Queen Rearing – How we raise our Ohio Queen Honey bees

Raising queen honey bees is an intricate and fascinating process that requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of bee biology. Whether you’re a hobbyist beekeeper looking to expand your hive or a commercial apiarist interested in breeding queens for sale, the following guide offers insights into successfully raising queen honey bees. […]

The Sweet Science: How Do Bees Make Honey?

From simple flowers comes one of nature’s only non-perishable foods. Have you ever been curious about the creation of this liquid gold? In this article, we’re delving into the wonders of how nature crafts its most exquisite syrup. You’ll learn the ins and outs of this fascinating process, including which bees make honey, how foraging […]

Buzzing Wonders: Unveiling Fascinating Bee Facts

Did you know that honey bees have stinky feet? Or that they know how to shake their booty and boogie? These pollinators are more than what they appear!  In this article, we’re taking beekeeping back to its roots with fun facts and insights about the majestic bee. Some of these honey bee facts are un-bee-lievable!  […]

Feeding Frenzy: A Guide on How to Feed Bees

Welcome bee enthusiasts to the complete guide on feeding bees! Novice beekeepers are usually shocked to learn that ensuring honey bees are well-fed is a standard aspect of caring for them.  Properly feeding your bees will ensure they last through the longest of Ohio winters and are ready to go in early spring. However, feeding […]

The Sweet Side of Nature: Raw Honey Benefits

Nowadays, folks can use all the health support they can get. From using hydrogen peroxide to clear the sinuses to taking potassium supplements to lower blood pressure, we often go to extreme lengths to protect our overall health.  But here’s a secret straight from the beehive: raw honey has many positive health benefits. It’s true! […]

How To Start Beekeeping: A Beginner’s Roadmap

Beekeeping is a wonderful, rewarding practice, so congratulations on starting this transition from bee enthusiast to new beekeeper! Any local beekeeping association will tell you that the beekeeping experience is unparalleled. It’s incredibly fulfilling to guide a package of bees into a healthy, thriving beehive.    In this article, we’ll dive into beekeeping 101 from the […]

How Much Do Bees Cost? A Guide to Beekeeping Expenses

Welcome new beekeepers, and congratulations on starting your beekeeping journey! Setting up and maintaining an apiary is a fulfilling and meaningful act, but it does come at a price.  Before you dive in, it’s essential to understand the costs of setting up a new hive and keeping your colony of bees healthy. After all, the […]

Ordering Bees: Your Guide to Expanding Your Hive

Greetings, new and experienced beekeepers! There are many factors to consider when starting or expanding your beehive, and the best place to start is self-education. So, congrats on making the right first step!  Picking the perfect source for bee orders is incredibly important. In this article, we’ll explain what to look for in a bee […]

A Timeless Treasure: How Long Does Raw Honey Last?

Have you noticed expiration dates on the honey in your local grocery store but also heard the phrase “honey never expires?” It’s normal to be confused about this sticky situation.  The bee and honey experts at West River Exchange are here to answer all your questions. After all, it’s super important for raw honey consumers […]