Apiculture

Bee keeping is regarded as one of the well-established traditional methods of food production. A beekeeper is the one who maintains and takes care of the bees' needs. The beehives of honeybees are placed and kept in bee yards or Apiary. The size of apiary may vary accordingly, depending on the bee specie.

Also known as apiculture, beekeeping is the process of propagating insects, such as bees primarily for honey and beeswax production. Honey is widely used for medicinal and nutritional purposes. Whereas, beeswax is used to make furniture polish, candles, cosmetics and for modeling. Nowadays, it is used for crop pollination services where beekeepers obtain most of their profits.

In contrast, special considerations should be observed in starting beekeeping like wearing the proper attire and using the proper tools when caring for these little creatures, so as to avoid accidents and, most especially, bee stings.

Beekeeper's suit consists of protective clothing including hooded suit or hat, a veil and a pair of gloves. However, amateur beekeepers are advised to wear light colored clothes since bees are highly attracted to dark colors. A pair of white or khaki pants with white socks is the appropriate outfit as you get closer to the apiary. Likewise, socks should be securely pulled over the folded pant legs to prevent bees from getting into your pants. A light-colored shirt tightly zipped or buttoned may also be necessary.

Beekeeping smoker on the other hand, is the most valuable tool amongst other equipment for apiculture. The smoke it produces calms the bees, thereby allowing the beekeeper to open and examine the hive without getting stings. Some beekeepers prefer to use sumac as fuel for it emits large amounts of smoke but doesn't have any foul odor. However, a liquid smoke may be used as an alternative for soothing the bees.