Looking for a hobby, a way to make a difference, a way to save the planet, a way to supplement your income? Creating and caring for a beehive is a way to do all of this at once. Bees are jewels in nature's cap and vital to its balance. Buying American-made beekeeping supplies Indiana way helps the economy, too.
By going online, you can learn about the things you'll need to keep honeybees. There are many fine USA manufacturers of wooden hives, as well as economical plastic versions. As you browse the sites, you'll learn the vocabulary and can read about the basics of honeybee care.
First, you might want to check with your local extension agent. These offices, connected to large public universities, are valuable sources of information and also of volunteer help. The agencies and the many beekeepers in your area love to encourage newcomers to the art of raising honeybees.
What do you need to keep bees? Well, if you want honeybees, you need a hive (outer box) that holds the frames, which are the flat, stacking boxes that house the colony. You'll need to give the colony enough room to store food for itself and to house the 'brood' of eggs and larvae. You can start out with a 'nucleus hive' with only 3 to 5 frames, but the second year you'll need to expand.
Special tools have been developed to make opening the hives easier. It's necessary to inspect the colony periodically to make sure all is well. You also will want to harvest the honey. Special brushes help move bees out of your way, chemical or natural remedies help control mites and other parasites that can harm the colony, and feeders make it easier to carry the hive through dry spells or cold snaps.
Protective clothing is important. Even though honeybees are pretty docile, they get upset when their hives are disturbed. Suits, hats with veils, and gloves come in sizes from child to adult. Getting stung is no fun, and it can also make you allergic to bee venom in the future.
All species of bees are pollinators, but not all give honey. There is a tiny native American insect called the Mason bee. You have probably noticed them hovering around your lavender and mint plants. They almost never sting and they are so small that a sting is insignificant. All Mason bees need is a sheltered nesting hole in a sunny location and a yard full of feeder plants rich in nectar. They are not as well known as the honeybee but are even more prolific pollinators.
Bees are one of the most fascinating creatures in our world, as well as perhaps the most beneficial to humans. Anyone from the east coast to the west that can make a home for any of the bees is doing us all a favor. Indiana is a perfect place for beekeeping.
By going online, you can learn about the things you'll need to keep honeybees. There are many fine USA manufacturers of wooden hives, as well as economical plastic versions. As you browse the sites, you'll learn the vocabulary and can read about the basics of honeybee care.
First, you might want to check with your local extension agent. These offices, connected to large public universities, are valuable sources of information and also of volunteer help. The agencies and the many beekeepers in your area love to encourage newcomers to the art of raising honeybees.
What do you need to keep bees? Well, if you want honeybees, you need a hive (outer box) that holds the frames, which are the flat, stacking boxes that house the colony. You'll need to give the colony enough room to store food for itself and to house the 'brood' of eggs and larvae. You can start out with a 'nucleus hive' with only 3 to 5 frames, but the second year you'll need to expand.
Special tools have been developed to make opening the hives easier. It's necessary to inspect the colony periodically to make sure all is well. You also will want to harvest the honey. Special brushes help move bees out of your way, chemical or natural remedies help control mites and other parasites that can harm the colony, and feeders make it easier to carry the hive through dry spells or cold snaps.
Protective clothing is important. Even though honeybees are pretty docile, they get upset when their hives are disturbed. Suits, hats with veils, and gloves come in sizes from child to adult. Getting stung is no fun, and it can also make you allergic to bee venom in the future.
All species of bees are pollinators, but not all give honey. There is a tiny native American insect called the Mason bee. You have probably noticed them hovering around your lavender and mint plants. They almost never sting and they are so small that a sting is insignificant. All Mason bees need is a sheltered nesting hole in a sunny location and a yard full of feeder plants rich in nectar. They are not as well known as the honeybee but are even more prolific pollinators.
Bees are one of the most fascinating creatures in our world, as well as perhaps the most beneficial to humans. Anyone from the east coast to the west that can make a home for any of the bees is doing us all a favor. Indiana is a perfect place for beekeeping.
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When you are searching for information about beekeeping supplies Indiana locals can visit our web pages. More details are available at http://bastinhoneybeefarm.com now.
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