Beekeeping is a rewarding hobby that can draw you back to the wonders of nature. Bees are lovely creatures and the ultimate workaholics of the arthropods. Think of your bee hive as a complex organism that needs proper care and maintenance.
Knowing your bee biology will help you determine what food they need and what to expect.
However, no matter how thorough you are, you’ll still be up for a surprise. Check out these seven tips for keeping your beehive safe and healthy for your bees!
1. The More the Merrier
If your resources permit it, consider taking care of more than one beehive. Having another colony increases the chances of healthy bees. It gives you a safety net if one of your beehives lands in trouble.
You’ll have a backup source of supplies and bees. You can strengthen a weak hive, rule with a new queen, and increase your experience as a beekeeper. Check bee hives for sale to keep your first colony company.
2. Food and Water
Plant flowers throughout your garden to keep your bees well-fed. Depending on your local flora, check out which plants yield the most nutrition for bees.
There is a misconception that insects don’t drink. So keep a water fountain or even a shallow dish nearby for your parched workaholic bees.
3. Protect from the Sun and Rain
Exposure to the elements means your hives will wear out over time. They can warp, crack, rot, and rust. Weather is the primary culprit; resolve this by installing hive shelters.
Build a sloped rain cover that can double as a shade structure to reduce sun damage. Keep it at an incline to facilitate water flow, and keep the bottom well ventilated.
Ventilation is also critical. You don’t want condensation build-up causing ice and water damage.
4. Animal control
Secure a weight on the shelter to stop raccoons from reaching into the top of your hive. Clear all debris surrounding your apiary to derail woodlice and termites.
Mice and other rodents tend to build nests on apiaries. Install a mice guard and elevate the hive if you can.
5. Secure the Space
While municipality laws vary, you generally need at least 1 to 2 acres of backyard space to keep a beehive.
Protecting the beehive begins at a distance. Construct windbreaks to minimize the damage external forces cause on your hives.
6. Beeswax Replacement
Bees use beeswax to create combs. The beeswax can sustain damage through harvesting, general maintenance, and wear and tear. Gently reposition the beeswax if you accidentally detach it.
If the damaged beeswax is beyond repair, replace it with wax from another hive or the store. This is why having more than one beehive comes in handy.
7. Regular Checkups
Inspect your colony every 7 to 10 days. A lot goes on in a hive: they can swarm, make new cells, or generate eggs.
Try not to overdo it, though. Every time you open the apiary, you let out heat and risk stressing the bees. Bees become sluggish at 55 °F, and at 45 °F, they can pass from hypothermia.
Keep Your Bee Hive Happy and Healthy
Thank you for reading our article! Ensure your bee hive has ample food, water, and ventilation. You’re battling weather and animals as you strive for colony equilibrium.
Practice these seven tips to keep a healthy beehive. For more stellar advice like this, check out our other blog posts. Happy buzzing!