APICULTURE

Management

Obtaining bees

Bees can be obtained by transferring a wild nesting colony to a hive. The wild colony will already have a number of combs, which can be tied to top-bars or into the frames of a hive. Another way to get started is to set up a hive, perhaps rubbed inside with some beeswax to give it an attractive smell, and wait for a passing swarm of bees to occupy it. This will only be successful in areas where there are still plenty of honeybee colonies. The best way to start is with the assistance of local beekeepers.

During the last quarter of the twentieth century, bee diseases were spread around the world as a result of people moving honeybee colonies; there were serious consequences for the beekeeping industries in some countries. The few regions without introduced honeybee diseases are mainly in developing countries. It will be beneficial if these countries can retain their stocks of disease-free honeybees. Honeybee colonies, or even single queen bees, and used beekeeping equipment must never be moved from one area to another without expert consideration of the consequences.

Based on the species of bee used in the hives the management also differs. The two most common species grown in the environment of Kerala is mentioned separately

Last updated: 21-3-2007