If you have plans to have your very own backyard apiary or you are already getting started with one soon, there are a few tips you have to keep in mind to ensure that your apicultural venture is going to be a great success.
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Take Small Steps First
Although you might feel excited with the thought of having dozens of bee colonies, the truth is that it is sometimes a wiser idea to start small and expand from there. During your initial year as a beekeeper, it is recommended to just have 2 or 3 hives. This will give you more solid foundation in beekeeping with no need for you to feel too overwhelmed.
Beehive scale allows constant control of the shrines and losses of honey in the hive
However, it is not right to start with just one hive since you will need a minimum of two hives to get a comparison. It might be more difficult for you to know if it is struggling or thriving if you just have a single hive.
Be Familiar with the Law
Before you start shopping for a beehive scale or honey extractors for your apiary and completely embrace the beekeeping world, make sure you know the ordinances and regulations for beekeeping implemented in your place.
There are certain provinces and states that require beekeepers to have a license while others require annual inspections of apiaries. Most municipalities also enact regulations about specific parameters when it comes to placement of hives. For example, some may require hives to be 500 feet away from the roadway.
Contact the local association of beekeepers to get more details about legalities in your place. In case you discover that you cannot keep bees right in your own backyard or property, you don’t have to worry. Other gardeners or farmers might let you keep bees on their property in exchange for the benefits of pollination.
Pick an Ideal Spot
It is also important that you choose the best location for your apiary. You might want to consider different criteria like the presence of windbreak, which is of big help, the availability of a good source of water, and the proximity of hives to your home, animals, and neighbors. It is also critical to have a hive stand since it will elevate your hives away from the wet ground and at the same time, prevent critters from gaining easy access. This hive stand doesn’t have to be elaborate and you only need it to be functional.
Keep Yourself Safe
Make sure that you are protected when you work around your bees. You can invest in a beekeeping glove, a beekeeper jacket, a veil, and a full-body coverall. These pieces of clothing might sound simple but they can let work comfortably around the bees with no need to be afraid of getting stung. Apiary owners who are more seasoned in the field usually get to work even without gloves as it gives them better dexterity. It is also necessary to have a smoker since smoke can help calm the bees and lessen the risks of stings.
These are the tips to help you have a successful apiary.
