Mentors: Robert Bradbury
Throughout my research, I’ve been searching for ways to become a better beekeeper by being better informed about how to prepare hives for inclement weather, how/when to complete mite treatments, and other essential information concerning the well being of honey bees. The question I asked myself was: What am I doing right, and what actions can I take to improve the survival rate of honeybees during winter and throughout the year? The purpose of my research has been to educate myself and other people interested in keeping bees on how to take care of the properly. One big thing to account for in the winter is the moisture that the warmth of the bees creates in the hives. As they cluster together for warmth, they create humidity and condensation forms at the top of the hives, which results in cold water dripping back down on them- a wet and cold bee is a dead bee. Ventilation in the hives is also extremely important as increased consumption of honey during the winter increases warmth and carbon dioxide levels in the hive. Information like this was collected as it was imperative for my research. My overall goal is to inform my audience and to encourage people to get involved in this industry as honey bees are an important building block of the environment.
Project Website: https://howtobeekeep.weebly.com/