Dearth Season

Since it is dearth season here these bees have been something else!
When I first started this hive in the spring my bees were very docile.  Now it's mid July and the heat is unbearable and no amount of fanning seems to be enough to keep the humidity and temperature stable.  You can not even approach this hive without being attacked by bees.  When the alert phermone is expelled it's bad news for anything around the hive.  Even pets.  Nevertheless, I love watching the bees and their odd behaviors (with my bee suit on!).  It fascinates me to watch how they operate their everyday life and communicate with one another.   Even though they can be brutally defensive I still defend them myself constantly giving care to them to protect their world.  I love being part of the life of those moody little girls.  To be such a hot, sweet mess this time of year...they bring me so much peace.

Becoming a Beekeeper

You want to be a Beekeeper?

Beekeeping is a new and very exciting hobby! As guardians of the the bees we can monitor and maintain the health and behaviors of bees and ensure that they are in perfect balance.

However, they are bees, and they are very good at maintaining themselves and their beehives.  The intervention of the bee life is usually minimal if the hive is maintained periodically and the benefits are overwhelming.  It is truly an addicting and fascinating hobby.  And you reap the gold when its time to harvest all that golden goodness they will produce for you.  HONEY!


Thinking about or would like to become a beekeeper and raise your own bees and honey?
Here are a few things to help you get started.

PURCHASE A BEEHIVE

If you are first time beekeeper we recommend you buy a fully assembled beehive kit. It would consist of everything you need to get started. The stand, all frames and two brood boxes, and two supers.
The supers are the top two boxes that the bees will store the honey that you can harvest later.  You can purchase beehives that are not assembled, if you would like to assemble your own hive. This helps to see how they are made and assembled in case you would like to build your own at some point. Beehive kits are available including everything you need for a full beehive or you can purchase boxes and frames individually.

SET UP YOUR BEEHIVE

Setting up your beehive is fairly simple. You will start with one brood box, the first brood box with frames and cover. Honeybees are active little creatures and we suggest that you place your hive away from areas where they can be disturbed.  The bees are building their home and have a pattern of organization.  Much like humans, if there is something threatening our home, we will automatically protect it. So placing your hive away from any distractions is best for them, and us.

Your hive should be pointing away from the direction of strong winter wind. Strong and/or cold winds can destroy your colony of bees. Honey bees are early risers. Facing the morning sun will alert them its time to get busy.  Honeybees need to be shaded in the afternoon and protected from extreme heat. Although they fan naturally to cool the beehive, extreme heat can cause a lot of stress cause your colony to die.

Place your hive on blocks about two feet off the ground to help control predators, like mice and insects. Placing it off the ground will also make it easier for you to handle when you are inspecting your hive periodically.


ORDER PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND GEAR

Before ordering bees it is recommended you have all the clothing and gear needed in order to protect you. Not all bees are aggressive, most are very gentle. Sudden moves as simple as dropping a hive tool or a sneeze will send bees in protection mode, so its always better to be protected at all times. But generally, if you are gentle with them, they will be gentle with you. Wearing a suit is the safest, but some just wear a jacket with hat and veil.  You should always protect your face and head since bee stings are not attractive on the eyes or lips, not to mention painful.  And bees are used to crawling into tiny places so if you have one in your clothing, you can bet they will find it.  So make sure you have sufficient clothing. Also, if you think you may be allergic to bees, it is recommended to see your doctor first to make sure that nothing can go wrong in your new hobby.  You should always practice good safety.

ORDER YOUR BEES

Beekeeping season starts in early spring. Around January, bee farms will take orders for honeybees and queens and will have them ready for the hive a few months later.  The orders go fast and they run out quickly so if you are thinking about trying it out the next spring then contact your local Bee Club or State Beekeeper Association to see who your suppliers are locally and what their dates are for ordering.




INSTALLING YOUR BEES

For beginning beekeepers, sometimes you can buy a hive on a bee farm with the bees already installed.  All you have to do is duct tape the entrance to the hive and take it to the location and set it up.  If you order bees, then ask the beekeeper to help you or give you instructions on how to install the bees, and queen depending on the package you purchase.

THEN!!.......

ENJOY YOUR BEES!

After the first couple of weeks, check your hive to make sure your queen is laying and your bees are working. Depending on the behavior of your bees and your weather conditions, it can be as soon as 2 to four weeks before you can add another brood box.  Check with you local beekeeper for any advice concerning building your hive up. Join forums, groups and your local bee club to learn more about beekeeping. Most beekeepers have different techniques and solutions to raising bees, so you are not likely to get the same answer from every beekeeper.  You will develop your own techniques.  Its an every day learning experience and the bees have a way to keep us learning every day.