subject: Beekeeping Information - 5 Important Details That Can Ensure The Success of Your Hive [print this page] Keeping bees is a complicated and time-consuming hobby. Although it is ultimately fun and very rewarding, you should be under no illusions as to the amount of work that goes into making a functioning and profitable beehive. For anybody looking to take up beekeeping, there are a few key things to think about before you begin.
Equipment - Apiculture is a specialist hobby and there are few pieces of equipment you will need to get started. One of the most important things to have is a smoker. This device releases smoke over your hive to try and calm the bees down. It is vitally important to use a smoker whenever you approach a hive to inspect it or remove honey, because doing so otherwise might make the bees think you are a predator and attack you. Just be careful not to use a smoker too much, as this will cause the bees to become listless and unproductive.
Clothing - It is also necessary to protect yourself with the relevant clothing when handling bees. A thick beekeeping suit will be needed to ensure the bees' stingers do not break your skin, while a hat and veil will also be required to cover the vulnerable parts of your face. Gloves are also a good idea, although if you find them too cumbersome then covering your hands with vinegar should repel the bees.
Bees - Getting some general knowledge about the animals you will be keeping is also a good idea. For example, knowing the bees produce honey as a back up food for the tough winter months will ensure that you can provide alternative food sources yourself, meaning that they won't eat your honey! You will also need to have a fairly large number of bees in an active colony, as bees generally die after around 35 days of life when their wings no longer work and they can serve no further purpose to the colony.
Hive - There are a number of different hive models you can choose when setting up a beehive and it is important that you decide which one is the best for you. The Langstroth hive is one of the most popular due to its ease of use - the frames inside are not fitted at the top or bottom so that the beekeepers can easily slide them out. Top-bar hives are also widely used, although these are less cost effective as they can only be used once before the bars must be replaced.
Guide - Whether you are a professional or a beginner, it is a good idea to get a beekeeping guide to ensure you stay on the right path when taking care of your bees. There are many great guides available, although the best ones are those by professional beekeepers themselves. A good guide will provide you on all sorts of beekeeping information, from where to buy specialist equipment you need to how to go about selling your honey.
Beekeeping Information - 5 Important Details That Can Ensure The Success of Your Hive
