ABC Bees: Apiaries & Bees for Communities

03/26/2026

I was interviewed on and if you want to learn about bees, and a bit about me, have a watch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIRR-avBbI8&t=2s,

Beekeeping is more complex than most people think.In this episode, Eliese Watson breaks down what it actually takes to work with bees, from managing hives to...

03/05/2026

Get honey bees this year! Our 17th year of nuc sale with Bill Stagg.
www.abcbees.ca/nuc-sales

07/14/2025

I am so excited to be at The Confluence again this year! Come and join us for a beekeeping field day and get your fingers sticky!

Have you ever wanted to learn the basics of urban beekeeping🐝🐝? Well, this two-hour workshop is the perfect place to start! Hosted by ABC Bees owner and operator Eliese Watson, attendees will cover all the different aspects of setting up bee hives and how to care for them in an inner city location.

🗓️: Saturday, July 19
⏰: 10 am - 12 pm
💲: $50
📍: 750 9 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB

Can't make it to this workshop? That's okay, it's also being offered on Aug. 2 & 30.

🍯 Register and take a look at additional workshops here: theconfluence.ca/events/beekeepingworkshop-0719

07/12/2025

NEXT SUNDAY, July 20th! Mix and mingle with nature and a touch of glam at The Honeybee Social! Sip on a honey-themed drink, munch on delicious hors d'oeuvres and spend an afternoon exploring honeybees and history at The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland.

Explore the vibrant Confluence Garden and get up close and personal to the hives with , then step inside for an exclusive guided walk-through of the cultural centre, featuring new exhibit Kípaitápiiyssinnooni (Our Way of Life) about the Blackfoot Peoples.

Dress in your finest yellow and black (or black and yellow, we’re flexible) and join us for a sweet summer afternoon you won’t forget!

Register at https://www.showpass.com/honeybeesocial/

Explore the vibrant Confluence Garden and get up close and personal to the hives with , then step inside for an exclusive guided walk-through of the cultural centre, featuring the new exhibit Kípaitápiiyssinnooni (Our Way of Life) about the Blackfoot Peoples.

06/26/2025

🐝 Ready to Raise Your Own Queens? 🐝
https://www.abcbees.buzz/courses/queen-rearing-essentials

Take your beekeeping to the next level with Queen Rearing Essentials — a comprehensive, self-paced online course developed by ABC Bees in partnership with the Alberta Beekeepers Commission.

Learn the science and skills behind raising strong, healthy, productive queens in your own apiary. Whether you want to build colony resilience, strengthen local genetics, or reduce reliance on commercial queens — this course is for you.

💻 Course Features:
✅ Self-paced online learning
✅ 5 Live Sessions: July 16, 23, 30 & August 6, 13, 2025
✅ Instructor support via live Q&As, forums, and assignment feedback
✅ Lifetime access to videos, tools, and queen-rearing calendars

🐝 What You’ll Learn:
• Queen and drone biology
• Breeder colony selection
• Starter & finisher colony setup
• Grafting and queen cell care
• Queen introduction & acceptance
• And so much more!

🧰 What’s Included:
🎥 Video lessons + downloadable worksheets
📅 Planning tools + queen rearing calendar
👩‍🏫 Instructor-graded assignments
🤝 Access to a supportive beekeeping community

👉 Empower your apiary with science-backed queen rearing skills.
Enroll today: https://www.abcbees.buzz/courses/queen-rearing-essentials

06/01/2025

05/02/2025

🐝 Effective Varroa Mite Control with Oxalic Acid Sublimation 🏡✨

Varroa mites pose a major threat to bee colonies, but oxalic acid sublimation offers a powerful and safe treatment method. Learn how to effectively apply this technique while prioritizing safety and hive health!

🔹 How It Works – The sublimator wand heats oxalic acid crystals, creating a v***r that targets mites without harming bees.
🔹 Step-by-Step Guide – Proper hive preparation, application, and post-treatment best practices.
🔹 Safety First – Wear protective gear, use a proper power source, and follow ventilation guidelines for safe application.
🔹 Observation & Best Practices – Monitor mite drop after treatment and seek expert advice for region-specific guidelines.

💡 Read the full guide here: https://abcbees.ca/blog/oxalic-acid-sublimation/

04/25/2025

👑 Essential Queen Rearing Equipment for Success! 🐝✨

Rearing your own queens is a game-changer for any dedicated beekeeper! Here are the must-have tools for a thriving queen-rearing operation:

🔹 Chinese Grafting Tool – Precisely scoops larvae & royal jelly for seamless grafting.
🔹 Plastic Queen Cups – Provides better contrast for easy viewing & reduces grafting mistakes.
🔹 Grafting Bars & Frames – Supports queen cups, preventing wax attachment & damage.
🔹 Cell Protectors – Safeguards maturing queens from damage & stings.
🔹 Queen Cages – Essential for transporting mated queens & setting up queen banks.
🔹 Shook Swarm Box – Creates the perfect dark, ventilated environment for rearing high-quality queens.

Mastering these tools empowers you to rear strong, productive queens and take control of your apiary’s genetics! 🏡🐝

💡 Read the full guide here: https://abcbees.ca/blog/queen-rearing-equipment/

04/18/2025

🐝 Essential Tips for Installing a Bee Package! 🌿🏡

Bringing home a bee package? Careful preparation is key to ensuring a smooth installation and a thriving colony! Here’s what you need to know:

✅ Have Your Hive Ready: Bottom board, frames, inner cover, lid, and entrance reducer should be set up in advance.
✅ Elevate & Level Your Hive: Keep it at least 6 cm off the ground to prevent rot and flooding.
✅ Plan Your Feeding Strategy: Choose between liquid feeding or pollen supplementation to support your bees.
✅ Skip the Smoker: Avoid using a smoker during installation to reduce stress and maintain bee communication.
✅ Choose a Queen Release Method: Slow release with candy or direct release—pick what works best for your hive.

With the right prep, your bees will have the best start in their new home!
🏡🐝 Learn more in our latest blog.
https://abcbees.ca/blog/install-bee-package/

04/11/2025

🐝 Spring Survival Inspections & Feeding: Setting Your Bees Up for Success! 🌸

Spring is a critical time for honey bee colonies, and survival inspections help ensure they have the strength and resources to thrive! 🏡🐝

✅ Survival Inspections: Check hive activity, listen for the colony’s hum, and assess their overall health.
✅ Spring Feeding: Pollen patties & fondant support brood development and colony expansion when natural resources are scarce.
✅ Minimal Disturbance: Keep inspections quick to reduce stress on your bees.

🌼 By providing the right support, you’ll help your bees transition smoothly into the new season! Read more in our latest blog.

https://abcbees.ca/blog/survival-check/

04/04/2025

🐝 Reduce Drift & Keep Your Bees on Track! 🎨✨

Did you know that painting your beehive boxes can help your bees find their way home? 🏡 Bees have incredible navigation skills, but in crowded apiaries, they can sometimes drift into the wrong hive. Here’s how a simple coat of paint can help:

✅ Improves Bee Orientation – Distinct colors & symbols act as landmarks to guide bees back to their hive.
✅ Regulates Temperature – Light colors reflect heat for summer, while darker shades absorb warmth in winter.
✅ Prevents Hive Mixing – Reducing drift means healthier colonies & better hive management!

🌿 Pro Tip: Use low-VOC, water-based exterior latex paint for a safe and eco-friendly finish!

Ready to personalize your hives and keep your bees on track? 🎨🐝 Watch our vlog for step-by-step painting tips! 👇

📺 https://abcbees.ca/blog/reducing-drift/