Credits:Biovision-Infonet
Support the bees
Bees need a supply of food and water to live, and during dry periods the beekeeper may have to supplement these natural resources. As a general rule, attempts to begin beekeeping should start with the area’s existing bees, techniques and equipment, which will all have been adapted for the local circumstances.
Seasonal management
Depending on many factors in environment, climate and weather, the bees behave differently and react to their surroundings in different ways. As bee-keeper, the following behavioural aspects of bees will influence how the bee-keeper will manage them:
1) Swarming
This is a natural way by which bee colonies multiply their numbers. About half of the colony leaves the hive together with the old queen. Overcrowding in the hive normally causes swarming.
Signs of swarming:
i. Increased number of bees at the hive entrance.
ii. Increased number of drones
iii. Presence of swarm cells along the edge of the combs.
iv. Increased defensiveness
Control:
i. Provide ample space in the hive by either dividing the colony or harvesting some of the combs.
ii. Decrease overheating by providing some shade.
iii. Destroy the queen cells so as to stop the emerging of new queens.
2) Absconding
This is an abrupt departure from the hive by the whole colony
Causes:
i. Physical disturbance of the hive e.g. poor harvesting methods, attacks by honey badgers, ants, termites etc
ii. Presence of pests e.g. insects, spiders, ants
iii. Bad odour
iv. Starvation
The colony does not take time to prepare, hence there are remnants of food, brood, eggs etc.
Control:
Proper management e.g. proper harvesting, handling of bees, proper hanging of hives, clearing the apiary and greasing the wires.
3) Migration
This is a natural phenomenon whereby a colony moves from one habitat to another mainly due to unfavourable weather conditions. Nothing is left behind in terms of brood or food reserves. Migrating bees seasonally follow well-established routes.
Control:
Feed bees in times of food shortage.
4) Supercedure
This is the replacement of a failing queen by the bees.
Signs:
i. Irregular egg laying pattern
ii. Weak colony
iii. Queen cells on the comb surface
5) Dangerous conditions
Period caused by:
– Prolonged dry spells, heavy rains or cold weather
What to do:
– Provide shade, feed colonies, provide water, provide protection for wind but still allowing the space for the bees to fly in.
6) Production period during onset of flowering.
Build up period:
– Start of forage and egg laying
– Colony increases
What to do:
– Regular inspection
– Remove old black combs
– Unite queenless colonies