Re: Bee Keeping
[Re: nramemb]
#6512746
04/07/19 11:39 PM
04/07/19 11:39 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 25,716 Georgia
warrior
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 25,716
Georgia
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Oh boy, how time do you have? Not for the bees, they're just a few hours a week, but for the what do I need to know. I'm nearly 40 years in bees and still learning. Seriously though it's not that bad. If you've done a cut out or two your over the first hurdle, fear. First, plan on two hives to start. Next read, books not the internet. First Lessons in Beekeeping by Dr Delaplane is a good place to start. It's somewhat see Jane run level but it's a start. Next determine if there's a local association in your area, probably is, there definitely a state association in your state. Get in touch with these folks they likely offer beginners classes and attend the meetings find a mentor you can talk to. Then focus as much as possible on basic bee biology. The bees are hardwired to do their thing and we work with that rather than work against it. Now the biggy. If you did all the above you're a beekeeper but your bees aren't out of danger yet. Varroa destructor is public enemy number one and will kill your bees within two to three years. Learn how to manage their numbers below a dangerous level. Now go back to the Internet and read www.scientificbeekeeping.com (all of it) to figure out how your going to do that. Good luck.
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Re: Bee Keeping
[Re: nramemb]
#6512793
04/08/19 02:57 AM
04/08/19 02:57 AM
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Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 2,672 Ohio
Willy Firewood
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 2,672
Ohio
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Have you ever noticed that guys who talk about beekeeping drone on and on?
Beekeeping is a great supplement to trapping. A great way to lose money in another activity that takes a lot of work.
FRAC LIVES MATTER
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Re: Bee Keeping
[Re: nramemb]
#6513297
04/08/19 07:29 PM
04/08/19 07:29 PM
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Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 3,212 Pa.
Bigbrownie
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 3,212
Pa.
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The easiest way to control mites is with Formic acid....as in Mite Away Quick Strips. Oxalic acid is great also,..cheap...but there are limits to when it’ll be effective.
There...I just gave away all my mite control secrets Lol.
Last edited by Bigbrownie; 04/08/19 07:29 PM.
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Re: Bee Keeping
[Re: nramemb]
#6513536
04/09/19 02:43 AM
04/09/19 02:43 AM
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Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 2,672 Ohio
Willy Firewood
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 2,672
Ohio
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Well my joke about droning on must be rally bad because nobody mentioned getting it.
To the original poster, bees are amazing and fascinating. Since you are interested, try one hive starting small. Learning about the bees and recognizing their behaviors is just incredible. Opening a hive and seeing bees looking to see what is happening is a great revelation. They know their business better than we can. Have great fun.
If you send me a pm, I can set you up with some free and very good videos from a bee school.
Best wishes.
FRAC LIVES MATTER
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Re: Bee Keeping
[Re: nramemb]
#6513550
04/09/19 05:33 AM
04/09/19 05:33 AM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,973 South metro, MN
Calvin
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,973
South metro, MN
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I now use two different types of Oxalic acid in my mix of treatments. This one is inexpensive and worked well for me last year. And you can buzz through a bunch of hives in no time. https://www.bing.com/videos/search?...02672185E9698E8D43BC026721&FORM=VIREI also use Apivar in the spring (before a honey flow) and Formic pro when things warm up. Then Oxalic late fall before wintering. Not always necessary but many universities are now recommending 3 separate treatments per year.
Last edited by Calvin; 04/09/19 06:25 AM.
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