Bad Beekeeping: What Defines It and Why It’s a Threat
One of the most significant threats to honeybees today is Bad Beekeeping. Surprisingly, this issue is not widely discussed, even though it has severe implications, not just for commercial beekeepers but also for small farmers and backyard beekeepers. Who is holding these individuals accountable for poor practices that may harm their colonies?
With the rise of beekeeping during the quarantine, many people purchased bees without knowing how to manage them. This lack of knowledge can lead to unintended consequences. It’s the joint responsibility of both the seller and the buyer to ensure that the new beekeeper understands the basic requirements for hive management.
While you don't need to be an expert from the start, there should be a minimum level of knowledge—like recognizing the difference between a worker bee and a drone, and having a clear plan for continued learning or professional assistance.
Beekeeping Controversies: Can We Agree on What Bad Beekeeping Is?
The beekeeping world is often polarized: Langstroth or Top Bar hives? Treatment or treatment-free methods? Flowhive: innovative or destructive? The debates are endless.
Since there’s no universal consensus on what defines Good Beekeeping, can we at least agree on what constitutes Bad Beekeeping? Perhaps not entirely, but there are some common practices that the majority of beekeepers can agree should be avoided.
Beekeeping is a learning process, and even the most experienced beekeepers make mistakes. However, striving to be a Better Beekeeper is crucial—not just for your own satisfaction, but for the well-being of the bees.
Neglecting Your Hive: Time Management is Key
When was the last time you checked your bees?
Life gets busy, and you may not feel confident conducting a thorough inspection. Maybe you’re avoiding it because you know it’s been too long and you’re afraid of what you’ll find. Or perhaps you think owning a Flowhive means less maintenance.
Whatever the reason, it’s crucial to check on your bees regularly. Start by lighting your smoker, putting on your suit, and taking a deep breath. Your bees deserve attention, and neglecting them could lead to bigger problems down the road.
How often you should inspect depends on factors like the season, nectar flow, and pests or diseases in your region. In healthy hives with steady nectar flow, a monthly inspection is recommended. However, if pests or diseases are present, or if nectar flow is high, you may need to inspect as often as once a week.
While YouTube and books can provide valuable information, the real learning happens in the hive. Reach out to local beekeepers for advice or assistance with inspections. Many experienced beekeepers are willing to help new beekeepers at a reduced rate—or even for free.
Ignoring Pest and Disease Management
Choosing a treatment-free method of beekeeping doesn’t mean ignoring pest and disease management altogether. It often requires more preventative measures, frequent inspections, and a deeper understanding of the inner workings of the hive.
Think of it this way: if you owned a cow, you wouldn’t ignore its health. You’d monitor it for diseases and treat it when necessary. Your hive, like any other livestock, needs attention and care.
If you’re unsure how to manage pests and diseases in your hive, consider hiring a beekeeper for training. Failing to properly manage these issues can contribute to their spread, negatively impacting not just your bees but also the larger beekeeping community.
Taking Too Much Honey: A Common Mistake
Whether you’re performing an emergency honey harvest or preparing for a scheduled one, how much honey should you take?
Some beekeepers make the mistake of taking all the honey and supplementing the hive with sugar water or high-fructose corn syrup. This practice weakens the bees' immune systems and contributes to colony collapse. Even taking more than half of the honey has similar detrimental effects.
A general rule of thumb is to leave 40-60 lbs of honey for the bees over winter. It’s always better to leave too much than too little, as a starving hive in winter is not only tragic but also difficult to clean up.
Neglecting Equipment Care and Cleanup
Beekeeping is a food and medicine-grade operation, and it should be treated as such. While it’s not the most enjoyable part of beekeeping, cleaning and maintaining your equipment is essential for the health of your bees and the longevity of your gear.
Failing to clean and sanitize equipment—such as boxes, jars, and extractors—can spread pests and diseases, and diminish the quality of your honey. Moreover, your customers trust you, especially if you sell at local markets. Make sure that trust is well-placed by keeping your operation clean and organized.
Using Non-Organic Chemicals: The Controversy
Many old-school farmers and homeowners defend their right to use Round-up and other non-organic pesticides and herbicides on their land, despite the overwhelming evidence that these chemicals harm the soil, insects, and the larger ecosystem.
If you’ve never lost a hive due to poisoning, consider yourself lucky. Bees can forage up to a 3-5 mile radius, so while you may not have control over their entire range, you should ensure that your land is not contributing to the poisoning of pollinators.
For urban or residential beekeepers, this is especially important, as the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals is higher. Educating your neighbors about the importance of avoiding these chemicals can help create a safer environment for your bees.
Becoming a Better Beekeeper
The journey of beekeeping is not an easy one. Challenges, hard lessons, and losses are all part of the process. However, by following these core practices, you can avoid many of the pitfalls that define Bad Beekeeping and contribute positively to the survival of the bees.
Thank you for caring for the bees. They give us so much, and it’s our duty to give back.