Getting Started in Beekeeping

Like any hobby, some consideration in what will be required is a must. How much time is involved? Am I able to keep bees? How much will it cost? How do I go about getting started. And how do I get the support, education, guidance, and direction to make this all happen?

Print this page and use it as a checklist

1) Invest in some research of beekeeping. Get a book, or better yet, get several beekeeping books, and read about the fascinating hobby that so many enjoy. Many libraries as well as county and state bee associations have book loan programs.

2) Ask a beekeeper if they would allow you to ride along or visit an apiary. Many of the National Honey Bee Day programs are based on open houses and beginner introduction programs. But nothing will beat an actual visit and a little "one on one" session. Most beekeepers are more than willing to talk about their passion.

3) Seek out the closest beekeeping club, or association. Attend some meetings, make contacts, rub elbows, and perhaps find a mentor. Many clubs have beginner courses and mentor programs. You will be surprised at not just the number of beekeepers, but who is keeping bees.

4) Get motivated! Understand the impact of honey bees in the environment. Many have noticed the lack of not just honey bees, but butterflies, bats, and other beneficial insects. Knowing you will benefit beyond the best tasting honey ever produced, from your own hives, you will also know you are contributing towards a better environment.

5) Plan ahead! Know that depending on your ability to make your own equipment, purchasing used, or buying it already new and assembled, will cost accordingly. Besides the hive and bees, some protection gear, a smoker, and tools will be needed. Once purchased, they will last many years. Beekeeping costs can range depending on the type of hives and other factors from $100 to $500 dollars to get started.

6) Where will you keep bees? While bees are kept on farms to high-rise balconies, and even on city rooftops, some consideration should be given where you will keep a hive. Safety and health of those around you should always take priority.

7) Do I have time for beekeeping? Unlike other hobbies, time is very flexible when it comes to beekeeping. Going away for a few weeks on summer vacation is no concern. Although several annual inspections will need to be accomplished and knowledge of such things as colony health need to be acquired, there are no daily or weekly commitments needed for keeping bees. You can open a hive weekly or miss an entire month. The bees know what they are doing.

8) Provide your bees a habitat to make them survive. Having honey bees means consideration of chemicals used around the house. Pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides, should be scrutinized and limited, if not stopped altogether. Remember, hair spray and silicon lube are not listed as pesticides, but will kill a bee within seconds. Keeping honey bees means making a commitment to keeping them, and the environment, healthy.

9) Will I get rich, or make money in beekeeping? As a hobbyist, probably not. But having honey to give away to friends and neighbors, the solitude and peacefulness beekeeping provides, as well as your contributions to the environment is well worth it. Of course as any beekeeper grows their number of hives, selling honey and beehive products, they may make a nice income. But 95% of all beekeepers are backyard or hobbyist beekeepers, and money is not their motivation.

10) Do not allow yourself to be intimidated by bees. Unlike other stinging insects, honey bees are manageable, and do not take pleasure in stinging anyone. They die after stinging. There are 95 year old ladies tending bees. And if they can do it, so can you! Whether you are 5 years old, or 95 years old, beekeeping is a fascinating hobby for all ages. Once you become a beekeeper, you will always be a beekeeper on some level.