Distinctly Montana Magazine

w w w. d i s t i n c t ly m o n ta n a . c o m 51 DONT'S: DON'T Try TaCKliNg iT alONE Reading books and online research is helpful but since many bee challenges are regional, having a good relationship with experienced local beekeepers can be a huge asset in the beginning. Whether you join a local beekeeping club or contact someone from your local county extension office, there are plenty of people to lean on. NOT FEEDiNg THE BEES ENOugH In a perfect world, bees would always gather enough stores to feed themselves. But in early spring, before pollen or nectar are available or other times of the year when these items are scarce, consider supplemental feeding. It may help ensure the colony's survival. In the spring, feed the bees a mixture of sugar and water in a one to one ratio. Use two parts sugar and one part water mixture in the fall if the bees don't have adequate winter stores. You can also make a sugar candy to put in the hives by taking boiled water and sugar and placing it in candy molds. NOT CHECKiNg ON yOur BEES In the summer months, beekeepers need to carry out weekly inspections. is is critical to controlling the swarm impulse, avoiding overcrowding, making sure the colonies have young, prolific queens, that they are kept disease free, and to ensure that Varroa mite populations on kept down to manageable levels with appropriate medicines and pest management systems. Since illnesses like Foul Brood disease are serious and must be reported, being able to recog- nize symptoms of an unhealthy hive is important. DON'T gET yOur BEES juST aNyWHErE Bees can be obtained a variety of ways, including capturing swarms in the wild (not recom- mended for beginners) or purchasing them in packages or nucleus hives. Nucleus colonies are miniature hives containing 4-6 frames of bees (versus the normal 8-10), a brood and a queen. ey are picked up from suppliers. Packaged bees are sold by the pound in a shoe box-size wood and screen cage that also contains a mated queen. You can order these at specific times of the year from local beekeepers and clubs, but order early! ere are pros and cons to each so do your research on each method as well as the suppliers you might purchase from. DON'T givE up If you are rewarded with a honey crop your first year, pat yourself on the back. But keeping the bees healthy and helping them build up enough winter stores to get through that first cold season should be your first goals. If your hive dies or swarms, don't become discouraged and quit. If this happens, just remember that every year of beekeeping delivers a wealth of skills and information for next year. You will have the time to evaluate why your hive died and what you can try or do better on next year. rick Molenda feeds the bees in his hive. CAM LAY 1 2 3 5 4

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