Did you know that the worldwide bee population is in decline? In North America alone, more than half of the 4,000 native bee species are shrinking in numbers and 1 in 4 of these species are in danger of going extinct*. 

If you’re fascinated by the intricate dance of bees and their remarkable teamwork, and you enjoy the sweet rewards of their labor, there has never been a better time to begin beekeeping!

Beekeeping, also known as apiculture, involves the management of bee colonies in man-made hives. Once a niche hobby, beekeeping has garnered significant interest among individuals seeking a deeper connection with nature or aiming to contribute to environmental sustainability and the revival of the bee population. Beekeepers help to preserve bee species, bolster the food supply, and contribute to their local economy by harvesting and selling honey straight from their hives.

Starting beekeeping from scratch may seem daunting, but with the right guidance and resources, it can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. This guide to beekeeping for beginners is designed to walk you through the essential steps, tools, and knowledge required to embark on your beekeeping journey and be a good steward of your bee colony.

Understanding the Basics of Beekeeping

1. Educate Yourself:

To become a beekeeper, start by immersing yourself in knowledge about bees, their behavior, and the essentials of managing colonies. Explore resources such as books, online courses, and see if there is a beekeeping class at your local beekeeping association. Consider attending a workshop conducted by an experienced beekeeper to gain hands-on knowledge and figure out which type of bee is best for you to start with.

The Western honeybee may be a good bee to start with, as it is typically not as aggressive as other breeds and tends to multiply quickly and create large colonies, thereby producing a larger amount of honey more quickly. These bees are also better suited to highly populated areas, which makes them a better match for urban or suburban beekeeping ventures*.

2. Gathering Necessary Equipment:

Invest in the essential beekeeping supplies. A starter beekeeping kit usually includes a hive, protective gear (veil, suit, gloves), a smoker, a hive tool, and a feeder. DO NOT start beekeeping without these items! The two most important pieces of beekeeping equipment are the veil and smoker. The third is the hive tool. The veil prevents the bees from getting near your face, head, and neck. The smoker is used to disorient the bees by interfering with their sense of smell so that they can’t smell any alarm pheromones you may give off as you work with the hive. A hive tool is a handheld, all-in-one beekeeping tool that you can use for everything from opening the hive box to removing unwanted nails and scraping debris off the hive to dislodging bee stingers from your skin without squeezing the venom sack.

Some starter kits come with bees included. If not, you will need to order your bees separately. There are a number of online vendors who will ship bees directly to you. You can also buy bees in person at your local beekeeping supply location. A standard package of bees will include worker bees and a queen. If you prefer a hive that has already begun to develop, you can buy an established colony. Whichever route you choose, do your research and source your bees from a reputable dealer to ensure the health of your hive.

3. Understanding Bee Colonies*:

A bee colony consists of worker bees, a queen, and drone bees. Like any healthy corporation, every member of the bee colony has a specific task to perform based on their developmental stage. No bee can survive without the help and support of its colony. In other words, no bee is an island…

Worker bees make up the majority of the colony and perform various tasks like building the hive or nest, foraging for food, nursing the bee brood, and guarding the hive.

The queen bee is the only female bee that can reproduce. Her primary purpose is to grow the size of the colony and she can lay up to 1,500 eggs a day during the peak of bee season in the spring and summer. The queen also produces unique pheromones that help to create cohesion in the colony and help bees identify their hive.

Drone bees are, essentially, the studs of the bee colony. While they are larger than all the other bees, they possess no stinger or wax glands and die instantly after performing their singular duty of fertilizing the queen bee.

Steps to Begin Beekeeping

4. Choosing the Right Location:

Select a suitable location for your beehive. Consider an area with ample sunlight, protection from strong winds, and minimal disturbances for the bees. Ensure compliance with local regulations and zoning laws regarding beekeeping and make sure you can easily enter and exit the area while maintaining your hive.

5. Preparation and Hive Setup:

As early spring approaches, prepare your hive for the bees’ arrival. Assemble the hive according to instructions, ensuring frames are in place for the bees to build the honeycomb. Inspect the hive for any signs of damage or pests.

Once your hive is set up, you’re ready to introduce your bees to their new home! Your package of bees should include detailed instructions for making sure they’re properly oriented and that the queen is safely integrated at the heart of the colony. 

7. Protecting Against Pests:

Varroa mites, small hive beetles, wax moths, and other pests can threaten your bee colony. It’s important to implement integrated pest management strategies to protect your bees from these and other threats. Regular monitoring and timely intervention using appropriate treatments are essential to keep these threats at bay.

8. Feeding and Nourishing Bees:

Especially in the early stages of hive development or when weather causes resources to be scarce, it’s important to supplement your bees' diet with sugar water to support their nutritional needs. This aids colony growth and comb building until they establish a stable supply of nectar and pollen from the environment.

Ongoing Beekeeping Practices

9. Regular Hive Inspections:

It’s important to conduct routine inspections to assess the health of your bee colony. Look for signs of disease, brood pattern irregularities, or indications of swarming. An experienced beekeeper can offer guidance in interpreting these observations.

10. Maintenance and Hive Management:

Manage your hive by performing necessary maintenance tasks. These include replacing old frames, expanding the hive as the colony grows, and ensuring adequate ventilation. As you gain experience, consider expanding by adding additional hives, which will increase honey production and maximize your contribution to local pollination efforts.

11. Learning from Experienced Beekeepers:

Engage with local beekeeping communities or mentors who can provide valuable insights based on their experience. Collaborating with seasoned beekeepers can significantly enhance your learning curve and help you nurture a thriving hive.

12. Sustainable Beekeeping Practices:

Embrace sustainable practices by avoiding the excessive use of chemicals and pesticides that can harm bees and their environment. Instead, opt for organic methods, like Apilife VAR, oxalic acid, or formic acid, to manage pests and diseases whenever possible. 

Becoming a beekeeper from scratch demands dedication, continuous learning, and a deep respect for these fascinating creatures. Remember, beekeeping is a partnership with nature that requires patience and attentiveness. By following these steps and continuously educating yourself, you'll gradually become adept at managing your bee colony, contributing not only to your local ecosystem but also to the global effort of preserving these essential pollinators. Start small, learn from every experience, and enjoy the unique journey that beekeeping offers, and soon, you’ll be educating others on how to become a beekeeper!

Are you a veteran or first responder with the beekeeping buzz? Contact us today to learn more about our program!

At Ease Orchard provides the training, equipment, and education necessary for veterans and first responders suffering from traumatic on-the-job injuries and other disabilities to improve their wellbeing and find purpose through beekeeping, fruit trees, and other farming skills.

References:

* https://thebeeconservancy.org 

* https://thebfarm.com/blogs/news/5-top-honey-bee-breeds-for-your-bee-farm 

* https://canr.udel.edu/maarec/honey-bee-biology/the-colony-and-its-organization