July 14, 2020

One of the most common tools that beekeepers use is a smoker (often called a bee smoker).

If you haven't seen a smoker before, this is what common models look like:

Honey Bee Smoker Components

The idea behind the smoker is that using it should help calm the honey bees down allowing the beekeeper to more easily perform inspections, capture swarms, etc. and (hopefully) not get stung as often.

A quick online search will give you online articles, social media posts, and videos by the dozens that make statements to support this idea.

In fact, bee smokers are viewed as such an essential piece of equipment that they are included by default with most Starter Kits.

But are bee smokers actually that effective? Does using a smoker actually help calm bees? Or is it yet another beekeeping myth that has been passed around?

Read More

December 30, 2019

We get many questions from our customers each season across just about every range of beekeeping & honey bee related topics imaginable.

However, there is one particular question that stands out as being asked more often than most:

Why can’t you ship bee packages & nucs directly to me?

In this post, you’ll find out the exact reasons why we don't ship honey bees (at the moment).

Read More

November 18, 2019

​Each year as the holiday season rolls around, there’s an absolute flurry of shopping and purchasing that occurs as people try to find gifts for each other.

There are more options than ever, and yet, it often seems like it is harder than ever before to find something meaningful to give.

Luckily, we’ve compiled an entire list of awesome holiday gifts below that you can give that are sure to impress ​your recipient​ and you’ll also contribute to the world-wide efforts to help save honey bees!

Let’s take a look.

Read More

October 2, 2019

In the past few years, backyard beekeeping has experienced a surge of interest with a lot of people starting to keep their own beehives.

Obviously, we’re pretty passionate about encouraging people to join this hobby that we love so much.

However, we also respect the fact that backyard beekeeping is not for everyone.

Not to worry though if you aren’t planning to ​take care of your own beehives. There are still plenty of ways you can help honey bees without ​being a beekeeper.

Continue on to see our 10 (+1) ways you can help honey bees no matter what situation you find yourself in.

Read More

August 29, 2019

Recently, we announced major changes to our branding and website that would completely reshape the future of Bear Country Bees and (hopefully) make a positive impact on the beekeeping industry.

Today, we’re announcing 3 important updates to our Adopt-A-Hive program that will continue to push our quest to help honey bees even further.

For quite some time, Adopt-A-Hive has provided wonderful opportunities for those who don’t want to or aren’t able to be backyard beekeepers help save more honey bees.

But…

It’s time to take things to the next level (and beyond).

We’ve given the Adopt-A-Hive program some serious upgrades including an awesome new look for the Adopt-A-Hive page.

These changes are going into effect immediately so make sure to watch the video and then read below for the full scoop on all of the changes coming your way.

Read More