Bee keeping essentially is one of the easiest agricultural activity because all it takes is buying and setting up the equipment. The cost of a hive is Ksh. 5000 for a langstroth hive.
Wax is put inside the hive to attract bee or a traditional plant called muta. A comb starter is needed so that when bees get into the hive they know how to place the combs. It‘s important to check the hives after two months to see if the bees have built all the frames. If all frames are built, a queen excluder is put and then placing a super box on top then cover it. You also need to check the hives for pests and diseases at least once a week. Check if there are ants, termites, rodents like honey badgers.
Harvest timing
Harvesting is best during the evenings when the sun is setting because bees are generally more active during the day and can attack. Target seasons that are warmer or hotter as they are best for harvesting. Harvesting is not done when it‘s rainy because bees don‘t have enough time to look for food.
Spray the bees with smoke so as to be able to work on the hive. A clear board can be used whereby it‘s put the night before harvesting so that bees move to the bottom brood by the time of harvest.
Challenges
Bee keeping is a capital intensive business since you require to set up the equipment. Finding market is also quite challenging. For beginners, the knowledge on how to do the business in amore efficient and productive way is also a challenge.
