Holistic Beekeeping Practices

Although we do not always follow these practices, I think the idea behind natural and holistic beekeeping is a beautiful standard to seek. Finding a way to take care of the bees and continuing to keep in mind the ideals behind sustainable, responsible practices. The organic, natural approach is different than putting your bees in a box and letting them fend for themselves, it involves monitoring, requeening when necessary, and other mechanical methods rather than chemical for manipulating the hives.

Organic beekeeping guidelines.

The agricultural sector has experienced some changes over the years. These changes are all in good faith of the overall production. However, when it comes to beekeeping, it is best to use natural methods. Put aside the new methods that farmers and beekeepers are using. For maximum productivity, embrace the traditional method in beekeeping. Technological advancement has influenced the agricultural sector from the equipment to the chemicals to aid a rich harvest. Beekeeping is a delicate practice and if not well handled, you suffer a huge loss. To ensure the best for beekeeping here are some tips on the natural methods for beekeeping;

• Treatment

Pests and diseases are the biggest enemies to beekeeping. Beekeepers opt for factory based chemicals to treat their hives. These chemicals slowly and silently kill your colonies and by the time you realize, all is lost. To avoid this, use natural chemicals or compounds such as the oxalic acid and formic acid. These chemicals have no health effect to the bees. In addition, natural chemicals are cheaper and more effective in treating and controlling pests and diseases.

• Management practice

The management of beekeeping is the main player to the success of beekeeping. How you manage the beehives and bees determine the produce you will get. If poorly managed, the bees face a serious threat of colony collapse. Always make sure your hives are in good condition. Constantly monitor the size of your colony. This helps to point out the problems if any. Removing old frames is a good practice that helps control pests and diseases.

• Genetic selection.

Humans have different genetic make-up. There are those that do not get a common cold and there are those affected by it. This is the same for bees. Beekeepers practicing natural beekeeping should keep bees that are able to resist diseases. Breeding such kind of bees assures you of a healthy colony. It also saves you the trouble of regular treatment. Less treatment means long lasting bees since the risk of infection due to chemicals is reduced.

• Monitoring

Bees should be constantly monitored. Through regular and constant monitoring, the beekeeper is able to note any changes in the behavior of the colony. The beekeeper is also able to control disease outbreaks.

• Food

Bee food comes from pollen and honey. Substituting these with sugar syrup does not offer the same nutrient as honey. Beekeepers do not have to worry if they do not have flowers or crops around their homes. Forage bees can travel great distances in search of pollen. However, they should not harvest all the honey. Honey harvesting should be done in methods that do not compromise the beehives.

The above are some of the guidelines to natural beekeeping.