[ceebs bailey]

Hands-on Mentorship: before, during and pay it forward. Hand in hand with that is community.

[ceebs bailey]

I concur with Dennis’ recommendation of the Stanley small shop vac at Costco. Reasonable cost, easy to handle and powerful for its size. In fact, I bet it was Dennis who recommended it to me. Give a shout if you would like to take mine for a test drive.

ceebs..

• This reply was modified 12 years, 4 months ago by ceebs bailey.

[ceebs bailey]

Here’s how I made a batch of bee propolis tincture.

Honeybees make propolis by mixing beeswax with tree resins. These resins are natural germicides; propolis has antibiotic and antiseptic properties and is purported to also have anti-viral and anti-inflammatory benefits. Propolis is used as a dental treatment post-surgery, as a treatment for burns, minor wounds, infections, inflammatory diseases, dental pain, canker sores, sore throats, colds, you name it. Your mileage may vary.

1. Collect propolis from the hive. I placed a propolis trap in a busy colony for a month or two. When it was filled, I stuck it in the freezer to more easily remove the propolis. It can be sticky.
2. The propolis should be clean and free of wax, paint, bits of wood, etc. I shook small batches of propolis in a jar with water; the foreign pieces will float to the top.
3. For processing, the propolis should be in small pieces. The smaller the better.
4. I wanted a 30% tincture (the strongest recommended) and placed 700 grams of grain alcohol in a canning jar with 300 grams of clean propolis. I used grain alcohol so the tincture can be taken internally. If you want a topical-only tincture for wounds and such, you can mix with rubbing alcohol instead.
5. I put the jar in a brown bag on the kitchen counter so I would remember to shake it two or three times a day. Let this mixture sit for at least two weeks.
7. Finally, I strained it twice through coffee filters then bottled it up in half and one-ounce containers to share with friends.

[ceebs bailey]

Wow! I’ve never seen anything like this. I’ve been yearning for a Kenyan in my yard and this looks like the perfect combo/hybrid. Now I know what to ask Santa for.

[ceebs bailey]

David—

A good rule of thumb for purchasing honey is “know your beekeeper.” That way you have personal knowledge of the ethics of the honey and whether or not that adorable little muth jar has recently been filled from a gallon-sized whatever from Costco.

[ceebs bailey]

SWARM AVAILABLE.
Susan Rudnicki has a heavy swarm box for adoption. Please call her at 310-374-4779. Bees are in Manhattan Beach and will need to be installed in your fitted out hive tonight (bottom board, hive body with frames with comb guides, top board)
Susan will help you with verbal instructions when you arrive to pick them up.

[ceebs bailey]

SWARM AVAILABLE.
Susan Rudnicki has a heavy swarm box for adoption. Please call her at 310-374-4779. Bees are in Manhattan Beach and will need to be installed in your fitted out hive tonight (bottom board, hive body with frames with comb guides, top board)
Susan will help you with verbal instructions when you arrive to pick them up.

[ceebs bailey]

Finally, a sensible answer! Thank you. I had read some internet stuff and determined that late Fall was best but I like your answer better and respect your advice even more. Spring it is. I want those girls fat and happy.

cb..

[ceebs bailey]

There is honey in my hives, but due to the slow year we’ve had and the current dearth I would prefer to not take any off (if at all) until later in the Fall or early Winter to make sure the bees have plenty. Can you please tell me when would be a good time to harvest while making sure the bees are not penalized? Thanks.

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