Beekeeping Tools And Rules - 7 Tips For New Beekeepers

Probably the most important factor when beginning your beekeeping career is to ensure

you have the right equipment, so here are 7 tips you may find useful:

1.Invest in a good bee smoker - it is essential for working your bees and keeping them calm and less likely to do you any harm. The best type of smoker will have a guard around it, to prevent burns, and a hook so that it can be hung over an open hive, ready for instant use. Suitable fuels for smokers include dried lavender stalks, (apparently they have a wonderful effect on the bees) corn cobs, wood shavings, pine needles, even cardboard.

2.You will need a decent hive tool, so that you can prise apart the frames when you inspect the hive for honey production. A brightly coloured one will help you to find it if dropped on the ground.

3.Ensure your hives are situated within one mile of a source of nectar and pollen. The more flowers within reach, the more honey your bees will produce. They will also need a source of water to dilute the honey and regulate the hive temperature. If you are not near a source of water, make sure you provide a tank of water with a landing platform, either wood which floats, or rocks.

4.Your hive needs to be in the open air, away from overhanging trees, so that the bees have plenty of take off and landing space and lots of sunshine. The hives will also need protection from the wind and not be liable to any flooding.

5.Place your hives within easy reach of your home - you will be visiting them often, and in all types of weather, so you do not want it to become a burden if you have to travel miles through sun, rain and snow. You may also wish to screen the hives from view, so that they are not disturbed by unwanted visitors .

6.If you are desperate to take up beekeeping but simply do not have the space where you live, consider an "outyard". This simply means renting some space on a local farm. Your bees will undoubtedly be an asset to your local farmer, as they will help pollinate his crops, and you may only need to offer some honey in return for the use of his land.

7.You will invest quite an amount of money in your beehive, so make sure you paint the outside to protect it from the elements. You will not need to paint the inside, as your bees will cover this with propolis. Most beehives are painted in a latex or oil based paint, normally in white to keep it cooler in the hot summer temperatures. If you are putting your hive together for the first time, take some advice from an experienced beekeeper. This will ensure you give your bees the best possible start in their new home.

by: Tracey Beaney

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