Wednesday 14 June 2017

'Made In The USA' Beekeeping Supplies Indiana Way

By Larry Hamilton


Looking for a hobby, a way to make a difference, a way to save the planet, a way to supplement your income? Creating and caring for a beehive is a way to do all of this at once. Bees are jewels in nature's cap and vital to its balance. Buying American-made beekeeping supplies Indiana way helps the economy, too.

By going online, you can learn about the things you'll need to keep honeybees. There are many fine USA manufacturers of wooden hives, as well as economical plastic versions. As you browse the sites, you'll learn the vocabulary and can read about the basics of honeybee care.

First, you might want to check with your local extension agent. These offices, connected to large public universities, are valuable sources of information and also of volunteer help. The agencies and the many beekeepers in your area love to encourage newcomers to the art of raising honeybees.

To get your own honey, you'll need a hive. This outer box holds several 'frames', which are stacking boxes. The frames house the bees, shelter the 'brood' of eggs and larvae, and store the honeycomb that feeds the colony and those of us who love honey. A 'nucleus' is a small hive suitable for the first year, when the colony is getting established. It has from three to five frames. There are beginner's kits for sale, too.

Of course, beekeepers have special tools that make their necessary tasks easier. The hives have to be opened for inspections, cleaning, and to harvest the honey that the colony doesn't need for survival. You can buy a brush to gently move the bees out of your way. Hives are subject to pests and disease, so there are chemicals and natural remedies. Special nectar mixtures are used to feed the insects when their natural food isn't plentiful.

If you work with honeybees, you'll want protective clothing. Most beekeepers wear complete suits to protect them from stings. There are hats with secure veils, body suits, and gloves. These come in sizes for adults and children. Almost all of our honeybees are imported (the native honeybees are afflicted with disease and are rarely found) and remarkably docile, but they can still get upset.

All species of bees are pollinators, but not all give honey. There is a tiny native American insect called the Mason bee. You have probably noticed them hovering around your lavender and mint plants. They almost never sting and they are so small that a sting is insignificant. All Mason bees need is a sheltered nesting hole in a sunny location and a yard full of feeder plants rich in nectar. They are not as well known as the honeybee but are even more prolific pollinators.

Bees are one of the most fascinating creatures in our world, as well as perhaps the most beneficial to humans. Anyone from the east coast to the west that can make a home for any of the bees is doing us all a favor. Indiana is a perfect place for beekeeping.




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