How to Take Better Care of Your Bees — What Beginners in Beekeeping Should Know

Beekeeping is no joke. Those who are doing it just to get a lot of honey should better go to a nearby store and buy some instead. There are also online stores that sell 100% pure honey, from where you can buy as much honey you want. Why get into the hassles? Make no mistake — we are not discouraging you from becoming a beekeeper, we just want you to make sure that you don’t take it for granted. A true beekeeper knows that there is a lot that goes into the process and to achieve the best results, every important aspect of it should be taken good care of. A specialist in beekeeping and hive management services can help you. Here are a few things beginners in beekeeping should know-

Regular Inspections

Beekeepers should perform regular hive inspections— at least once a month being as thorough as you will pay off in the end. Hive inspections are done to continually monitor a colony's health, productivity, and temperament. Doing so will provide many insights into the Queen's production, food stores, and apiary pest pressures. Also, the beekeeper will know if any measures or corrective actions are required. If you aren’t already aware of them, get in touch with expert in hive management services to help you.

Correct Tools & Techniques

If you have the right beekeeping tools and know the correct techniques, you are going to excel at this job. For example, it's best to avoid approaching a hive from the entrance side. Instead, you should start by smoking the entrance, then cracking open the lid with a hive tool, and give a few good puffs. Make mental notes even while doing initial smoking to see how your bees are reacting to your presence. It will be normal for a more than a usual number of bees to fly around but they should not be acting overly aggressive, stinging your hands or equipment. When pulling out frames, make sure your back is facing the sun, so you can get the best light.

Check Every Frame

Using a hive tool, pull out and inspect each frame. It is common but not always necessary to check the frame farthest from you first. Going down the line, pull out each frame, making observations and keeping them in their original order. Repeat this process until you have checked all frames. Your objective during this process should be to:

1. Locate and inspect the Queen to make sure she is healthy and active and not showing any signs of sickness.

2. Make sure the workers are attending to the Queen.

3. Check the combs for eggs, larvae, and pupae to see if the queen is producing healthy brood and that the egg-laying pattern is solid and uniform.

4. Check the combs for pollen and honey stores.

5. Check the comb for Queen Cells and remove them.

6. Check for excessive drone cells.

7. Check for surface pests, such as varroa mite, beetles and wax moths.

8. Check for signs and symptoms of diseases, such as nosema, chalkbrood, and foulbrood.

Just like any form of animal husbandry, owning a honeybee colony or beekeeping is a continuous responsibility and it is up to you to maintain it.

Meyer Bees is your source for everything beekeeping. If you need any set-up tools, beekeeping supplies, or hive management services, look no further!