Kaye, Author at Wise Beekeeping

Beekeeping Facts and Information For Oklahoma This article provides some basic facts and information for beekeeping in Oklahoma. Bees live in hives and serve the queen bee. The queen lays all the eggs and is responsible for the health of the entire hive. While individual bees have little intelligence, they communicate with each other through pheromones and intensive ritualistic dancing. In Oklahoma, bees live in arid climates, so beekeeping in this state requires special consideration. Bees are aggressive According to a recent study, bees are aggressive in Oklahoma because they have Africanized bees, which are more likely to sting people. This invasive species has made it to Oklahoma and is causing a spike in bee stings, including in Harper County. It is important to note that the stings from Africanized bees are less painful than those from European honey bees, but the stings are deadly for people with allergies. While bumblebees and carpenter bees are not very aggressive, honey bees are notoriously aggressive and can even kill people. These insects sting people who get too close to the nest and spread a mild poison, which can cause itching and sharp pain. Some people can develop a severe allergic reaction to honey bee stings, which is why you must keep an eye out for these aggressive bees. However, be aware that honey bees make up half of all stinging deaths in Oklahoma. Small Carpenter Bees are smaller and narrower than Large Carpenter Bees, and they nest in hollowed out tree stems. Unlike other types of bees in Oklahoma, they often cohabitate with other females and may even sting. In Oklahoma, there are 30 species of Long-Horned Bees. While some of them are aggressive, they are generally harmless. The following are some facts about bees that you should know about these insects. They swarm While swarms can take place anywhere, they are most likely to happen in the open-air. Luckily, recent rain has done wonders for the ecosystem and the bees should be rebounding soon. This is the story of how an Oklahoma beekeeper was shocked to discover a swarm in the middle of her pasture. The swarm had been residing in the hollow of an oak tree for years and was about 300 yards away. A large swarm recently appeared in the Tulsa area. The swarm was from a nearby hive in a tree trunk. A swarm is the natural process by which a colony splits. During the swarm, the old queen leaves the hive and the remaining 40-60 percent leave. This hive will not survive without its old queen, so it is best to relocate it as soon as possible. Swarms in Oklahoma beekeeping are common in a number of areas. Beekeepers in Oklahoma City, Norman, Pauls Valley, and other cities in the state have reported seeing swarms during springtime. Bees will recolonize their new home in a new hive and collect nectar in the spring. Fortunately, the swarms are harmless. There are no harm done to bees - they are just looking for a new home. They need privacy A good rule of thumb is to keep your hives at least 50 feet away from high-traffic areas. Ideally, they should be near a tall fence or hedge, which forces the bees' flight path overhead and reduces contact with humans. Screening them from view will also help them live in peace. Beekeeping in Oklahoma is one of the easiest ways to give your neighbors a taste of what's in store for them. They produce honey In addition to producing delicious honey, beekeeping in Oklahoma is also great for your health. Oklahoma is home to hundreds of different species of bees. However, the honey bee is the state insect of Oklahoma. Although bees are not native to the state, they first made their way to North America in the early seventeenth century. There are several major bee farms in Oklahoma, but most of the production comes from local hobbyists and small family-owned businesses. The weather in Oklahoma is not always favourable for honey production, but that is no reason to give up. Bees sleep for five to eight hours each night, and they can be safely moved to different fields for pollination. The recent rains in Oklahoma have helped the ecosystem, and Hobson expects Oklahoma bee populations to recover soon. Fortunately, he says he's optimistic about the future of the industry. When harvesting honey from a hive, be sure to time it correctly. Too early or too late can lead to cold temperatures and a lack of honey. Harvesting at the right time can mean the difference between a sweet harvest and a mediocre one. Harvesting can occur between two and three times a season, though there are some who harvest only once. In Oklahoma, beekeepers should carefully time chemical treatments to avoid overlapping honey flow. They need less frequent inspections While the state of Missouri prohibits beekeepers from selling their honey outside the state borders, this doesn't necessarily mean that beekeeping in Oklahoma is any different. The state's Apiary Act requires annual inspections of apiaries, and the State Board of Agriculture determines fees for such inspections. The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture may take samples as part of an inspection. The department outlines the requirements and testing methods that must be followed during the inspection process. Be sure to use a suitable stand for your beehives. While a wooden stand may be adequate, it may rot or become unstable after a while. Another option is to purchase plywood and place it on the hive frame. Tie-downs are another option, and many beekeepers simply place a large rock on top of the hives to provide added security. If you're concerned about damage caused by wind, you can install tie-downs around the hives. Beekeeping in Oklahoma is safe and protected under the state's Apiary Act. However, when building a hive, it is important to consider the impact on your neighbors. If you plan to install a hive on your property in an urban or suburban setting, be sure to discuss your intentions with your neighbors to avoid creating an unruly situation. While you can't force your neighbors to accept your new hobby, it will be important for them to know that you respect their rights and are following the law. They die out in Oklahoma due to mites A popular debate in beekeeping is whether to use chemicals to control mites or try treatment-free alternatives. Treatment-free approaches are more natural and do not involve the use of chemicals. Nevertheless, chemical treatments can be a part of Integrated Pest Management programs, especially in areas where mite populations are large. For optimal results, chemical treatments should be used in conjunction with a comprehensive bee health program. Usually, the sting of mites is not visible to humans. But if you notice white crystalline patches on your hive, they could be mites. These mites can also stay hidden between the segments of your hive. Beekeepers should not ignore the presence of mites, but denying their existence can lead to misinformation and poor beekeeping practices. The disease is often caused by tracheal mites, which attack the bees' breathing tubes and cause colony death. If your hive becomes infested with tracheal mites, you should monitor it closely and remove infected bees as soon as possible. If you observe bees that are swarming, a hive that is weakened may attract scavengers and predators. These predators can spread the mites to other colonies. Although the presence of Varroa mites has been a major problem for beekeeping in Oklahoma, this problem isn't limited to the state. Increasingly resistant mite populations in the U.S. are caused by a combination of migratory behavior and climate change. Those mites will not die if the colony doesn't splinter occasionally.