Did you know that the average honey bee will only produce a 12th of a teaspoon of honey in it its life? Or that they can fly up to 15 miles an hour? If facts like these excite or intrigue you, beekeeping might be the hobby for you. Here are some things you need to know before starting your first hive.
An important and deeply relevant ongoing event for beekeepers worldwide is the decline in overall bee population. Due in large part to the overuse of pesticides, scientists and beekeepers alike are observing yearly a decline in bee populations. One way people have tried to combat this problem is taking up beekeeping as a hobby. In fact, data from the USDA shows that as of 2014, the number of human-managed colonies was at a 20-year high. This trend shows promise to continue as people like you take up the charge of beekeeping.
So, what beekeeping tools do you need to get started? Nobody wants to be stung, but as long as you have the proper gear you won?t have too much to worry about. First, pick up a set of beekeeping gloves, hat, and bodysuit. Another important safety precaution is a bee hive smoker. This device emits smoke that calms the bees, allowing you to interact with them safely. Once you have the basic beekeeping tools you will be able to get a hive and bee pollen. Pollen pellets are especially helpful due to the fact that they have 2 million grains of flower pollen each. This adds to the efficiency of human-managed hives.
After you have all the tools you need to start your own hive, you?ll be able to play a vital role in bringing back the bee population, and you can contribute to the growing demand for delicious honey. Every year, Americans eat an average of 1.3 pounds of honey each. On top of the environmental benefit of being a beekeeper, you could make flavored honey straws and sell them at local markets, or give them as a gift. However you chose to use your hives, it is a great hobby that benefits everybody.
