Bee keeping is a profitable business and honey provides many health benefits but its is important to have knowledge of site selection and apiary management practices before establishing an apiary.
However do not locate apiary sites in areas subjected to insect sprays, sugar mills and factories feed lots and mills as bees will rob from such sources for protein or sweet substances. Most of honey producing comes from Euclids.
Selection guidelines
Always locate colonies in places with safe flight for easy movements since honey bees require a balanced diet of nectar, pollen and water. Similarly select sites with major flowering species to provide bees with enough nectar and pollen for honey formation.
Furthermore select site with easy access to good quality water as each colony may use up to 4 litres of water a day during hot weather, apiaries should also be located close to home in order to keep transport and supervision costs low.
Additionally select areas with flat surface for inspections loading, unloading management and general site supervision these should also have shade however areas with floods, fire, theft, vandalism can occur should be avoided as these play a great role to reduce honey production.
Management of apiary
Always watch, control local insects and locate colonies on stands this should be accompanied by regular colony examination to observe stored pollen and nectar supplies.
Also colonies should be located away from human, always restrict colony numbers and hive entrances should not face lights as this may hinder honey production, in conclusion ensure inspection of local flora to ensure plants and trees are free from nectar and pollinating insects.
