Smead's Bees

06/05/2026

04/23/2026

Hello bee friends 🐝

I had a great question come in — and I have to admit, it made me stop and think. It’s one of those small details we don’t always pay attention to… but it actually matters. So thank you for the reminder 😊

Let’s talk about the inner cover — and especially that little notch.
🐝 The inner cover has two openings
-the centre hole → used for feeding and airflow
-the notch along the rim → small, but very useful
We often focus on the center hole… but that notch gives us options depending on the season.

🐝 What does the notch do?
That small cut-out can act as:
-a top entrance
-or controlled ventilation
Same piece… just used differently depending on how you place it.

🐝 How I use it in my apiary
Think of it like this:
Summer — sun UP — notch UP
-Notch facing UP (toward the sun / outer cover)
-acts as a top entrance
--helps with airflow on warm days
bees can come and go from the top

Fall & Winter
-Notch facing DOWN (toward the snow)
-reduces cold drafts blowing in
-still allows moisture to escape
-not really used as an entrance

🐝 Easy way to remember
-Sun = UP
-Snow = DOWN
Simple… and it works every time.

🐝 My take
As I always say… there are a number of ways to keep bees. This is just how I do it, based on our Newfoundland climate — where I’m always thinking about:
-airflow in summer
-moisture control in winter
Bee Haven 2026
It’s funny how the smallest parts of our equipment can make us stop and rethink things
If you’ve been using your inner cover a certain way, I’d love to hear what’s working for you 🐝

04/19/2026

Nature has its own personalities — some are gentle, some are fluffy, and some just don’t care about your comfort 😄🐝
From the hardworking Honey Bee, to the calm but powerful Bumble Bee, and finally the fearless “Jackass with Wings” — every tiny creature plays its role in the wild.
Look closely, and you’ll see: beauty isn’t just in appearance, it’s in behavior, purpose, and attitude.
Respect nature… even the ones that might chase you 😅

12/03/2025

11/29/2025

🧺🐝 ’Twas the Night Before Christmas… Beekeeper Edition By Sweet Stingers Honey 🍯🎄

’Twas the night before Christmas,
And out in the yard,
Not a creature was stirring—
Not even the guards.
The colonies sat there in silent, wrapped snug in their hives,
Bees clustered tight for a long winter’s nap.

The smokers were hung by the shed door with care,
In hopes that warm springtime soon would be there.
Our veils and our jackets were cleaned and hung right,
For I’d checked the bees earlier—
all tucked in for the night.

But just as I settled with cocoa in hand,
I heard a faint buzzing roll over the land.
I stepped to the window and peered through the frost—
What could it be, a forager that was lost?

Then out in the moonlight, so gentle and bright,
A sleigh dipped and drifted like a drone in mid-flight.
With a beekeeper driver so lively and quick,
I knew in a heartbeat—it must be St. Ambrosia!

His suit wasn’t red but a fine canvas tan,
Smoke curls in the air from the torch in his hand.
He landed so softly near Hive Number Three,
Whispered, “Easy now girls… it’s only just me.”

He checked all the entrances, cleared out the dead bees,
Tapped gently on boxes and brushed off the leaves.
He lifted each lid with a seasoned-hand sway,
Not like any beekeeper but one of careful ways.

He chuckled, “Strong clusters you keep
Good weight on these hives.
You’ve done well this season keeper
these girls will survive.”

He sprinkled a dusting of magic bee treats,
They shimmered like snowflakes and smelled so sweet.
He left pollen patties all shaped like little bows,
And a tiny mite board with a ribbon of rose.

Then back to his sleigh, with a twirl and a glide,
He rose like a swarm on a warm springtime tide.
I heard him call out as he flew out of sight—

“Merry Christmas, dear keepers,
and to all a good night!
May your queens stay healthy
and your honey flow bright!”

11/06/2025

11/03/2025

08/13/2025

These are hoverflies. Though often misidentified as "sweat bees," they are not bees. Unlike true sweat bees, they cannot sting (or bite). But, you can sometimes feel them licking -- they're after the salt and water in your sweat.
These flies are pollinators too.
You'll see less of them as we enter the gap between summer and fall. So enjoy them for just a bit longer 😊🐝

07/13/2025

06/15/2025