Want to get into Beekeeping? Here’s a Natural Way to do so
Thursday, April 17th, 2008
Supplies you will need:
Beekeeping does involve some initial expenses. Here’s a list of what will be needed to start two hives. The cost can be divided into one-time startup expenses for hive components (about $350) and other equipment *about $150). If you get everything new it comes to about $500 of two hives, the bees and shipping.
Hives and frames: Two hives, commercial grade. This is a one-time expense of about $200. IT includes these parts of the boxes: Four hive bodies, six 6 5/8-inch honey supers (boxes), two reversible bottom boars, two telescoping covers, with inner covers, two queen excluders, two top feeders, two screened bottom boards, and two entrance reducers.
Frames and foundations: There will need to be gradually replaced every three years or so, and cost about $150 total. That estimated cost includes commercial frames and foundation sheets. Be sure to get the correct size frames for your supers. Also, if you decide to make liquid honey, you will need to order crimp wired foundation sheets. For comb honey, order thin, unwired foundation,
Other basic equipment: One-time expense, ($150 and up):
• Zipper veil bee suit and helmet
• Boot bands
• Gloves, plastic-coated canvas
• 7-inch stainless steel smokers with shield
• Hive tool
• Frame grips
• Bee brush
• Spur embedded for wiring frames
• Embedding wire
Bees, and other expenses:
• 3 pounds of bees, plus queen, $55 to $80, plus shipping
• 1-gallon exterior latex paint or Auro natural stain
• Outdoor wood glue
• Cinder blocks or wood for a base
Once you have built your hives or put them together, which ever way works best for you, and your bees have arrived you can start introducing your bees to their new home. Be sure to set your hives up off the ground on blocks or bricks especially where fire ants are prone to attack. All you do is wait and harvest. You can remove the honey comb with a hot knife. If you have to fumigate your hive always you essential oils, as to keep the honey harvesting an all-natural process. In the beginning, only harvest a few combs during the first year of beekeeping.
Beekeeping is a sustainable practice that most big-time farmers enjoy. Bees are excellent pollinators and bring more to a beekeeper than just the honey.
Visit the following links to find a supplier of your beekeeping needs:
*Natural and Sustainable Living Tip: If you are wanting to buy organic buy some of the process are a little far out of your budget opt for all-natural veggie washes and can help clean off pesticides if you can’t always buy organically grown produce.
