For centuries, bees have not only been the custodians of nature's sweetness, but also a subject of human fascination. These tiny creatures, with their diligent work and diligent lives, have far more to offer than just honey.
Whether you're a seasoned beekeeper or a curious enthusiast, the world of bees is brimming with captivating details waiting to be uncovered. In this blog, we embark on a journey to uncover some of the most remarkable facts about bees and beekeeping.
Facts About Bees:
How Long Have Bees Existed?
Bees have graced our planet for about 130 million years, first appearing alongside the earliest flowering plants. Over this vast expanse of time, they have evolved into a diverse array of species, each playing a critical role in the global ecosystem.
Today, bees are responsible for the pollination of over 75% of the world’s leading food crops. This includes the pollination of fruits, vegetables, and seeds, making bees essential not only to agriculture but also to the preservation of biodiversity across the globe.
What Is The Lifespan of Bees?
The life expectancy of a bee is tied to its role within the hive. Female worker bees, the tireless labourers of the colony, typically have a brief summer lifespan of about six weeks. Male bees, known as drones, live slightly longer, around eight weeks, and their sole purpose is to mate with the queen.
The queen bee herself, however, enjoys a much longer life, often living up to five years. Her longevity is attributed to her exclusive diet of royal jelly, a nutrient-rich substance that supports her vital role in the hive.
Often called a “mother’s milk” for honey bees, royal jelly is a protein-rich secretion produced by worker bees, specifically nurse bees. It is secreted from glands in the hypopharynx and is fed to all bee larvae initially, but only future queens are fed it exclusively throughout their development.
How Do Bees Make Honey And Wax?
One of the most amazing features of bees is their ability to produce honey and wax—two substances that have been cherished by humans for years.
The process begins with bees collecting nectar from flowers, which is stored in their "honey stomach." Once inside the hive, this nectar is passed between bees and mixed with enzymes, initiating a transformation that builds up to create honey.
The final product is stored in hexagonal cells made of beeswax—a material secreted by worker bees from special glands on their abdomen. This wax is then chewed and shaped into the familiar honeycomb structure.
To support bees in constructing their combs, beekeepers use frames and foundation sheets within the hive. The foundation, made of either wax or plastic, serves as a guiding template, encouraging the bees to build their combs straight and orderly. The frames hold the foundation securely in place and can be easily removed for inspection or honey extraction, without causing significant disruption to the rest of the hive.
How Does a Bee’s Sting Work?
Bees are perhaps most famously known for their sting—a defence mechanism that they employ when they feel threatened. When a bee stings, it injects venom into the intruder. The venom contains a mix of proteins that affect the skin and immune system, causing swelling and discomfort.
In the case of honeybees, the stinger is barbed and gets stuck in the skin, leading to the bee's death as it pulls away. However, not all bees meet this fate. Bumblebees, for instance, possess smooth stingers that allow them to sting multiple times without harming themselves, providing them with a reusable defence.
Facts About Beehives:
How Do Beehives Work?
A beehive is a highly efficient and organised home for thousands of bees and serves many functions. Inside the hive, bees create hexagonal cells from beeswax that serve multiple purposes: storing honey, keeping pollen, and raising their young.
The structure of the hive also plays a vital role in temperature regulation and protection from predators. The bees work together to regulate the temperature and ventilation, making the hive a highly efficient and self-sustaining system.
What Are Beehives Made Of?
Beehives can be made from a variety of materials, but wood remains the most popular choice among beekeepers due to its natural insulation properties and durability. Common types of wood used for beehives include pine, cedar, and fir, each offering distinct advantages.
- Pine Beehives: Pine is a softwood that possesses the ideal qualities for building beehives. It is affordable and a widely available option, making it a popular choice for both beginner and experienced beekeepers.
- Cedar Beehives: Cedar is naturally resistant to rot and pests, making it an excellent option for durable, long-lasting beehives. Canadian Western Red Cedar stands out for its lower knot content and higher density compared to other cedar varieties, providing extra strength and durability, particularly well-suited for UK weather conditions.
- Fir Beehives: Fir wood offers a balance between durability and cost. It’s slightly more resilient than pine but not as expensive as cedar, making it a versatile option for various climates.
- FSC Beehives: When selecting a beehive, it's important to consider durability, ease of use, and how well it attracts bees. With FSC certification, you get even more benefits, as it guarantees that the cedar wood is sourced from responsibly managed forests, ensuring your beehive is both high-quality and environmentally friendly.
Learn more about the best materials for beehives here.
How Close Can Beehives Be to Each Other?
Beehives can be placed relatively close to each other, with a minimum distance of about two to three feet apart. This proximity allows the bees to easily navigate between hives without interfering with each other.
However, if space allows, a greater distance—up to six feet—is ideal, as it reduces the likelihood of bees drifting between hives, which can lead to the spread of diseases or parasites. Often, beekeepers who manage several hives arrange them in a straight line or in clusters, ensuring that the hive entrances face in different directions.
Where Should Beehives Be Kept?
Choosing the right location for your beehives is crucial for the health and productivity of the colony. Here are some considerations:
Sunlight: Beehives should be placed in a location where they can receive the morning sunlight. This helps to wake the bees early, encouraging them to start foraging early in the morning.
Afternoon shade can also be beneficial, especially in hot climates, to prevent the hive from overheating.
Water source: Bees need access to water to regulate the hive’s temperature and to dilute honey for feeding. Place your hives near a clean water source, or provide one if necessary.
Accessibility: It’s important to ensure that the location is easily accessible for regular hive inspections and honey harvesting. You will need to approach the hive calmly and steadily, so a flat, stable surface is ideal.
Wind Protection: Protecting hives from strong winds is crucial, as extreme winds could potentially damage the hive and wipe out the entire bee colony. Placing hives near natural windbreaks, like hedges or fences, can help.
Facts About Bee Suits:
What is a bee suit?
A bee suit is an essential piece of protective clothing worn by beekeepers to prevent bee stings while working with hives. They are usually white in colour because bees tend to be less aggressive towards lighter colours, which they don’t perceive as a threat.
The suit provides full coverage from head to toe, including a hat and veil, and can be paired with gloves and boots for complete protection during hive inspections and honey harvesting.
How does a bee suit work to protect you?
A bee suit works by creating a physical barrier between the beekeeper and the bees. The material is thick enough to prevent a bee’s stinger from reaching the skin. Yet, it is sufficiently breathable to keep the wearer comfortable during long periods of work.
The veil covers the face and the neck, which are areas particularly vulnerable to stings, while ensuring clear visibility and ventilation. Elastic cuffs at the wrists and ankles seal off vulnerable entry points, preventing bees from getting inside the suit.
What are bee suits made of?
Bee suits are typically made from durable materials that balance protection with comfort. A common choice is polycotton, a blend of polyester and cotton, which is lightweight, breathable, and strong enough to prevent stings.
Polycotton suits are designed to provide great flexibility and ease of movement for the beekeeper.
If you're interested in a high-quality bee suit, you can explore our polycotton bee suit here.
Summary:
Feeling inspired to start your own beekeeping journey? At Hiveology, we offer a range of high-quality beehives made from the highest quality wood, as well as durable, protective bee suits to keep you safe.
Explore our collection today to find everything you need to begin your beekeeping adventure.