Mountain bees are wild, economically valuable insects known for their small size and high productivity. Each bee weighs about 1 gram, and roughly 10 of them together weigh 1 gram. These bees collect nectar from wild flowers, producing high-quality honey that serves as a premium nutritional supplement and has medicinal benefits. Mountain honey is particularly effective in improving digestion, nourishing the lungs, supporting liver health, and detoxifying the body. It currently sells for between 15 to 20 yuan per 500 grams. On average, a single hive can yield around 25 kilograms of honey annually, and under optimal conditions—strong colonies, good nectar sources, and favorable weather—each colony can produce up to 40–50 kilograms of honey per year.
Domesticating mountain bees is a highly profitable venture due to its low investment, quick returns, minimal competition, no need for chemical fertilizers, and no environmental pollution. This makes it an attractive option for farmers and hobbyists alike.
**Life Style of Mountain Bees**
Mountain bees typically live in tree hollows or rock crevices in mountainous or semi-mountainous areas, forming large colonies. A typical colony consists of around 60,000 bees, with some larger groups reaching up to 70,000. Each group includes one queen, tens of thousands of worker bees, and several hundred drones. The queen and workers are permanent members of the colony, while drones only appear during the mating season.
These bees prefer cooler climates, surviving winter temperatures as low as -35°C and still working at 35°C in summer. They primarily collect nectar from wild plants rather than crops, showing remarkable dedication even when nectar sources are sparse. They remain active throughout the day, especially during early spring and late autumn, and can work for 30–45 days each year.
**Beekeeping Equipment and Placement**
Before introducing the bees, a suitable hive must be prepared. The beehive consists of a base, a main body, a bottom, and a cover. The main body is usually made from wooden logs, hollowed out and smoothed on the inside. A small nest door is cut near the bottom to allow bees to enter and exit. In mountainous regions, natural hollow trees are often used after minor modifications. After drying, the inner walls are coated with wax to help the bees settle quickly.
The hive should be placed in a sunny, sheltered location near a house, with a tree behind and an open front. It should be elevated to prevent pests like rats and ants from entering. Beehives should be spaced apart and placed upright to avoid tipping over. Before placing the bees, a small amount of honey is applied under the lid to attract them.
**Receiving Bees**
Mountain bees are most active during two periods: May 10–June 2 and July 20–August 10. When collecting bees, operators should wear protective gear. Two common methods include the nest door method and the group gathering technique.
In the nest door method, a honey-coated lid is used to attract the bees. Once the queen is spotted, she is carefully placed on the lid, and the rest of the colony follows. The lid is then secured to the hive. If this fails, the group gathering method involves using a ladder to approach the bees and gently guide them into the hive.
**Breeding and Colony Management**
After settling, worker bees begin building combs and storing honey, while the queen starts laying eggs. A strong queen can lay up to 2,000 eggs daily. Colonies are divided into smaller groups using the "grabbing the queen" method, where the queen is placed in a gauze bag and introduced to a new hive. Spring and autumn divisions help maintain strong, healthy colonies.
**Feeding Practices**
Supplemental feeding is essential, especially in early spring and late winter. Honey or sugar syrup is provided in the evening to prevent theft by other animals. Feeding amounts vary depending on colony size and honey reserves.
**Important Considerations**
Temperature control is crucial. Hives should be kept cool in summer and insulated in winter. Regular checks ensure proper ventilation and moisture levels. Grouping and dividing colonies helps manage population growth and prevent swarming. Predators such as ants and snakes must be controlled through fencing. Bees should be placed away from farms and industrial areas to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals.
**Honey and Wax Extraction**
Honey is typically harvested from the Qingming Festival to the Bai Lu period. When the hive is nearly full, the wax is extracted by inserting a thin wire and gently pulling out the comb. Modern techniques now use air blowers instead of smoke to remove bees. The wax is then cleaned and processed to create pure, high-quality beeswax.
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