Beekeeping Glossary
SWARM
A large number of worker bees, drones, and usually the old queen that leaves the parent colony to establish a new colony. Read More
SWARMING
The natural process of propagating a colony of honey bees. Read More
SMOKER
A device in which materials are slowly burned to produce smoke (not flames) which is used to subdue bees. It is important to use a material that produces a cool smoke as not to harm the bees. Read More
SACBROOD
A viral disease which affects the larva of honey bees.
SCOUT BEES
Worker bees searching for a new source of pollen, nectar, propolis, water, or a new home for a swarm of bees.
SECONDARY SWARM
A smaller swarm which may occur after the primary swarm has occurred.
SKEP
A beehive made of twisted straw without movable frames.
SLATTED RACK
A wooden rack that fits between the bottom board and hive body. Bees make better use of the lower brood chamber with increased brood rearing. Congestion at the front entrance is reduced which can also reduce the swarming tendency.
SLUMGUM
The refuse from melted comb and cappings after the wax has been rendered or removed.
SOLAR WAX MELTER
A glass-covered insulated box used to melt wax from combs and cappings by the heat of the sun.
SPUR EMBEDDER
A handheld device used for embedding wires into foundation with the purpose of reinforcing the foundation.
STINGER
The modified structure of a worker honey bee used as a weapon of offense. Honey bees have a barbed stinger which stays embedded in the recipient of sting cause the bee to later die.
STREPTOCOCCUS PLUTON
Bacteria that cause European foulbrood.
SUCROSE
Principal sugar found in nectar.
SUPER
Any hive body, or smaller box, used for the storage of surplus honey which the beekeeper will harvest. Normally it is placed over or above the brood chamber. Offered in shallow, medium, and deep supers.
SUPERSEDURE
The natural replacement of an established queen by a newly reared queen in the same hive.
SURPLUS HONEY
Honey removed from the hive which exceeds that needed by bees for their own use.
SWARM CELL
Queen cells usually found on the bottom of the combs before swarming.