Common Mistakes Made by Beginner Beekeepers

Apiculture is exciting as much as it is a daunting job. You may have been inspired by several beekeepers, but when it comes to implementing it, there are some mistakes that a beginner ought to make. However, you can avoid these petty blunders by following some of these tips to ensure your beekeeping journey is somewhat lesser challenging:

Gather Sufficient Knowledge on Apiculture

Beekeeping isn’t something that survives with basic knowledge. If you want to run your business successfully, then you must be connected to a beekeeping club/group/association. Remain flexible to gaining knowledge at all times from any sourcebooks, internet, social media, videos, or documentaries. If you have learnt about a new tip, then look it up from different sources to confirm that it has actually worked for others before you can implement it on your bees.

Feed Your Bees

Flowers could be at their full bloom around you, but it doesn’t mean your bees have enough food. You should still place sugar water for bees till they have drawn their honey combs and stored their honey. If you find the bees not taking sugar water, then give the process a break for a couple of weeks and then offer sugar water to them once again. Feed them till their honeycomb is complete in the boxes. If you stop feeding them, they will not have enough to survive the winters. Keep your calendar marked to check their food stores.

Be Prepared for Mites

Beehives are vulnerable to mite attacks. The Varroa to be precise are the most common mites that beekeepers face. They spread fast and will ultimately kill your beehive if you don’t get it treated soon. Get the hives chemically treated if your hives are under the attack. Keep checking the hives at regular intervals to ensure the bees are healthy.

Always Have Extra Equipment

As a beginner you might have started will probably a couple of bee boxes and plan to expand as the colony grows. Patience is definitely a virtue! However, it is indeed a wise decision to have extra equipment ready to use if required. For instance, what if you suddenly come across a wild swarm that is within your reach? An extra box, some frames and foundation will keep you ready for an extra hive.

Harvesting Honey at the Wrong Time

Initially, it could be difficult for a beginner to understand when the honey is ready for harvest. With time and learning, things become more distinct. You shouldn’t harvest the honey in the first year. The bees might not have been mature enough to produce honey that can be harvested within a year’s time. Let a year pass by before you reap your first harvest.

Harvesting the Wrong Quantity

Don’t drain the bees of the entire honey. You need to leave a portion for them so they can survive. Harvesting too much honey will leave them starved and they might die.

You learn something new each day in beekeeping. The more time you spend on this hobby/business, the closer you get in mastering it.