Bee Keeping Equipment And Tips For Care
If you are preparing to be a bee keeper, it is wise to know about some of the tools and materials required for the job. This guide shows you bee keeping equipment you are sure to need and how to go about keeping taking care of them. Using the right tools allows you to manage and handle the bees correctly.
The most prominent equipment in an apiary is the hive. It has many functions which include housing the bees and keeping them safe. It is also the structure that holds together the products that are given out by bees. It is therefore important to invest in a quality structure as it lasts longer while giving you good service.
Once you have the hive, it is important to determine the best location for it in your garden or farm. It should be set up facing eastwards as this is known to affect the bees positively. Also make sure that the spot allows you to position or hang it when it is in a level position. This prevents it from being disturbed by heavy rains or wind.
Supers are plate like equipment that are placed inside the hive. Do not forget to inspect them as well. Ensure that each one of them is clean and in good condition. They should be at least five in number. Be sure to arrange them properly in the hive, lay them evenly between the bottom and top part of the hive.
There are a few things you should do if you decide to buy your hives from an established apiary. Before setting them up in your farm, make sure they are inspected properly. This can be done by a representative from the agriculture department in your local town. They can check for diseases or any problem in the hives. This allows you to have good equipment for your apiary.
It is wise to make sure that your hives are safe and in good condition at all times. This can be done to keep diseases and other problems at bay. It is advisable to apply terramycin on the hive just before and after honey flow. You can do these at least two times in a year. It prevents development of diseases in the apiary.
You can also buy a spacer to use it when handling bees. It is used to maintain even spaces between the supers. This is important as it allows the hive to have good conditions. This prevents development of diseases and ensures that the honey matures properly. It also safeguards proper development of the offsprings.
The smoker is yet another important part of bee keeping equipment. Its main use is to cause the bees to exit the hives when harvesting honey. It can also be used when you are carrying out other jobs in the apiary. Make sure to use good quality saw dust in your smoker. Do not use that which has been treated with chemicals as it can greatly irritate the bees.
