Penn State Extension Offers Beekeeping 101

After swarm capture, straggler bees
continue to congregate at chosen
swarm destination site.

Looking to get into beekeeping but feel like you need some solid hardcore guidance? Been beekeeping for a while but feel like you may be doing something wrong? Sign up for Beekeeping 101, a self-paced online course developed by Penn State's nationally-recognized experts in horticulture and entomology.  From now till December 31st, you can register for this course at the discounted price of $129 (originally $189) for one year of access. Winter is that time of year for beekeepers to hunker down and LEARN before the busy outdoor season begins.  Why not make the most of it!  Click HERE to learn more and register today!

Season Finale Meeting to Include Buzz Talk, Music

At the next LBB meeting to be held Nov. 8th, 6pm, at Everything Natural, our 2012 student intern, North Pocono High School senior Justin Decker will present a short, informational talk “The Secret Sound of Bees.” We all know that bees buzz, but there are actually about ten identifiable sub-sounds honeybees use to intercommunicate. Justin will explain the latest findings in science. His demonstration will include recordings to aid our backyard apiarists in identifying those sounds which can be heard by human ear under natural conditions. He will also discuss new sound technology being developed to aid beekeepers in the future. Justin will convey how the sounds of bees over the centuries influenced our modern language and arts. An avid violinist, he will also perform Schubert’s short virtuosic piece for violin, “L’Abeille” or The Bee for your listening enjoyment. Join Justin and the gang for our season finale!

… And the bee buzzed up in the cold
When the flower was withered and old.
“Have you still any honey, my dear?”
She said: “It’s the fall of the year,
But come, come!”
“Hum!”
And the bee buzzed off in the cold.
--Excerpted from Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s “The Bee”

Colony Extracted from Treehouse Roof

Justin Decker uses a specially
designed vacuum to gently remove
bees from rafters.

Photo courtesy of A.J. Capalong

LBB intern, Justin Decker, a senior at North Pocono High School, helps remove a honeybee colony that settled into the roof of a beautiful treehouse in Spring Brook, PA.  The colony turned the tree house into a bee house back in June.  Homeowners contacted LBB after reading a recent article about the Lackawanna Backyard Beekeepers in the Times-Tribune.  The colony was safely relocated to a Langstroth hive complete with their own comb and food stores to be cared for by Decker and other members of the Lackawanna Backyard Beekeepers.

Fleetville Bee Rescue

Beekeepers Renee Czubowicz and Jim Davis spend an afternoon in Fleetville removing comb from a fallen tree in an effort to save the weakened colony before cold weather sets in.  Unfortunately, no comb was able to be saved due to severe wax moth infestation.

Dept. of Agriculture Inspection

Dept. of Agriculture inspector examines
hive for signs of bee disease.

All beekeepers in the state of Pennsylvania are required to register their hives with the Department of Agriculture.  Recently, LBB beekeeper Ellen McGlynn had her hives inspected for the first time and found the process both fun and cathartic.  At only $10 per bee yard (not per hive), an inspector will come to spot check each hive, answer questions and concerns, and do sugar rolls on several hives to inspect for varroa mites.  While many beekeepers find the whole inspection idea a scary prospect, the inspector made clear that they are not out to verify zoning.  Their job is to keep track of bee disease and make recommendations where necessary.  Click HERE to view article in Scranton Times-Tribune.  Be sure to click on 'Photo Gallery: Beekeepers' for some beautiful bee images in Ellen's bee yard. 

Honey Tasting at Everhart

Beekeepers Jim Davis and Ellen McGlynn presented honey at the Everhart Museum's mead and honey tasting event, "Sweetness and Light," August 2, 2012.  Not only did our beekeepers offer up a bit of their own local comb, they shared their knowledge of other American favorites like tupelo, basswood, goldenrod, star thistle, and KILLER BEE honey!  The honeys were paired with delectable morsels by Accentuate Caterers.  Looking for a nice appetizer for your next party? Try mascarpone cheese on Belgian Endive drizzled with tupelo honey and sprinkled with almonds. You won't regret it.

Bee Exhibition at Everhart Museum

LBB members participated in the Everhart Museum's summertime exhibition "Directing Sunbeams" featuring photography from Northeastern Pennsylvania beekeepers. The exhibition was part of the larger "Beeyond" exhibition featuring microscopic bee photography by Rose-Lynn Fisher.

Buzz Camp

Beekeeper Ellen McGlynn demonstrates honey extraction one morning at the Everhart Museum's week-long summer Buzz Camp (June 25-29).

Waverly Home & Garden Show

Kids and adults enjoyed the live observation hive and bee chatter at the Waverly Home and Garden Show, April 28, 2012.

Bee Package Installation Demo 2012

L to R: Janice Decker, Ellen McGlynn, Justin Decker, Mary Ann Hogan,
Bob Hogan, Zoe McGlynn, Jim Davis, Don Hayhurst, Renee Czubowicz,
Bruce Steele, Mary Steele

Lackawanna Backyard Beekeepers.  Group photo taken during bee package installation demo on April 26, 2012.