Bees are one among the most wonderful creations of Nature. These selfless creatures have been a part of the Earth for thousands of years, long before the advent of humans. They are nature’s pollinators, as they transfer pollen across plants when they collect nectar to make honey. They are self-sufficient creatures who make their own food – honey. They also provide honey as sustenance for other creatures, including humans, and are mentioned in ancient texts and religions.
Humankind has been collecting honey from wild bees from over eight thousand years. Egyptians have documented keeping bees in artificial hives. Apiculture is the technical term used to describe beekeeping, and a beekeeper is called an apiarist. Most honeybees have Eurasian origins. Apis mellifera is the main domesticated species of bees that produces honey. These European bees are used by many beekeepers, though sub species may also be used. The word ‘apis’ means bee in Latin and ‘mellifera” means honey-bearing.
Setting Up A Beehive
When you first set up a beehive in your backyard or on acres of land it is better to start small and simple. One of the most important aspects to keep in mind before starting a hive is to check local zoning laws. Some regions don’t allow apiculture in backyards while others have a strict framework of rules to be followed. There are many books on beekeeping. Local communities also have beekeeping clubs and associations who may lend a helping hand and provide invaluable local advice including rules and regulations that need be followed.
Follow the below mentioned steps to begin beekeeping as a hobby or a business.
Buying or Building A Beehive
Primitive hives were made using hollowed out logs. Today, you can build your own hive using wood or buy an assembled hive from websites. Alternatively, you can also build hives following instructions available online or from books. There are many online resources that guide you through the process.
Modern apiaries contain stacked boxes with frames. Different materials are used, though wood is often the first choice. Placing a hive in a cool and shady place is advised. Avoid placing a hive near the direct rays of the sun. If you have huge trees, placing a hive below them is often recommended as an ideal spot, by experts.
Equipment
As you set up your beehives, it is also necessary to purchase specific equipment to gather honey and other by-products that will be produced by your bees. Some of the basic, essential tools required include a hive tool, a smoker and appropriate clothing.
Hive Tool
Pick an all-in-one hive tool that is both sturdy and versatile. This tool can help remove combs and pry apart top bars on the hives.
Smoker
A smoker is a small, essential piece of equipment that makes beekeeping easy to handle. Burn wood or pine needles in the smoker before working on your hive. The smoke helps disorient communications between bees and decreases aggressiveness, making it easy to work.
Beekeeper Clothing
It is essential to wear protective clothing around bees to prevent getting stung by them. Bees are not aggressive creatures. They sting in defense, if they feel threatened. Find beekeeper suits, helmets with veils and gloves online or in stores. Use thick clothing that covers hands and feet, if you wish to avoid wearing a beekeeper suit; however, you definitely need to use a hood that contains a hat and a veil.
Bees
Once you have set up the hive, you need bees. Order bees from various sellers. Bees are social creatures and live together in a hive. You need to purchase a Queen Bee, Worker Bees and Drones as different bees play different roles according to their gender. All of them are essential for a hive to thrive. Each bee has a specific job.
Queen Bee
A Queen Bee is larger and longer than other bees and is fed special food called royal jelly. She is essential for the growth and propagation of the hive. She mates with many male bees and lays eggs which fertilize and produce bees to increase colony size. These bees grow up to become worker bees.
Workers
Worker bees are female bees who do not reproduce. They are the largest number of bees present in the hive. They are required for the normal functions of a hive. As their name suggests they look after the entire colony from the queen, to the drones and to the larvae in the hive.
Drones
Drones are male honeybees. They have a singular role to play. They mate with queen bees. They don’t produce honey or any other by product. Their only function is to mate with the Queen, to help produce eggs. After mating, they die. Unfortunately, old drones who are incapable of procreation, are driven away from the colony. Drones are a prime example of the survival of the fittest as far as nature is concerned.
Generally, research has shown that setting up two beehives is the way forward. Most beekeepers suggest that a minimum of two hives are required to make it a viable business. Set up one hive to begin with. When the bees begin fanning the hive, it is time to set up the next hive. Generally Spring is the best season to set up a hive.
Having a garden or flowering plants close to the hive, makes it easy for bees to collect nectar and pollinate plants. However, bees can also travel large distances for pollination and to collect nectar. Some beekeepers, who raise large numbers of bees, travel along with their hives to offer them for pollination across the country.
Bee products
Now that you have set up a fully functional beehive it’s time to enjoy its rewards. The major products which have commercial and nutritional value are honey, beeswax, pollen, propolis, royal jelly and venom.
Honey
Honey is the main product that can be harvested from beehives. It is a sweet liquid that has a delicious taste. It is full of beneficial nutrients.
Beeswax
Honeybees produce a natural wax called beeswax. It is used to make candles and to polish furniture. It is also used in the cosmetic industry for a wide range of products used by both men and women.
Pollen
Bees dust pollen gathered from flowers into their hives. This pollen can be gathered and used as a health supplement.
Propolis
Propolis is a natural resinous product that bees manufacture, using exudates from plants and trees. It is used to treat inflammations and other health conditions in a natural way.
Royal Jelly
Royal jelly is the food produced by worker bees to feed the Queen Bee. It is said to have medicinal properties.
Venom
Bees produce a complex mixture of nutrients when they sting. This venom has been studied and both traditional and alternative medicine have documented its use as it may prevent blood clots.
Brood As Food
Drone larvae and pupae have been used as food by some cultures. These brood products are used as a delicacy and can be incorporated into soups and other dishes.
Beekeeping can be both a viable hobby and small business, with the time required often outweighed by long-term rewards.
by Inara Hasanali