The Haynes Bee Manual offers a clear and concise introduction into the fascinating world of the honey bee and the addictive craft of beekeeping. For various reasons, the number of bee colonies has been declining and there is great interest in trying to aid their recovery. Anyone wanting to keep bees first needs to learn about the individuals, how colonies operate and how the beekeeper can work with these insects to help them thrive, carry out their pollination activities and produce a satisfying honey crop. Full of colour photos and clear step-by-step text, Haynes Bee Manual offers practical advice for anyone planning to take up this absorbing hobby.
- The honey bee, its life cycle and activities, and how the colony operates
- The honey bee in the environment and its importance in pollination
- Choosing equipment and obtaining bees
- Finding and laying out an apiary
- How to inspect a colony, handle frames and control the bees
- Advice on swarm prevention and control
- Dealing with the honey crop
- Uses for honey, beeswax and propolis
- Detection and control of the main honey bee pests and diseases
Claire Waring has kept bees for over 25 years, starting with one colony that quickly multiplied to four during the first season. She is actively involved in local beekeeping and has travelled to a large number of countries to see and learn about beekeeping.