Harvesting Honey, Part I - Getting Ready

[XXUNDERCROSSXX]

i heard that the smokers for to mask the smell that covers up the scent that the drones let off. and the smokers covers up that so the bees dont go on the attack. if anyone know the real answer please reply

[Bloodavenger3200]

@XXUNDERCROSSXX There is 2 reasons I've understood from smoking - One it masks the pheromone to attack and two smoke triggers a sense of urgency, and that is the hive is on fire. So the bees gorge themselves with honey as they prepare to leave for a new hive and this relaxes them further.

[MegaPacman25]

so what would be the cost to get these bees all the equipment and taking care of them?

[newpotatohead]

@MegaPacman25 - that depends on what you use, and where you get it. If you buy new, and get the "everything except the bees" kit from a beekeeping supplier, the current cost is between U$150-300. Plus the bees: more or less U$60. You may be able to start for quite a bit less if you find a local beekeeper's association and ask around.

[dcholmes1969]

While I'm sure it's been mentioned but I love how as you're talking about bees thinking there's a fire, there is a siren going off in the background.

[Alina674]

I see that you have your hive in shade (in that little shed). Would it be better for me to place my first hive in the corner in full sun or in the opposite corner of my yard where there is shade under a tall tree? I'm zone 9 california, winter lows of 30-ish & summer highs of 100-ish.

[newpotatohead]

@Alina674 - if it gets too hot in the summer, the colony will appreciate a little shade to keep them cool. Your winter temperatures don't sound like much of a problem at all, but it sounds like your summers are scorching hot! Here, my biggest concern is overwintering due to prolonged cold...

Good luck with your first beehive!!

[bottomgunner]

@Alina674 I just started bee keeping. Got my hive in April of this year,from Long Lane honeybees. I asked the same question about the heat. i live in Louisiana. I was told the bees will keep them selves cool. always keep the hive in a sunny location.

[spiritartman]

Great video. I've been interested in learning this. Can you email me at

ZeSauce@hotmail.com I'm looking for a mentor for 1st year starting This Spring. Need more details on a "kit" etc. Thanks!!! GREAT VIDEOS!!!

[SustenanceNCovering]

Both of these vids are great. I'll be getting some of these hives soon, I'll let you know when I get them so that you can come over here and show me what to do with them.

[TreeTrappin]

Wow I just learned like a bucket load. Umm, one question though, why do the bees not lay larvae in the honey supers?

[newpotatohead]

@TreeTrappin - sometimes the queen will lay eggs in the honey supers. When this happens, you put a queen excluder (a metal or plastic barrier with openings large enough for the workers to pass, but not the queen) above the brood nest, let the eggs hatch out, and, when the cells are empty, the workers will pack honey into them.

[froogydoogynoogy]

Doesn't it just freak out the bees if you blast that loud blowtorch nest to their hive!

[newpotatohead]

@froogydoogynoogy- it didn't seem to. they were a pretty mellow colony overall. They just did not like it when I started banging their hive around (understandable), but the smoke helps them from getting too agitated.

[gradyoftheglade]

Thank you for an easy to follow and educational video. Much appreciated by a newbee. :)

[amtad2009]

you light the smoker before you put your vailon TWIT

[newpotatohead]

@amtad2009 - Not these bees, they were mellow :-)

[sweetfeet666]

seems like ur smoker was a lil too hot...

[cwoodups]

this video quality is amazing what kind of camera did you use

[newpotatohead]

@cwoodups - it's a Panasonic PV-GS400

[cf20orso]

I watched all five videos. Thanks so much for taking the time to record and post. It provided a great introduction to someone who's interested in trying their hand at beekeeping.

[newpotatohead]

@cf20orso You are welcome! Best of luck should you decide to "take the plunge" and keep bees.

[death2148]

ACTUALLY if they smell smoke they think a fire is on and they retreat near the bottom and load up on honey if they have to leave.

[plawson420]

Scarface - first off all, I wonder why you feel it necessary to refer to the author of this video in the third person seeing how it's HIS video you are commenting on. Second, I've never heard of bees going ape shit IN someone versus ON someone; and third, I think his video shows you don't have to know every in and out of beekeeping to be a great beekeeper.

[slacker361]

i meant to say where did you get the escape board?

[dawg1157]

go to your local beekeeping supply shop and buy one or you can build one yourself if your good at woodworking.

[slacker361]

where did you get that fancy lid ?

[scarfaceisyourdad]

ty for the upload.

[scarfaceisyourdad]

that guy clearly has no clue what smoke does to a bee. his explanation is that it makes them think theres a fire so they calm down. tha right there sends of a common sense alert to people with a brain. smoke drone bees give off a feramone if they think the hive is in danger, and smoke actually mask that feramone thus keeping the bees from going ape shit in you. for a guy dealing with bees he sure doesnt know much about them.

[newpotatohead]

clearly. Thanks for the clarification. Amazing how possessing a video camera makes me become some sort of an expert..

[adolfhitler1789]

@scarfaceisyourdad shut up you know it all fagg kid fucker

[TheDouglasFarm]

Oh! I see how you did it! :)

I'm watching them in "order" now. lol