Bee Colonies Contain Thousands of Individual Bees.
This rough treatment of the hive and comb also resulted in the honey being full of contaminates. But, there was no grounds to worry since they didn't need to keep the honey for long periods. They consumed what they gleaned and they simply raided another hive and got some more.
Early attempts at collecting the honey from local beehives were not much better. Fixed frame beehives were generally used, this meaning that the complete hive was sunk to get the honey.
After the comb was pulled from the hive, it was completely crushed and the honey extracted. This demolished the larva and eggs of the bees and left the beekeeper with contaminated honey. Purification of the honey was only fairly effective and didn't keep well for long periods.
The biggest trouble with this type of beekeeping idea is that the entire colony is destroyed come harvest time. Obviously, the entire operation had to be started all over again. Hives would need to be built again, and a new colony of bees had to be found and inserted. Honey simply could not be delivered on a fixed basis, it was too ineffectual.
The discovery of the top bar beehive by Langstroth in the middle of the 1800's was just what apiculturists needed. This gentleman truly changed everything in the apiculture world. His advanced plans granted for a top access and removable frames. Not only did this allow for easier removal of the honey, but the colony and hive would not be wiped out.
Entire Colonies Are Maintained In Man-Made Hives.
In addition, Langstroth's hive afford the beekeeper to inspect the colony. At last, beekeepers could reduce parasites and diseases in the hive. Honey production and hardiness of the colony both increased dramatically.
Apiarists could now maintain a steady supply of honey in lieu of the sporadic production of the past. The caliber and purity of the honey that was harvested accelerated as well.
That basic beehive innovation is still being used in approximately 75% of beekeeping operations around the world. Regionally, the hives may appear different, but the idea is the same. One such variant is called a bar and frame beehive. It has a slanted roof like a cottage would have. This keeps rainfall out of the hive.
Determining the size of hive to construct for your colony is a subject of conditions. Bees will continue to reside in their hive year round but will require security from extremes. In frigid weather climates, what are known as double-deep boxes are used. In other areas, a single box unit works all right. The key is to assure your bees are comfy in their home.
Apiaries House Groupings of Hives Comprising Several Colonies.
In some cases, several groups of bees and their hives are live in what's called a bee house. This is an open construction that assists as protection and shade from the elements. Several hundred of colonies are kept at commercial apiaries, while a home apiary may have only a just a few.
With a good apiary plan, a beekeeper can comfortably set up his own apiary to the size he calls for.
Groups of hives are also maintained in natural settings such as alongside a flower-laden meadow or agriculture field. Groves of standing timber or the edge of woodland around wild flower fields make the best natural apiaries. They afford shade and security as well as a nearby food source. Bees need to rehydrate and having a pool or other body of water close is a must.
One consideration for where the hive is located, is the honey you wish to produce. Bees that feed off of flowers such as clover produce pale colored, mild flavored honey. In contrast, bees feeding from plants such as buckwheat give rise to a very dark honey. This dark honey is exceedingly potent in flavor and is said to contain a lot more antioxidants.
Once set up in the hive, the bees can go to work for you. Sure, they will be producing golden honey and bees wax nearly constantly, however they can accomplish even more. Many beekeepers pack up their hives and lease them out to farmers for pollination.
Bees are a necessity to pollinate about 50% of the food that we consume. These dynamic tiny creatures ensure the farmers crop produces food that he can harvest. Meanwhile, the bees get a free meal that they turn into combs full of rich, golden honey. It's a near ideal partnership between mankind and nature.
Honey collection has come a long way since our early ancestors first raided a beehive. Today, beekeepers are well stocked and have more understanding of bees and their natural habitat. That really means that nearly anyone can raise bees now and produce honey, beeswax or cater bees to other beekeepers.
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K.L. "Vin" Hayes leads a group of independent authors and investigators. Over the last decade, they've worked together to develop high-quality digital reprints of vintage documents as well as original works. Vin specializes in how-to information that includes a wide variety of matters such as hunting & fishing, hobbies & crafts, construction, self-improvement and more.
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