Thursday, June 16, 2011

Information for Beekeepers


There are a whole lot of online resources about beekeeping these days. This is a good thing and I actually urge you to voraciously scan the pages and get as much info as you can on beekeeping - especially if you just are setting out. As for the seasoned beekeepers, this doesn't leave you out in any way. You need to read about the developments that could make you a better and more efficient beekeeper.

Whether it is in the area of maintenance, safety and protection, or general handling practices, announcements of breakthroughs in these broad areas abound all over the internet and the media in general. So there really isn't anything like 'knowing it all'. So what's the basic beekeeping information that you need to have either as a beekeeper or someone starting out? Broadly, you need info on the following aspects:

First, you need to properly understand the bees. Ok, you know what they are and of course they sting. But this is not sufficient! Understanding the bee nature will almost guarantee your success in this activity. For instance, you need to understand the different types of bees and their roles in the colonies, the behavior of the bees during an intrusion that they need nectar and pollen to produce honey, and that bees exist as a complete unit or colony. This means that it is not just a few disgruntled bees that will leave if the conditions get unfavorable in the hive, the whole colony can head for the woods in a swarm!

The next critical thing is your safety and protection. Don't be fooled by the sweet honey they produce, bees are by nature extremely protective and are ruthless when it comes to intrusion and interference to their habitat. They will certainly attack anyone and anything they deem to be an enemy. This is a fact that you will have to live with the rest of your (hopefully long) beekeeping life. There have been quantum improvements on the design and functionality of the protective gear required in beekeeping - and also quite a range to choose from.

Information on not just all the basic procedures involved in beekeeping, but also the most efficient handling of the same. A detailed step by step approach on these procedures will ensure that you are not just effective but that you also get as much output as is due to you. These procedures could include maintenance guidelines on the hives and the environment around the bees, for instance their source of nectar and pollen, how and when to harvest the honey, and which tools to employ and how to use them effectively. You need to have the right tools and know how to use them properly. Don't buy the whole store; only get what you need to get the job done.

Lastly, you need to be furnished with info on how to package and process your honey if you intend to sell it. Actually you need this info in any case. Chances are that there are some regulations and local authorities that will need to be involved or at least be in the know about your beekeeping activity.