Thomas Callaghan

Hey everyone! My name is Thomas, and I own my own farm in rural California. Being an avid bee enthusiast, I know the importance bees have on our climate and planet. That is why I try to educate others about bees, how they survive, and how we can make their lives easier through the process of beekeeping. I also ensure that the colonies on the farm are protected at all times.

Close-up of a Mason Bee

Mason Bees vs. Honey Bees

Bees are one of the world’s most valuable insects for many reasons. Not only do they produce honey, but they’re also incredibly efficient pollinators.  Without them, most of the flowers on Earth would disappear in a matter of months. Because of that, these little critters are exceptionally important for our ecosystem.  There are many types […]

Carniolan Bees Tending Drone Cells

Carniolan vs. Italian Bees: Differences, Pros, and Cons

Choosing between Italian and Carniolan bees comes down to various characteristics. You might favor the Italian’s calmer disposition or the Carniolan bee’s stronger disease resistance. Each species has its differences, pros, and cons that can cater to your requirements and beekeeping skill level. For instance, novice beekeepers will likely prefer working with Italian bees for

Small hive beetle on a potato plant

Dryer Sheets for Small Hive Beetle

One of the most destructive beekeeping pests, small hive beetles damage honey, pollen, comb, and bee larvae. Small hive beetles can result in massive losses for the beekeeper as they feed on/ferment the honey, eat honey brood, decrease the conductivity of your honey bees, weaken the colony, and eventually cause stressed bees to swarm away

Close-up of a mason bee on a red flower

Best Flowering Plants for Mason Bees

Mason Bees are one of the world’s most efficient pollinators. Their furry bodies allow them to transport a lot of pollen all at once.  Because of that, these critters are incredibly beneficial for the ecosystem. They can help plants grow and maintain biodiversity by cross-pollination.  As you can imagine, that means having these bees in

A beekeeper protecting a bee hive against the varroa mite disease

Apivar vs. Formic Pro: Comparisons, Pros, and Cons

Mite infestations pose a grave risk to your honey bee hive. These parasites can come from various ways. Imagine this, a colony already collapsing from being overrun by mites while bees from other hives rob the weaker hive’s honey. Somewhere along the way, a Varroa mite hitched a ride and found its way to greener

Bumble bee flying in front of a purple flower

Bumble Bee vs. Mason Bee

Whether you’re into beekeeping or you have a garden that bees frequent, it’s important to know the different types of bees. Two of the most popular types you’ll come across are bumble bees and mason bees. So, what’s the difference between them? Various distinctions set bumble bees apart from mason bees. For starters, bumble bees

Bee frames with bees

Frame Feeder vs Top Feeder: Which One to Go for?

Nourishing your bees and providing them with food is essential for their survival and growth. Luckily, there are plenty of options out there when it comes to feeding bees. However, two of these options are fairly more common than others, which are frame feeders and top feeders, so which one of them should you go