Mountain bees are wild, economically valuable insects that are smaller in size compared to common honeybees. Each bee weighs approximately 1 gram, and about 10 of them together weigh around 1 gram. These bees collect nectar from wild flowers, producing high-quality honey that serves as a premium nutritional supplement and has medicinal properties. Mountain honey is known for its ability to strengthen the spleen and stomach, moisten the lungs, nourish the liver, and detoxify the body. On the market, it can fetch between 15 to 20 yuan per 500 grams. A single hive can produce up to 25 kilograms of honey annually, and under optimal conditions, each bee can yield up to 40-50 kilograms. Domesticating mountain bees is a profitable venture with low investment, quick returns, and minimal environmental impact.
Mountain bees typically reside in tree hollows or rock crevices in mountainous areas, living in large colonies. An average colony consists of around 60,000 bees, with some reaching up to 70,000. Each group includes a queen, thousands of worker bees, and several hundred drones. The queen and workers are permanent members, while drones only appear during mating season. These bees prefer cool climates, surviving winter temperatures as low as -35°C and working in summer heat up to 35°C. They mainly forage on wild plants, showing remarkable persistence even when nectar sources are scarce. They work for 30 to 45 days a year, often flying out at noon during early spring and late autumn.
To raise mountain bees, a suitable beehive must be prepared. The hive should be made from wood, with a bottom, body, and lid. The inner walls should not be too smooth, and a small entrance is needed for the bees. In mountainous regions, natural hollow trees are often used after minor modifications. Before placing the hive, it should be dried and coated with wax to help the bees settle quickly. The hive should be placed in a sunny, sheltered location, elevated to prevent pests like rats and ants from entering. It should be positioned upright and secured to avoid tipping over.
Receiving bees involves two main methods: the nest door method and the gathering method. When bees begin to cluster, they can be guided into the hive using a honey-coated cover. If they don't enter immediately, the queen may land nearby, and the keeper can use a ladder to capture them. In cases where bees migrate far, smoke or water can be used to block their path. If found in trees or rocks, the hive can be moved or the bees can be shaken into it.
Once inside the hive, worker bees start building comb and storing honey, while the queen begins laying eggs. Breeding occurs through mating, and a strong queen can lay up to 2,000 eggs daily. Colonies can be split into groups, with the queen placed in a gauze bag before being introduced. Feeding is essential, especially in early spring and late winter, with honey or sugar syrup provided to support the colony.
Temperature control is crucial, with hives placed in shaded, cool areas during summer. Cracks should be sealed before winter, and temperature checks can be done by listening for sounds inside the hive. Grouping should be managed to prevent swarming, and predators like ants and snakes must be kept away. Bees should be placed away from chemical areas to avoid contamination. If bees escape, it may be due to bad environment or disturbances.
Honey harvesting takes place from the Qingming Festival to the White Dew, when the hive is nearly full. Honey extraction involves removing wax first, then using wind or a hairdryer to blow bees out. The honey is filtered and processed to extract pure wax, which is cleaned and solidified for sale. This process ensures high-quality products with no impurities.
Denilco Flood Boxwall Models And Height
flood boxwall, Denilco flood boxwall, Denilco flood control
Denilco Environmental technology(Suzhou)Co., Ltd. , https://www.wflood.com