Most beekeepers keep bees for their own benefit but not for the sake of the buzzing lovelies. And who does not love the exceptional products they produce, not to mention their role in pollination? 

The truth is, bees can just do fine without humans. They have been there for centuries doing well in the wild or their natural environment. But man has to intrude their comfort to get the honey. When a beekeeper starts to raise colonies, they must intervene to keep the colonies from dying out and maximize their production. Healthy colonies tend to produce more and live longer. 

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Can you set up a beehive and leave it alone?

You cannot set a hive and leave it if you want a healthy colony or for it to survive In the first place. You will require to manage the colony actively since the bees are not in their natural habitat. Once you set up a hive, you must ensure their well-being. It is like acquiring livestock. And must take up the duty of a caretaker.  

A newly set hive will require to be supplied with sugar syrup before the bees start to forage or even before the flowers begin to bloom. Again, it will also require protection during winter. Once the population grows, you will require to split the hive to prevent swarming like they do in the wild. And due to the increase in honey bee diseases and pests, they will require you to take the necessary measures. 

Unfortunately, honey bee diseases such as varroa mites have wiped out many bee colonies, including wild ones. Established beehives left on their own may last a few years, but the bees will abscond at some point to seek suitable accommodation. One of the main reasons why bees abscond hives is disease and parasite infestation. Unmanaged hives are also difficult to harvest honey from. 

Which is the best way to manage a beehive?

Various tasks must be done in a hive to keep a bee colony healthy, happy, and thriving. 

Regular Inspections

Regular inspections help you know the colony’s health status and the necessary precautions you need to take. This makes life easy for you and the bees. 

Control of Pests and Disease Infestation

Through regular inspections, you will know when diseases or pests infest the colony and when to take control measures. It is best when detected early. Some of the common bee diseases include American Foulbrood, chalkbrood, and nosema. 

Winter maintenance

In places with harsh or prolonged winters, you may require to feed the bees on top of offering protection from the extreme cold. Many bee colonies die out in winter. 

Supplemental Feeding

In times of food shortage, bees require a supply of food. This may be in the form of sugars and pollen patties. Bees use all their food reserves in places with prolonged winters, and in early spring, they require a supply of sugar and pollen substitutes. 

Ensure there is Adequate Space

There is usually an outburst of the population in the peak season. A beekeeper must ensure adequate space for the bees to avoid the loss of bees through swarming. In peak nectar times, you will also require to add supers to allow the bees to make maximum use of the season. 

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Check the Well-being of the Queen

The queen carries the life of a colony. A healthy, productive queen ensures the colony is a strong and significant population.  You may not look for her every time you are inspecting a hive. Some indicators, such as a healthy brood pattern and fresh eggs, show she is well.