“So You Want to be a Beekeeper”

            Everything written here should be interpreted as encouragement for you to become a beekeeper.   Any statement that may appear negative is intended to assist the aspiring beekeeper in avoiding errors or omissions.   Beekeeping is an agricultural activity. Consequently, many beekeeping activities are governed by the seasons, the weather, the time of day, etc.   There is also much that may be accomplished indoors during inclement weather.   With relatively few exceptions, beekeeping is a part-time endeavor.   Part-time beekeeping is one of those hobbies that can, with careful planning, pay for itself.   A colony of honey bees is a living entity.   As such, without proper care from a beekeeper, the colony will die prematurely.

            A very important consideration is whether you are allergic to stings.   If a bee sting swells at the site of the sting, turns red, itches, feels warm to the touch, and goes away in a day or two, you have a normal reaction to a bee sting.   Very likely, you are not allergic to a bee sting. On the other hand, if you are stung on the ankle and your throat swells up, you are likely allergic and should not play with bees.   Beekeepers get stung.   If you wear enough protection that the bees cannot sting you, probably, you will die of heat stroke.

            As an agricultural activity, there is an optimal date on which to establish a new colony.   This optimal date varies with location.   There are several ways to establish a new colony.   There are a few items of minimal equipment necessary to manipulate a colony.   This means, very simply, that some training and minimal equipment must be acquired before attempting beekeeping.   This required training should be obtained by utilizing available resources, i.e. books, magazines, the internet, a beekeeping seminar, a local club, other beekeepers, and a mentor.   Much of your beekeeping knowledge should be learned from reading; however, there is an unbelievable amount of information to be gleaned from just a few minutes accompanying an experienced beekeeper while he works a colony.   Do not pass up this opportunity.

            Just as the optimal date varies with location, there are variations with the type of bees, the tools, the hive or woodenware, etc.   Every beekeeper has his opinion about everything.   Expect conflicting opinions and keep in mind that what works in a specific location with a type of honey bee with certain equipment for one beekeeper may not work in another location for another beekeeper.   This is part of the fascination of beekeeping.   There are many variables in beekeeping.   The biggest variable is the beekeeper.

            Here is a suggested schedule. Obtain a copy of First Lessons in Beekeeping by Dr. Keith Delaplane.   If you will keep your bees in an urban or suburban location, read Backyard Beekeeping by Kim Flottum.   Attend a local meeting of beekeepers.   Listen and don’t hesitate to ask questions.   At the local club, ask for a discount coupon to subscribe to Bee Culture or American Bee Journal.   Plan to attend Dr. James E. Tew’s Spring Beekeeping Symposium which has been at Auburn on the first Saturday in February for several years.   At your local beekeepers meeting, inquire about a bee school close to you.   These schools are usually held beginning in January.   Find that mentor at your local club meeting.   Offer to help him just for the experience of working in a beeyard.

            Try to learn as much as you can while spending a minimal amount.   Get started by purchasing the minimal equipment, i.e. smoker, hivetool, hat/veil, and gloves.   Start with two colonies.   Plan to maintain only two colonies for at least two years until you have a very good understanding of beekeeping.   Begin keeping a record of your beekeeping activities immediately.   A composition notebook works well.   Good luck! Have fun!

New File 11/16/11 lwf