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Heather with her beehive[/caption]
Much of Heather’s knowledge came from other, more experienced beekeepers. “I have friends that raise bees, and I went to a conference that had sessions about beekeeping – it was awesome,” she said. Getting a good “bee mentor” is her top piece of advice for beginners, as well as doing your research online or with good, old-fashioned books. Her second piece of advice is safety first – wear the suit, veil, and gloves, and keep Sting Kill on hand in case you need it.
Heather raises bees on a couple of acres - but you don’t need that much land. (Some beekeepers with minimal or no yard space keep roof apiaries.) You can plant the entrances, so their flight path goes up instead of out, she explained. Simple maintenance of the hive includes regular external inspection (is there healthy buzzing and activity, for example). You can also check your bees “pollen pockets,” the adorable little pouches on their legs, to ensure they are gathering pollen. Internal inspection of the hive is needed less often but can be more time consuming. You need to check for predators, like wasps, mice and birds, to ensure they haven’t taken over the hive. You also need to ensure the honey is growing and centered on the frame.
Here's Heather’s Beginner Beekeeping Product List to get you started:
Safety: Suit, Veil, Gloves, Sting Treatment
Begin with full coverage so you can focus on and get accustomed to working with the bees, and not be distracted by evasive or defensive moves or first aid: beekeeping coveralls, hat with veil, gloves, and Sting Kill (just in case). [caption id="attachment_39062" align="aligncenter" width="624"]
Find beekeeping gear at Lehmans.com or Lehman's store in Kidron, Ohio.[/caption]
Choosing Your Frame
I recommend wired foundation natural wax frames for beginner beekeepers who are looking for an alternative to plastic. This deep wooden bee frame features a natural beeswax foundation supported with wire for added stability. Comes fully assembled and ready to use! [caption id="attachment_39061" align="aligncenter" width="701"]
Find the wired foundation natural wax frames at Lehmans.com or Lehman's store in Kidron, Ohio.[/caption]
References/External Sources of Info
Connecting with a mentor is immeasurably helpful. All beekeepers can benefit from sharing what they find works well and doesn't. If you're working in a hive, have a reference book or two ready. Be sure to create a beekeeping journal to leverage all you try, including successes and failures. Weather conditions vary year by year, so it is especially helpful to know what worked or didn’t work the previous season. Podcasts and Guilds/Associations can also be a wealth of information. Here are two of my favorite beekeeping books: [caption id="attachment_39055" align="aligncenter" width="383"]
Langstroth's Hive and the Honeybee Book is available at Lehmans.com or in Lehman's store in Kidron, Ohio.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_39056" align="aligncenter" width="443"]
Beekeeping for Dummies book is available at Lehmans.com or in Lehman's store in Kidron, Ohio.[/caption]
Heading into the Hive
One essential tool is your beekeeping multi-tool. Bees work hard to fill hive holes and gaps from the inside with bee glue. Use this indispensable multi-tool to open the hive, separate hive parts, lift frames, and tidy up while working in the hive. One end is painted to improve contrast; you'll spot it quickly no matter where it's resting, and it includes a convenient nail pulling hole, too. [caption id="attachment_39057" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
The Beehive Tool is available at Lehmans.com or in Lehman's store in Kidron, Ohio.[/caption]
Use this bellows and fire chamber tool to slowly direct thick, cool smoke into the hive any time you enter and while you work inside the hive. It's effectively a "chill pill" for the colony, masking the guard bees’ alert pheromones and warning them of the risk of a nearby fire. They quickly focus on storing up on honey in case they need to relocate and are too full and off-kilter to defend against your hive visit.
[caption id="attachment_39058" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
The beekeeping smoker is available at Lehmans.com or in Lehman's store in Kidron, Ohio.[/caption]
Use a bee brush to safely and gently redirect bees that land on your veil, clothing or the hive parts you're working on, and to sweep away loose comb after you tidy the hive.
[caption id="attachment_39059" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Beekeeping brush is available at Lehmans.com or in Lehman's store in Kidron, Ohio.[/caption]
Improving Hive Security
For when the bees could use a smaller hive entrance, such as when just starting a hive, if robbing occurs, and when temperatures drop, the entrance reducer is essential. Rotate to adjust between two smaller "front door" notch size options. Install for the duration of winter and when pests can overwhelm the hive. [caption id="attachment_39060" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Entrance reducer for beekeeping is available at Lehmans.com or in Lehman's store in Kidron, Ohio.[/caption]
Good luck with your beekeeping venture!
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