Tips To Build A Beehive At Home
If you want to get into beekeeping, but just as a hobbyist, try to do it at home. You can build a beehive in your backyard. But if you don't know what you are doing, things might become troublesome. Bees have always been around. And beekeeping is an old practice of obtaining honey. It came into existence so people won't have to go out for honey. With time, beekeepers have managed to perfect the art of keeping bees.
Tips to Build A Beehive At Home
So here are a few tips to build a beehive at your home. These tips can help you build your own beehive and do it in a safer way.
1. Do Some Research on Local Beekeeping Guidelines
When you want to build a beehive in your backyard, the first thing you should do is research the local beekeeping regulations. Make sure, you, as an individual, are allowed to have bees on your property. So before you start, visit the local office of your city and tell them about your plans for beekeeping in your backyard.
2. Buy Amenable and Mild-tempered Bees
When you build a hive, you would also have to buy the bees. There are a variety of honey bees for you to choose from. They could have different temperament and react differently in different situations. When you are new to beekeeping, it would be better to pick a gentle type of honeybee. Also, make sure those gentle bees make a lot of honey. When bees are gentle, you can handle them with more ease, but no less care. Aggressive bees might sting you or your neighbors.
3. Create A Fence Around Your Backyard
It is important that you fence your backyard before bringing bees at your home. Fencing will ensure that your neighbours and bees both stay safe and live peacefully next to each other. Make your fence at least 8 feet tall and out of wood or Styrofoam. It will ensure that your bees fly over the fence at least 8 feet above the ground. Thus, they won't have to fly while bumping into people.
4. Begin Your Beekeeping with Two Bee Swarms
Many experts suggest starting the beekeeping with two bee swarms. This is because if one bee swarm is having issues, you can continue your beekeeping with the other swarm. With the right knowledge and skills, you can raise a lot more bees from the second swarm to replace the first swarm. If you feel nervous, take the help of an expert. Do not hesitate to look for help.
5. Purchase A Good Beehive for Your Bees
When you will buy the bees, you would also have to buy them a home. That would be a beehive. Once more, there are different types of beehives available. Each hive has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. But you would have to see what would suit your bees in the best possible way. You can also ask the other experienced beekeepers for help to find the right beehive. Though, the most popular beehives are the Langstroth hive and Top Bar Hive. Before buying, ensure that the hive is not contaminated.
When you are getting into beekeeping business, there are various precautions you need to take, for you and your bees. Like getting safety gear, maintaining a clean backyard, making sure ants doesn't come near the hive, and so on. The better care you take, the better would be the chances for the bees to survive and flourish.