The bee population is declining due to hive depopulation syndrome (SSA), a phenomenon that kills large numbers of bees in a hive abruptly and suddenly. You can help address this problem and help bees to repopulate the land by becoming a beekeeper. Bees pollinate agricultural crops and have many other functions useful to humans. Becoming a beekeeper is not difficult and can be a pleasant and rewarding activity.
Steps
Step 1. Search your area for any beekeeping courses you may be taking
It might be expensive, but it will teach you many important things to know about bees and how to care for them. Look for information in agricultural schools and universities, where beekeeping courses are held periodically for external students.
Step 2. Read beekeeping manuals
There are many books and websites that offer instructions and advice, but be selective and do background research on the authors, which can help you understand their background on the subject. Several books are available to introduce beginners to the world of beekeeping.
Step 3. Purchase a "starter kit"
This will include:
- Arnie.
- Frames / supers.
- Movable bottom.
- Bee escape.
- External roof of the hive.
- Cable cover.
- Quick Feeder.
- Antivarroa drawer / antivarroa net.
- Helmet.
- Beekeeper helmet.
- Stainless steel smoker with protection.
- Hive maintenance tool.
- Gloves.
Step 4. Get the bees
Contact beekeeper associations for information on how and where to get bees.
Step 5. As a general guideline, the hive should be in a place close to the flowers
The type of flowers will affect the flavor of the honey. The hive will have internal frames that the bees will fill with honeycombs.
Step 6. You will add a frame on top of the one that has been filled with honeycombs and the bees will start filling the honeycomb as well
Add a frame on top of the other. The internal frames have no bottom or top and you can stack them.
Step 7. When the bees have almost filled the second frame, add a queen-excluder grid, which will let the bees through but prevent the queen from coming out
Then add a light frame over this, where you will form the honey.
Step 8. Bees could fill even the light frame
In this case, add another. Based on several factors, you may find yourself with multiple lightweight frames stacked in a single hive.
Step 9. This is just a basic introduction on how beekeeping works
You have to study the topic to learn more about this activity.
Advice
- Avoid wearing animal-based clothing or accessories. Remember, the natural predators of bees are mammals, so they will get extremely agitated if they sense wool, skin, fur, etc. Wearing cotton is the best choice, as it comes from one of their natural food sources. Wear a soft white nylon or polyester coverall and suitable gloves.
- Beekeeping is certainly not for everyone. All beekeepers get stung, sooner or later, so you need to find out if you are allergic to their sting before starting this business.
- The content of the "starter kit" may vary according to the origin of the product.
Warnings
- Bees can be harmful or fatal to those with allergies. Check with your doctor if you have this allergy before starting the beekeeping business.
- There may be beekeeping laws in the area you live in. Ask for information about it in your municipality before buying the material.
