Why This Small Historical Society's Honey Harvest Has Beekeepers Talking

Dr. Anya Sharma · 2026-09-25

When the Raymond-Casco Historical Society announced they were selling honey after a banner harvest, it probably didn't make national headlines. But for those of us who keep bees, stories like this hit different. Because let's be honest—a successful harvest isn't just luck. It's the result of healthy hives, strong queens, and keeping pests at bay. I've been comparing beekeeping products for years, and I can tell you this: the difference between a thriving apiary and a struggling one often comes down to pest control. So let's talk about what actually works. ### Why Pest Control Makes or Breaks Your Honey Harvest Varroa mites are public enemy number one. These tiny parasites weaken bees, spread viruses, and can wipe out an entire colony before you even realize there's a problem. If you're not monitoring and treating, you're basically gambling with your harvest. Small hive beetles are another headache. They love warm, humid climates and can slime up comb faster than you'd believe. And then there's the lesser wax moth—annoying, but manageable if you catch it early. The historical society didn't share their exact methods (wouldn't that be nice?), but any successful harvest in Maine tells me they've got their pest management dialed in. ### Top Pest Control Products That Actually Deliver After testing dozens of options, here's what consistently earns its place in my apiary: - **Apiguard (thymol gel)** – Slow-release treatment that's gentle on bees but tough on mites. Works best when temperatures are between 60–85°F. - **Oxalic acid vaporizers** – A favorite for winter treatments. Quick, effective, and leaves no residue in honey. - **Formic Pro pads** – Great for killing mites under brood cappings. Just be careful when temps climb above 85°F. - **Beetle blasters or oil traps** – Simple, reusable, and they keep small hive beetles from taking over. - **Screen bottom boards** – Not a treatment, but a fantastic prevention tool. Mites and beetles fall through, and you get better ventilation. One thing I've learned: rotate your treatments. Mites adapt fast, and using the same product year after year is asking for trouble. ### The Overlooked Step Most Beekeepers Skip Monitoring. Seriously. You can't treat what you don't measure. Do a sugar roll or alcohol wash every few weeks during active season. If you find more than 2–3 mites per 100 bees, it's time to act. I get it—life gets busy. But skipping that step is like ignoring a check engine light. Eventually, something breaks. ### What a Successful Harvest Really Looks Like A strong colony can produce 60–100 pounds of surplus honey in a good year. That's a lot of jars. But it doesn't happen by accident. It takes healthy bees, good forage, and consistent pest management. So when I see a small historical society celebrating a honey harvest, I smile. Because I know someone behind the scenes put in the work. And if you're reading this, you can too. Just remember: start with monitoring, choose your treatments wisely, and don't be afraid to ask other beekeepers what's working for them. We're all in this together—one hive at a time.