...
Sternus,I don't know where you live but in Queensland and New South Wales and probably some other areas beekeepers have been trying to deal with the African hive beetle for some years. The beetle is very destructive within the hive and can destroy colonies. It is a while since I have seen feral colonies and I suspect that many of them have been destroyed by the beetle.
A top bar hive and the purchase of a nucleus colony would most likely be the cheapest way to go to establish a new hive. If you live within a hive beetle area you will have to do some research into how you can keep the beetle out of your colony.
I understand that the native bee is not affected by the hive beetle.
Good luck with it.
Mike

Time: 14th November 2014 12:05am

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JohnMc1 says...
You can get into beekeeping on a budget if one was keen.. A new box in kit form complete will set you back less than $50. Free bees are swarming all over the place at the moment. All my 6 hives are from swarms I've collected around the neighbourhood.
Must have tools are a smoker for less than $50, a bee veil that can be made at home to go over a hat and the most expensive, that's if you want to collect the honey, is an extractor, one can be bought second hand for anything from $50 up, I paid $100 for mine. There are other tools that make the job easier but not absolutely necessary if starting out on a budget.
Some people buy full length bee suits, but not necessary if you know how to handle your bees, just no perfume whatsoever, they'll go you like there's no tomorrow.
Regarding small hive beetle, there is a control measure available that is placed inside the hive, but I've found the bees can manage the beetles well if the hive is strong.
The best advise I can impart, is to go along to a local bee club meeting, they are a very friendly bunch and most willing to get you started into the interesting world of beekeeping. It at least makes you more aware of the flora in your area, my mood turns euphoric every time I see a large Angophora or large areas of jelly bush in full bloom.

Time: 14th November 2014 7:25am

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Slicko says...
I am looking forward to collecting a hive of native bees next week. Whilst I spent many years with honeybee hives in the backyard of my old home I have missed having the little creatures at this place.

I'm also thinking of building a top bar hive and seeing if I can collect a swarm this spring.

Mick

Time: 19th August 2015 9:58pm

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Big ears says...
Hi fellow bee keepers. I have kept hives for a number of years and in this time I have had some spectacular fails as well as some great triumphs.

One problem that I have yet been able to get on top of is Wax Moths. Those things!!!! alot like the pantry moths can get into all manner of container. I am currently keeping my sticky frames in an old fridge. Despite having what seems to be a good seal around the door I see that the moths have made there way in. I have now added some LED lights in there that run 24hr to see if that will deter them. I would love to know what they do in the commercial industry to over come this problem.

Anyone.......????

Time: 16th May 2016 10:42pm

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ben from adelaide says...
Hi peter, i am in adelaide and keen as for a hive, have i missed the boat? ?

Time: 29th May 2016 3:32pm

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peter30001 says...
hi ben
yes that boat sailed years ago

what part of adelaide r u in

gumtree ad id 1108314818

Time: 29th May 2016 10:44pm

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ben from adelaide says...
Fulham gardens. Thanks anyway mate. Il check the gummy add

Time: 30th May 2016 12:23pm

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