Hands on Beekeepers

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to you and yours.

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Have a blessed Thanksgiving."

11/15/2025

This weekend, Hands on Beekeepers in Chesapeake is hosting a Hot Sale, with 15% discounts on woodenware in the warehouse. Each purchase will include Goldenrod seeds, available only this weekend.

11/11/2025

Start your saving today at Hands on Beekeepers in Chesapeake on Dadant and Beeline equipment.

Hands on Beekeepers LLC is a family-owned and operated business that sells everything you need to operate successful hive/s. We promotes honey bee population growth by strengthening the bee community and raising awareness of the plight of the honey bee.

11/10/2025

The work began 1998-2008: discovery and breeding bees with the Varroa Sensitive Hygiene trait.

Through intensive testing and selection, researchers used the powerful VSH trait and instrumental insemination to control genetics. These lab-based selections showed the highest levels of Varroa Sensitive Hygiene lines generation after generation.

That early work necessarily came from a narrow genetic pool, since only the strongest resistance was chosen. The first step in technology transfer took place back in 2001, when these VSH genetics were made available outside the lab, laying the foundation for wider use in the beekeeping industry.

This stage marked the start of measurable progress and the potential for bees that could truly stand up to mites.

Image caption: John Harbo and Jeff Harris, the earliest to work with the VSH trait at the USDA Baton Rouge Bee Lab.

10/12/2025

Looking for a way to preserve your drawn wax frames?

B402 Certan is the most advanced effective and economical product for the protection of your combs from damage by wax moths. It is a safe environmentally friendly product. It is a concentrated solution of Bacillus thuringiensis. It leaves no residues in wax or honey. Only one application needed for complete protection. Efficacy of up to 100% against wax moth larvae.

It is used after the honey harvest, when the frames are stored. It must be used before a wax moth infestation. It will kill young wax moth larvae. A single application will provide protection against wax moth right up through to the following season.

Mix one part of B402 to 19 parts water (5% solution). Apply after frames have been extracted. Apply to both sides of frame, 1 ounce of fluid for deep frame, 2/3 ounce of fluid for medium frame and 1/2 ounce of fluid for shallow frame. Allow to dry before placing in storage. In warm conditions, once dry, supers should be protected from re-infestation by being wrapped or stored in an enclosed space.

Yes we have B402 Certan in stock currently.

Made in the USA. Shipping weight 7 oz.

10/12/2025

Due to unfavorable weather, Hands on Beekeepers will be closed today, October 12, 2025. For beekeeping supply needs, kindly contact Steve at 757-408-5201 via cell or text.

10/08/2025

https://youtu.be/6y39NFIdipE?si=o98dpwrQ45nW6QJ4

Flash back post of Steve with Brad on Coop Dreams 5 years ago.

For those in attendance at the Virginia State Beekeepers Association Fall meeting later this month. Stop by our booth and check out the newest version of the original American AZ hive.

This video is Part II of the complete footage of The Bee Shop visit to the farm for installation of new AZ beehives. This one involves the transfer of active...

10/05/2025

Happy Birthday Navy!!

Great demonstration of Navy Power today.

President Donald Trump is in Norfolk Sunday to host a Salute to the Fleet, honoring Navy servicemembers as part of its 250th birthday celebrations.

He is scheduled to give remarks at 3:30 p.m. To watch live on WAVY 10 visit the link in the comments.

10/05/2025

Farmers reducing cost and helping pollinators!

Farmers are decreasing pesticides

10/05/2025

Notice for Monday, Oct. 6th

This is the makeup date for the treatment originally scheduled for Sept. 30 and Oct. 2, which was postponed due to weather.

Aerial adulticide mosquito spraying on Monday, Oct. 6, over federal property on Craney Island, adjacent city property, and the Churchland area of Portsmouth.

NORFOLK, Va. — The Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the City of Portsmouth, Virginia, will conduct joint aerial adulticide mosquito spraying on Monday, Oct. 6, over federal property on Craney Island, adjacent city property, and the Churchland area of Portsmouth.

A contractor will begin spraying at dusk, between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m., weather permitting, in areas north of State Route 164.

Beekeepers in the affected areas should keep their bees covered during spraying operations, and individuals with known allergies are advised to remain indoors.

For continuous updates on the aerial mosquito spraying, call the Portsmouth Mosquito Hotline at 757-393-8666.

For more details on Monday's schedule:

The Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the City of Portsmouth, Virginia, will conduct joint aerial adulticide mosquito spraying on Monday, Oct. 6, over federal property on Craney

10/04/2025

Here is an idea for us in Virginia to borrow as long as the trespassing creature(s) know to respect the boundaries/fence.

Several African programs—especially in Kenya—string beehives around field edges to create “beehive fences.” Studies show elephants avoid these fences, cutting crop-raids by up to 86% during peak seasons. Conservation groups describe the method as humane, relying on elephants’ aversion to bees rather than injury. Elephants commonly target maize and sorghum, so reducing incursions protects staple food crops. Beyond protection, farmers can sell “elephant-friendly honey,” generating an additional useful income.