Storey’s Guide to Keeping Honey Bees, 2nd edition

Glad to see this guide updated. Overall a solid book that would be at home on the shelves of public libraries, farm and garden stores, or to give as a gift to beginning beekeepers. This guide equips beekeepers with practical advice. Some of the strong points include the overview of new research out of the University of Minnesota Bee Lab, overwintering techniques, and the value of bees as pollinators. Hives are now home to four types of inhabitants; the queen, workers, drones, and Varroa destructor. The authors emphasize the importance of staying current with strategies for managing the parasitic mites as well as other threats to bee health and the hive habitat. Candy boards were mentioned as winter feed, but only the hard candy processed at high temperatures. Fondant is more pliable and beekeepers report success with this winter feed as well. When beekeepers choose a mentor and join a bee club they will expand their skills and gain more confidence. The authors recommend this road map for future growth. The resources offered at the back are current and point readers to great resources for further information. The sidebar stories from experienced beekeepers boost reader appeal. The full color photos are well matched to the text.