what does a beekeeper do?
Beekeepers, or apiarists, play a crucial role in supporting bees by providing them with hives for shelter, necessary medications, and, when needed, new queens. Most beekeepers engage in this activity as a hobby, owning only a few hives and driven primarily by an interest in ecology and natural science. Establishing a small apiary typically requires a significant investment and dozens of hours of work, with honey being a by-product of this endeavor.
A beekeeper is, in essence, a manager of bees. He/ she maintains and monitors the hives, and once the honey is ready to be harvested, will remove and process for human consumption. A beekeeper will also provide services to vegetable and fruit farmers for pollination purposes.
Beekeepers must maintain healthy bees, prepare colonies for production, inspect colonies for signs of disease, replace the queen bee when necessary, and adhere to food safety guidelines when harvesting and processing honey.
Springtime is when beekeepers prepare their bees for the upcoming honey-producing months. They medicate the bees to ensure they are free of parasites and verify that the queen is healthy and capable of producing eggs.
Funny fact:
Beekeepers often have distinct personalities. They tend to be investigative individuals, meaning they are intellectual, introspective, and inquisitive. They possess traits such as curiosity, methodical thinking, rationality, analytical skills, and logic. Some are also social, showcasing kindness, generosity, cooperation, patience, caring, helpfulness, empathy, tact, and friendliness.
Are you suited to be a beekeeper?
If you find yourself possessing the traits mentioned above and have a keen interest in ecology, natural science, and the well-being of bees, then you might be well-suited to become a beekeeper. Engaging in beekeeping as a hobby or profession can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, as you play a vital role in supporting these essential pollinators and contributing to a healthier environment.