Harvesting Honey, Part I - Getting Ready

Describing the tools and equipment used to open a beehive for honey harvesting.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• bees
• queen
• honey
• beehive
• propolis

[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.

[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!!

[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.

[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.

[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

[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.

[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.

[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.