Bee Eaters! Can We Save Our Bees From This New Threat?

New Invasive Threat Spreading in the US: The Yellow-Legged Hornet
It’s here, and it’s spreading fast! The Yellow-Legged Hornet (Vespa velutina) slipped through ports and was first confirmed in Georgia in 2023. Two years later, this aggressive invasive species is still here and spreading in South Carolina. Now, this dangerous predator of honeybees and native pollinators is moving into South Carolina.
In this video, we do a deep dive into the Yellow-Legged Hornet and what it means for your bee colonies. Hear from an Brad Cavin from Clemson University about the intense efforts to try and eradicate this new threat before it causes irreversible damage.
How to make a trap; https://youtu.be/Ra8717JuXwc
How to report a sighting: https://youtu.be/ENrbQWfrmPg
The new threat of the **yellow legged hornet** is here and is attacking **honey bees**! Learn about these invasive **hornets** and how they affect **beekeeping**. Find out what you can do for **pest control** and to protect your **bees** from **hornet attack**.
I 3D Printed a Bee Pollen Feeder and It Actually Works!

3d Printed Pollen Feeder
To purchase this small pollen feeder use this link: https://www.honeytopbees.com/product-category/printed/
Ray shares his experience with using a 3D printed feeder for bee pollen as an alternative to pollen patties. He prefers this method due to ongoing beekeeping problems with small hive beetle infestations. Learn why feeding bees dry pollen might be a better choice for your hive!
Can These Bee Hives Survive the Winter?

Join a mentor as he visits a first-year beekeeper to assist with winterizing bee hives and shares essential beekeeping tips. They identify the queen bee, check for varroa mites, and offer advice for beginner beekeeping. Learn how to get a mentor to help with your hives!
They Left! Why?? Swarming vs Absconding in Our Bee Hives

Swarming vs Asconding
Ray discusses the differences between bee behavior when a bee hive is empty, to help with beekeeping for beginners. Learn to recognize the signs of absconding versus swarming, improving your hive management skills. Subscribe for more beekeeping insights and bee farm tips!
Rays Complete Beginners Bee Keeping Course: https://www.honeytopbees.com/rays-beginner-video-course/
Fall Inspections with My 8-Year-Old Great Nephew

How to Handle Bees | Fall Inspections | Young Mans First Time in a Hive.
Join Ray as he shares his lifelong passion for beekeeping with his great nephew, creating emotional moments that resonate with family memories. This video showcases essential hive management practices and a detailed hive inspection checklist for all beginner beekeepers. Discover the joys of running a bee farm and nurturing honey bees together! 🐝❤️
Rays Complete Beginners Bee Keeping Course: https://www.honeytopbees.com/rays-beginner-video-course/
Varroa Mite Wars: How to Save Our Honey Bees

Varroa Mites are destroying bee colonies by the thousands, let’s figure this out with a deeper dive into the issue and solutions.
In this video, Ray presents “Mite Wars,” originally shared at the South Carolina State Beekeepers Convention, diving into the challenges of managing the dreaded varroa mite. He provides strategies for effective mite treatment, especially for those just beginning their beekeeping journey, and emphasizes the importance of integrated pest management for colony survival. Join Ray for insights on beekeeping tips and how to safeguard your hives.
Also, check out Ray’s Complete Beginners Bee Keeping Course available at: https://www.honeytopbees.com/rays-beginner-video-course/. It’s a fantastic resource for anyone looking to start their journey in beekeeping.
Also, be sure to check out my favorite channels: @brucesbees, @JeffHorchoff, @beek, @BeekeepingWithNatalee, @InsideTheHiveTV, @FrederickDunn, @chuckshoneybees, and @beefitbeekeeping for more great beekeeping content!
I Tried a NEW Prototype Bee Smoker – Here’s What Happened! – Beekeeping with Ray

Are Vapor Smokers Ready for Big Time for Beekeepers?? Testing a New Vapor Smoker.
Ray tests out a brand new prototype vapor beekeeping smoker to see if it can replace the traditional wood smoker. He emphasizes the importance of bee safety when using a hive tool during beginner beekeeping. This is a must-have for your beekeeping essentials when working with honey bees.
If you wish, consider signing up with Michael at Technically Beekeeping – Very Important Beekeeper club at https://vib.technicallybeekeeping.com. It’s free, simple, and you’ll be the first to know when it’s ready.
Equipment:
DJI 3
Edited with Filmora
Rays Complete Beginners Bee Keeping Course: https://www.honeytopbees.com/rays-beginner-video-course/
7 Easy Fall Beehive Tips You Need Now – Beekeeping with Ray

7 Easy Fall Beehive Tips You Need Now – Beekeeping with Ray
Make sure your hives are ready for the cold! This video covers essential hive management tips to prepare your honey bees for winter. Learn when and how to start winterizing beehive and ensure your queen has enough resources by feeding bees. #beekeeping #beekeepingtips #honeybees
Installing a Queen Bee: A Late-Season Guide

How to install a new queen bee in a split.
Join Ray from Honeytop Bees as he installs a new **queen bee** into the **beehive**, detailing each step of the **beekeeping** process. Despite unexpected challenges, he navigates the chaos, sharing essential tips for a smooth **queen bee introduction**. Learn from a seasoned **beekeeper** how to manage your **hive** and ensure your **honey bees** thrive!
Subscribe here: www.youtube.com/@HoneyTopBees
Rays Complete Beginners Bee Keeping Course: https://www.honeytopbees.com/rays-beginner-video-course/
Equipment:
DJI 3
Edited with Filmora
Tags:
#beekeeping #southcarolina #beekeeper #honeyBees #hiveinspection #hivealive #beekeeping2025 #bees #backyardbeekeeping #apiary #honey #beekeepingtips #honeytopbees #southernbeekeeping #Beekeeping101 #LearnBeekeeping
Fav Channels:
@brucesbees @JeffHorchoff @beek @BeekeepingWithNatalee @InsideTheHiveTV @FrederickDunn @chuckshoneybees @beefitbeekeeping
Solar Wax Melter: The Eco-Friendly Way To Render Beeswax

Ray showcases his solar wax melter and explains why it’s a great piece of beekeeping equipment. He doesn’t understand why some beekeepers consider it a gimmick, as this tool pouch is essential to his honey bees wax production. Check out this short video to see how you can use renewable energy to create pure beeswax!