Beekeeping Basics MAAREC: College of Agricultural Sciences

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How many bees does approximately each pound represent in a package?

3,000 bees

5,000 bees

3,500 bees (correct)

4,000 bees

Why might beekeepers in northern areas wish to delay package bee shipments?

To synchronize with the arrival of a young mated queen

To increase the chance of the bees arriving in good health

To allow time for stronger colonies to develop

To avoid the risk of bees dying due to low temperatures (correct)

What is the main purpose of a can containing sugar syrup inside a standard wooden shipping cage for bees?

To allow the bees to withdraw food (correct)

To provide ventilation

To house the young mated queen

To break the cluster of bees

What is the significance of standard wooden shipping cages having wire screens on the long sides?

To facilitate ventilation Signup and view all the answers

When should packages be ordered to ensure timely delivery in early spring?

January or February Signup and view all the answers

Why do package bees clustered on combs of honey not need to break cluster to eat?

They can sustain themselves from the honey on the combs Signup and view all the answers

What is a key rule of thumb for urban beekeeping?

Employing good swarm management techniques Signup and view all the answers

According to the guidelines, how many hives should be kept on a property of 1⁄4 acre or less?

Less than four hives Signup and view all the answers

What is the required height for a barrier between hives and a property line within 20 feet?

5 feet or more Signup and view all the answers

Why should all hives within 30 feet of a public sidewalk or roadway have a barrier or be elevated?

To guide the flight path above traffic and pedestrians Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended time frame for providing water supply for bees by the property owner?

From March 1 to October 31 Signup and view all the answers

Which piece of equipment is considered vital in controlling bee behavior during colony manipulations?

Smoker Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of giving package bees frames of capped brood from an established colony?

To stimulate growth of the colony by increasing the population of young bees Signup and view all the answers

What is the major disadvantage of providing package bees with brood and honey?

Possibility of spreading disease/mites to the new colony Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if newly hived package bees are not treated with fumagillin medicated syrup?

Higher likelihood of queen supersedure or queenlessness Signup and view all the answers

When should an additional hive body of frames be placed on top of the brood chamber for a package bee colony?

1.5-2 months after installation Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of providing newly installed packages with drawn frames containing honey?

To stimulate more rapid package development Signup and view all the answers

How do beekeepers typically compensate for the shrinkage in package bee colony size after installation?

By providing each package with a frame or two of capped brood from an established colony Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action to take with equipment from colonies lost during the winter?

Seal it up to prevent robbing Signup and view all the answers

Why is it unnecessary to remove every dead bee from the cells?

Bees will remove them later in spring Signup and view all the answers

What is the risk associated with leaving honey in the hive after the colony has died?

Honey may absorb moisture and ferment Signup and view all the answers

When should you inspect and clean up colonies thoroughly?

During April Signup and view all the answers

What is the suggested action if colonies have died from American foulbrood?

Destroy the colonies Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you find clusters of dead bees in combs?

Remove them before they mold or decompose Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of drones in a bee colony?

Mating with the queen Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential issue associated with laying workers in a hive?

They can lay unfertilized eggs leading to drone production Signup and view all the answers

Which equipment is crucial for protecting beekeepers from bee stings?

Protective clothing Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of moving bees on to a crop?

To provide pollination services Signup and view all the answers

Which method is recommended for starting with bees if a beekeeper wants a smaller, established colony?

Nucleus Colonies Signup and view all the answers

In beekeeping, what does swarm management involve?

Managing the natural reproduction of honey bee colonies Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect influences the number of colonies needed for effective pollination services?

Crop characteristics and needs Signup and view all the answers

What is an important consideration when selecting the right type of bee for a beekeeping operation?

Suitability for local climate and flora Signup and view all the answers

'Rendering beeswax' in beekeeping refers to which activity?

Melting wax from honeycomb and purifying it Signup and view all the answers

Why is 'pollen trapping' done in beekeeping?

To collect pollen for various purposes Signup and view all the answers