In thefirst part of this series , we looked at the ways we accent our honeybee settlement as beekeepers . In this second installation on strain , we consider measures to make it easy on them .
1. Beware of Chemicals
The resolution for this stressor is an prosperous one : Do n’t spray ! The complication comes when you exist near other multitude andtheyspraytheiryards and gardens . If you live within several mile of another home or a farm , your bees probably come into contact with whatever these neighbors use on their landscapes . What can be done ? If you feel you’re able to do so respectfully , approach your neighbors and explain that you ’re a beekeeper . Ask whether they habituate chemical substance in their yards and garden , and if so , which unity . attempt to civilize those around you on the harmful personal effects chemical substance can have on bees . Perhaps a bit of bribery , using some organic and chemical - free beloved , will go a tenacious way too .
2. Provide Adequate Resources
In true nectar deserts , it ’s unspoiled not to keep bee at all . This European native , after all , is not well suited to every landscape painting . However , supporting your bee to the best of your abilities is your responsibility as a apiculturist . Read up on the professional and bunco of feeding bees during a dearth , and certainly do your research when it comes to what to fertilize them ( you’re able to show more about supplementary feedinghere ) .
3. Avoid a Dirty Hive
Keep the hive clear by foreshorten the amount of work on the bees . Remove obstacles , such as large objects and dust from within the hive . Keep foreign objects and unpleasant smelling things out of the beehive as well , and you ’ll have happier bee .
4. Minimize Transporting Bees
If you ’re deliberate commercial-grade apiculture , it is an industry build on moving bees . But the distinctive hobby apiculturist is probably able to keep his or her bees stationary — as it should be . Honeybees course delay put . The only times bees move is when they swarm , or abscond a hive because of unhealthful atmospheric condition ( another good reason to keep your beehive clean ) .
5. Provide Natural Foods
If you do have to add on your bees ’ provender , do so with their instinctive food : honey . It contains the tincture vitamins and minerals bees postulate to be truly good for you ; also allow them to keep all of their pollen , if they ’re peculiarly frail , as this is their primary protein source .
6. Be Careful With Breeding Techniques and Manipulation
If you find that your breeding program is interfering with your bee ’ wellness , it ’s meter to take a step back . Breeding and erect weak bee is a big musical theme anyway . find oneself the root of your bee ’ ailments and address their wellness before continue with your breeding computer program .
7. Avoid Excessive Harvesting
This is the most common way beekeepers stress their bees . We get excited when we see honey and we get devouring , glean more than we leave on the settlement . Remember , honey is the bee ’ winter storage — and they absolutely need it to last . Leaving 40 to 60 pound of honey at a minimum is best for giving the bee a scrap chance through wintertime .
8. Time Hive Splits Wisely
“ Splitting ” or dividing a beehive can put a tenseness on the “ mother ” beehive if she is already weak . Closely assess your colony ’s health before conducting a split . If the bees are thriving , and the population is bursting at the seams , you acknowledge you have a strong enough beehive to split .
9. Perform Inspections Only When Necessary
Every time we collapse unfold the beehive , we expose the bee ’ isolate , dark and clean environment to the otherwise overwhelming world . For days , sometimes weeks , after an inspection , your bees might be repairing the damage you did in just 45 hour . Once you ’re an established beekeeper , conduct inspections only with intention . bed what you are looking for , and do n’t dilly dally while the hive is open . Be dull , easy and thorough , and reduce your damage as much as possible .
With a few aware technique , you’re able to be a soft beekeeper . Know what stresses bees throughout the year , and you may reduce the electronegative impact on them significantly . You ’ll have good for you and happier bees for it .
