Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

  • Season report in VIC, Australia

    SEASON REPORT OCTOBER 2025 Weather continues to be very windy and cool. Fortunately, some light rainfall has occurred. Just as many of the Canola crops were past their peak flowering, they were desperate for moisture. Faba Bean crops are still flowering and the perfume of the nectar is more pronounced this year. It seems according…

  • How to Tell the Difference: Queen Bee vs. Drone 🐝

    How to Tell the Difference: Queen Bee vs. Drone 🐝

    Understanding the differences between queen bees and drones is essential for managing your hive—especially for beginner beekeepers. Here’s a clear guide to identifying these two distinct members of your colony.

  • Recognizing a Swarm

    Recognizing a Swarm

    How to Recognize as It’s Emerging and Early Warning Signs What a Real Swarm Looks Like (Not Just Busy Bees) Even experienced beekeepers can sometimes misinterpret what they see in videos or photos. A true swarm has several distinctive features: Common Mistakes: What Beginners Often Mislabel as Swarms How to Know Your Hive Is Preparing…

  • California’s Hive Registration Rule

    California’s Hive Registration Rule

    Beekeeping is more than a hobby—it’s a crucial part of California’s agricultural success. Honey bees play a vital role in pollinating crops, but their well-being faces increasing threats. California’s hive registration rule is a critical step in safeguarding bees and the beekeeping industry. Enter BeeWhere, a state-backed program that makes compliance easier for everyone.

  • The Fight for Pure Honey

    The Fight for Pure Honey

    Beekeeping is more than a job; it’s a labor of love. Each jar of honey represents countless hours of work, from tending to hives to battling pests and ensuring colony health. But for many American beekeepers, the reward for their hard work is being undermined by a troubling trend: the rise of adulterated honey.

  • Spotlight on Tropilaelaps: The Emerging Threat to Honeybee Colonies

    Spotlight on Tropilaelaps: The Emerging Threat to Honeybee Colonies

    For decades, beekeepers worldwide have battled the relentless varroa mite, but another pest is beginning to raise concerns: the Tropilaelaps mite. Originally native to Asia, Tropilaelaps mites are spreading to other regions, posing a serious threat to honeybee health. Understanding this emerging pest is essential for protecting your colonies.

  • Preparing for Early Spring: A Beekeeper’s January Checklist

    Preparing for Early Spring: A Beekeeper’s January Checklist

    January is the perfect time for beekeepers to lay the groundwork for a productive spring. While your bees are clustered to stay warm, there’s plenty you can do to ensure they emerge healthy and ready to thrive. Here’s a practical checklist to help you prepare for the upcoming beekeeping season.

  • Winter Hive Care: Protecting Your Bees During the Coldest Months

    Winter Hive Care: Protecting Your Bees During the Coldest Months

    As winter grips the landscape, beekeepers must ensure their hives are well-prepared to survive the harsh conditions. Winter is a critical time for honeybee colonies, as the cluster must stay warm and well-fed until the first blooms of spring. Here’s how you can help your bees thrive through the coldest months.

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