How Not to Kill Your Bees When Starting Your First Beehive

Beekeeping has a long history and is enjoyed as a hobby as well as a profitable business. It is commonly understood as the controlled raising of bees in hives as a way to gather honey. There are many benefits to beekeeping beyond enjoying fresh honey including, the development and growth of healthy crops and gardens and keeping the population of more aggressive wasps and hornets low. However, it is very important to educate yourself on the many aspects in proper beekeeping to fully enjoy all its benefits and allow for the safety and well being of individuals in your area as well as the bees.

Having the appropriate equipment is key, to beginning the hobby or business of beekeeping. It is suggested for beginners to purchase package bees or an established bee colony but it is also possible to collect a swarm of bees. Protective gear should also be purchased, including a beekeeping suit, hat, veil and gloves. Many beekeepers also use what is commonly referred to as a smoker, to help subdue bees when working with the hive and collecting honey. The smoker uses different mediums that produce smoke helping to confuse the bees and make them less likely to swarm or attack. Though it is uncommon for bees to sting unless they feel threatened, having appropriate protective gear is always recommended and the use of the smoker increases the physical safety of the beekeeper while working with the bee colony.

It is additionally important to research local laws regarding beekeeping and determine whether you have the appropriate amount of space to safely care for your beehives. Hives should not be close to homes or outdoor areas that are commonly frequented as they can pose a safety risk and can be bothersome for many individuals. Threats of natural predators are also a consideration. Ensuring that your bees have easy access to food sources and water are also considerations when determining where to keep your beehives.

Once you determine the type of hive you will house your honey bees in, knowing when to harvest will determine the quality of your honey. A colony of bees can consist of thousands of bees and as such are very social insects. Each bee has a job and the hive works together to build the nest, collect food and raise and care for the young. Gaining knowledge about how bees live, will allow you to work with the natural instincts of the honey bee and increase the promise of a good honey harvest. As removing honey from the hive can be a challenge, knowing when to do so is extremely important. If the honey is harvested too soon, it will contain too much water and is likely to spoil or ferment. If the honey is left in the hive too long, it will make the honey darker in color and the bees will not have space to make more honey. Though the color of the honey does not affect the taste, most people prefer a lighter color. If harvesting honey for profit, this is a strong consideration. Taking cues from your bees will allow you to harvest honey at the appropriate time. When wax caps are formed over the honey cells, this is the best time to harvest. Harvesting should be done in the morning and on warmer, sunny days when the bees are most active.

Chris Shireman is a beekeeping expert. For more great information on beekeeping, visit http://www.beekeepinginfocenter.com.