{"title":"Beekeeping Services","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"private-class-mentor-service","title":"Private Class - Mentor Service","description":"\u003cp id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1622943512589_1579\"\u003eSometimes beginner and experienced beekeepers need a little extra hand with some on-site advice. Beekeeping can be difficult at times as you try to make sense of what your bees are doing. We were beginner beekeepers once, and we remember wondering if everything was going terribly or if everything was going well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor local customers within 20 miles of our store, we will visit your hives and consult for $125 for the first hour and $18.75 every 15 minutes after that. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen you purchase the service, that puts you on our list. Then, we will contact you to \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eschedule a day and time to perform the consultation. Generally, this service is performed on weekdays.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWould you like to come to our bee yard and get a private lesson? We can do that too. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome of the ways we can help you with our mentoring service include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHIVE INSPECTION\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA routine hive inspection is essential to every good beekeeper. During a hive inspection, a beekeeper can find out how well the bees are doing and if any action is needed. We can help with your inspection and advise on the next steps, and show you how to do your own inspection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHIVE SPLITTING \u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have a particularly strong hive that you would like help splitting, we can help you find the queen and the right frames for the job. If you need to mark the queen before splitting or have queen cells that you would like transferred, we can help make that job easier for you. Splitting hives is a great way to keep your bees healthy and prosperous, as well as increase your apiary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePRE-BEEKEEPING HELP\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeed help figuring out what you need to get started? Meet with us early to see the equipment options and get a personalized consultation so you can get the equipment that works best for you. There is a lot to consider before getting your bees and get you started off on the right foot. These are great for our virtual consult. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHONEY HARVESTING\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf all goes well with your bees, you may be able to harvest a little honey for your friends and family. Not all frames are ripe for harvesting, so we can help go through your hive and pull frames that will do the job. It also helps you uncap and spin out your honey. It's quite a process, but it's helpful to have an experienced beekeeper alongside to help. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePOST MORTEM\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter a colony dies, it is helpful to look at the frames and make a diagnosis as to why they died. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell, but we can help diagnose the situation to hopefully keep it from happening again. What do you do with the equipment? We can help you find a plan for that too. Losing colonies is part of beekeeping, but we can help reduce the pain from that sting. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBEE INSTALLATION\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen your bees arrive, it can be an intimidating process of \"installing\" them. We can help demystify this process and coach you through the steps, or you can watch us. Different techniques are used for packages and nucleus hives, and we can help you and your bees get started on the right foot. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSPACE PLANNING\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt can be difficult planning the right spot for your bees, as there are so many variables to take into account. Choosing your apiary location takes careful planning and prep to ensure you and your bees do well. If you need your hives moved to a new apiary, we can help with that too. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eVARROA COUNTING\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVarroa mites can wreak havoc on a beehive, often going unnoticed until it is too late. It is practically impossible to just look for varroa mites on the bees, so we can offer a definitive count of the varroa mite population in your hive and give advice based on what is found. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSWARM CATCHING\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHave your bees swarmed, and you want to get them back? We can help you get your own bees back and transfer them into a new hive. There are certain tricks we can share with you to ensure your new (old) bees stay in their new hive, turning lemons into lemonade. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHIVE SITTING\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes, our schedules don't mesh well with our hobbies. If you aren't able to take care of your hives for a period of time, we can step in and help your bees while you are away. Whether that is feeding your bees are adding equipment to reduce the chances of swarming. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSO WHAT DOES IT COST?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is no extra charge for locations within 20 miles of our retail store. This covers much of the Birmingham area. For locations further than 20 miles, we charge for $2 each mile over 20 miles to the apiary.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor example, if your apiary is 30 miles from our store, we would charge $125 for the first hour and $2 for each additional mile beyond 20. If we spent another 30 minutes with you and your bees, it would be only an additional $37.50. We don't charge mileage for the return trip. We calculate our time from the point we start talking about bees to when we stop. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you would like to book a time with us, please purchase the consult, and we will contact you immediately after to schedule an appropriate time. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe enjoy teaching and want you to be successful as a beekeeper, and our mentoring service gives you the opportunity to work with an experienced beekeeper with your bees.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Foxhound Bee Company","offers":[{"title":"One-on-One Private Class In Person","offer_id":47288960155900,"sku":"sku-39951956377737","price":125.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/1648\/7234\/files\/Private-Class-In-Person-or-Online-Foxhound-Bee-Company.png?v=1751296081"},{"product_id":"wax-dipping-wood-preservation-service","title":"Wax Dipping Wood Preservation Service","description":"\u003ch1\u003eWax Dipping For Beekeeping Equipment\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublic wax dipping is done on the third Friday of every month at our location in Irondale, Alabama. You can drop off assembled equipment ahead of time or you can purchase new equipment to be dipped. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf you would like equipment wax dipped, place your order for assembled, unpainted equipment, as well as the wax dipping service for each piece you want dipped. We will have your order ready for pickup later, on the 3rd Friday of each month, or we will ship it out the following week. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGet 5 free wax-dipped items with every 25 you purchase. Discount automatically applies when you add 30 items to the cart. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAre you tired of painting equipment, only to be dissatisfied with the results? Foxhound Bee Company offers a solution for preserving wooden beekeeping supplies and other wooden pieces through \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.foxhoundbeecompany.com\/products\/beekeeper-blend-wax-dipping-blocks\"\u003ewax dipping.\u003c\/a\u003e This process, which has been around for years, provides long-lasting protection for wood, ensuring its durability. By immersing the wood in a hot vat of wax, the natural moisture is replaced with a waterproof wax blend that penetrates the wood, safeguarding it from rain, moisture, and rot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBenefits of Wax Dipping Wood\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lifespan of properly wax-dipped wood can extend for decades, with the commonly quoted figure of 25+ years without the need for re-dipping. Notably, our equipment, made from cypress wood, is naturally more durable than pine. Wax dipping offers numerous advantages, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLongevity: Wax-dipped wood can last for an extended period, ensuring lasting protection and reduced maintenance requirements.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMoisture Resistance: The wax blend used during the dipping process protects the wood from rain, moisture, and rot, making it ideal for outdoor use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePreservation: By replacing the natural moisture in the wood with wax, the process effectively preserves the wood's integrity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEnhanced Durability: Wax-dipped wood is more resistant to wear and tear, ensuring the longevity of your beekeeping equipment and other wooden items.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWax Dipping Process\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the wax dipping process, the wood is submerged in a hot vat of wax. This duration allows for the removal of natural moisture from the wood, which is then replaced by the waterproof wax blend. It is important to note that while the wood becomes protected throughout, the surface remains dry and non-waxy.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf you would like other items preserved in with wax, contact us. We do bat houses, bird houses, and furniture. Anything that can fit in the tank. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Wax Blend\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreserving wood through wax dipping is an expensive endeavor that requires a specialized stainless steel tank filled with a blend of two waxes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMicrocrystalline Wax\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eParaffin Wax\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis combination of waxes ensures optimal wood protection, preventing the wax from melting in hot temperatures and avoiding surface tackiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWax Dipping Services\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Foxhound Bee Company, we offer wax dipping services for beekeeping supplies and other wooden pieces. Our store, located in Irondale, Alabama, serves as a drop-off point for beekeepers and others in need of wax dipping. Additionally, we can accommodate larger pieces or outdoor furniture up to 48\" x 32\" in our tank. For pricing and further information on dipping larger items, please contact us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I bring used equipment?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, you can bring used equipment for wax dipping. However, please ensure that it is cleaned of any loose paint, wax moth debris, dirt, mold, cobwebs, loose wood, etc. A wire brush can be helpful for cleaning old boxes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan the equipment be already painted?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, painted equipment is perfectly fine for wax dipping. Please note that the color of the paint may undergo slight changes during the process. After wax dipping, the equipment must be painted immediately while still hot, as the paint will not adhere to the wood surface once it cools.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes the equipment have to be assembled?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo, your boxes do not need to be assembled before wax dipping. The tank can accommodate small pieces, and the wood does not change shape during the dipping process, ensuring that the joints will still fit together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich pieces of beekeeping equipment can't be wax-dipped?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrames are not suitable for wax dipping as they are already protected inside the box and do not require additional waterproofing. However, screened bottom boards and metal-capped telescoping covers can be dipped, although a thin layer of wax may adhere to the metal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis does not affect their functionality but may slightly alter their appearance. It is important to note that equipment made of plywood, masonite, and similar materials are not suitable candidates for hot wax dipping. The glue used in these materials can fail, leading to delamination of the wood after wax dipping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan pre-treated wood be dipped?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe do not accept pre-treated woods that have undergone pressure treatment or have been dipped in chemicals such as copper-naphthenate or similar wood treatments. These treatments contain harsh chemicals that are not beneficial for honeybees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo you offer club or bulk discounts?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe provide discounts for groups or sideline\/commercial beekeepers who have a minimum of 50 boxes or pieces of equipmen. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is the difference between our wax dipping and other processes?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWax coating and wax dipping are two methods used to protect beekeeping equipment. Wax coating involves applying a thin layer of melted wax to the surface, offering surface-level protection. In contrast, wax dipping submerges the entire piece of equipment in hot wax, providing thorough penetration and long-lasting protection from the inside out. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWax coating creates a water-resistant barrier that will eventually degrade and come off. At this point, the wood cannot be painted without completely removing any wax on the surface. Wax coating is most often used on the cheap beekeeping equipment found on Amazon. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe also sell \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.foxhoundbeecompany.com\/products\/beekeeper-blend-wax-dipping-blocks\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e60 lb Beekeeper Blend Wax Dipping Blocks\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Foxhound Bee Company","offers":[{"title":"Deep Box - Assembled","offer_id":47288972640508,"sku":"WAX DIP SERVICE DEEP","price":10.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium Box - Assembled","offer_id":47288972673276,"sku":"WAX DIP SERVICE MEDIUM","price":8.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Top Covers \/ Bottom Boards \/ Inner Covers \/ Etc...","offer_id":47288972706044,"sku":"WAX DIP SERVICE OTHER","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/1648\/7234\/files\/WaxDippingWoodPreservationService1.png?v=1768853232"}],"url":"https:\/\/proudlibertarian.com\/collections\/beekeeping-services\/tag.oembed","provider":"Proud Libertarian","version":"1.0","type":"link"}