An Intro to Beekeeping: What We Have Learned!
If you found yourself daydreaming about starting a beehive, you're not alone, as I've been there! Only after 8 years of living on our homestead did we finally get our own beehives last year and harvest our first honey this year!
And what an incredible experience it has been so far! From the moment we welcomed these tiny, buzzing creatures into our lives, we've been in awe of the intricate dance with nature.
Beekeeping is not only a rewarding hobby, but it also plays a huge role in supporting our environment.
When we first started out, we had a lot to learn (and we still do!). So, let me walk you through some key things we've discovered about beekeeping—why you should keep bees, what hive life looks like, and what it takes to be a good beekeeper. Let's dive in!
Contents:
Why Keep Bees?
Bees Are Endangered
One of the main reasons we started beekeeping was to help support these incredible creatures that are unfortunately struggling in today's world. Climate change, habitat loss, and pesticides have all contributed to the decline in bee populations. Keeping bees helps preserve their species, and it feels good to know you're playing a part in their survival.
Pollination for Your Garden (and Beyond)
Bees are natural pollinators, and having a hive in your backyard means your garden will be bursting with life. But it's not just your garden that benefits—bees travel far and wide, pollinating plants in the surrounding areas. Your little hive could help sustain entire ecosystems around you!
Sweet, Sweet Honey
Of course, there's the honey! Having fresh honey straight from your hive is one of the sweetest rewards of beekeeping. It's delicious, healthier than processed sugars, and makes for great gifts. Plus, it feels pretty great knowing that you harvested it yourself.
The Colony Structure of a Hive
Honeybees are incredibly social and organized creatures, and the structure of their colony is fascinating. Think of it as a highly efficient family unit with everyone playing their part.
The Queen Bee
At the center of every hive is the queen. There's only one per colony, and her main job is to lay eggs—thousands of them. She's the mother of all the bees in the hive, and she's the only female that mates. Without her, the colony can't survive for long.
The Worker Bees
The majority of the hive consists of worker bees, and guess what? They're all female too! But unlike the queen, they don't mate. Instead, they handle almost every other task you can think of—feeding larvae, gathering food, defending the hive, cleaning, and even regulating the temperature inside. They're the true workforce of the colony.
The Drones
Drones are the male bees, and their only job is to mate with a queen. Sounds easy, right? Well, it's not quite that simple. After they mate, they die, and if they don't mate by the end of the flowering season, they get kicked out of the hive by the worker bees. It's tough being a drone!
Where to Put Your Hive
When it comes to placing your hive, location is everything. Here are some things we've learned along the way:
Ideal Conditions
Lots of Flowers: Bees need access to flowers, especially flowering trees.
Quiet and Away from People and Pets: Bees need peace and quiet to thrive.
Level Ground: You'll want a flat spot for stability.
Shade Over Sun: Too much direct sunlight can make the hive too hot.
Far from Pesticides: Keep your hive away from areas that may be sprayed with chemicals.
What to Avoid
Bright Lights: Bees are drawn to lights at night, which can disorient them.
High-Traffic Areas: Avoid putting the hive near sidewalks or areas where kids and pets play.
Pools: Bees need water, but you don't want them buzzing around your pool.
Deciding on a Hive
Choosing the right hive can be tricky, given all the options available. Most people in the U.S. use Langstroth hives—they're easy to find, and it's simpler to get advice and parts for them.
We went with a flow hive, which feels a bit like cheating because you can harvest honey by turning a key! It's a great option for beginners because it makes the process much easier.
Beekeeping Equipment
To get started, you'll need some basic gear:
Smoker: Calms the bees during inspections.
Hive tools: For prying open boxes and moving frames.
Protective clothing: From veils to full suits, this keeps you safe from stings.
Gloves: Sting-resistant gloves are essential, especially for beginners.
The Jobs of a Beekeeper
Keeping bees is more than just letting them do their thing—you've got some important roles to play as well.
Managing Space
As your colony grows, you'll need to adjust the size of the hive by adding or removing boxes. In the winter, it's crucial to shrink the hive so the bees can stay warm and conserve energy. This also involves adding insulation and making sure they have enough food.
Protecting the Hive
There are plenty of critters that would love to get their paws on your bees or their honey. From bears and skunks to mice, it's important to have safeguards in place. A mouse guard helps keep out unwanted guests, and elevating your hive or using an electric fence can help deter larger predators.
Managing Pests
One of the biggest challenges is dealing with pests like the varroa mite—a tiny, but deadly parasite that weakens bee colonies. Ants, wasps, hive beetles, and wax moths can also attack a colony to the point that it collapses.
Staying proactive is key. We regularly monitor the hive to catch issues early before they get out of hand.
Food Storage
In the colder months, bees need help to survive since flowers aren't blooming. We feed them sugar syrup and pollen patties to keep them nourished. It's important to ensure they have enough food to survive the winter.
Keeping the Queen Happy
The queen is everything to a hive, so we constantly check on her. This means inspecting the brood to ensure eggs, larvae, and pupae are present. If the queen stops laying eggs or dies, it's our job to replace her, or the whole hive will collapse.
Seasonal Responsibilities
Beekeeping is seasonal, and each season has its own set of responsibilities:
Spring: Your bees will be building up their population. This is the time for regular hive inspections to ensure the queen is laying and the colony is growing.
Summer: Your hive will be at its peak population. Make sure the bees have enough space to expand, and keep an eye on swarming (when bees leave to start a new colony). You may also harvest honey in late summer!
Fall: Prepare your hive for winter by feeding your bees if necessary, reducing the size of the hive, and adding insulation to keep them warm.
Winter: There’s not much you can do for your bees in winter except making sure they’re protected from the cold. It's a good idea to check the hive on warmer days to ensure they still have enough food.
Where and How to Order Bees
You can't have a hive without bees, right? We recommend contacting a local apiary to order either a package of bees or a nuc.
Packages are cheaper and consist of a box of bees and a queen, while nucs are small, already-established colonies that grow faster and come with 4-5 frames of honeycomb but cost a bit more.
Tip: Order your bees in the winter for a spring delivery. Also, consider getting 2-3 colonies your first year instead of just one. If one colony struggles, you'll have backups, and it's less stressful overall.
extra tips & thoughts on beekeeping
Patience is Key
Beekeeping is a long game. It takes time for your colony to establish itself and grow. You might not harvest honey in your first year, and that’s okay! The priority in the beginning should be to help your colony thrive and survive through its first winter. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get immediate results—beekeeping is a learning process, and bees work at their own pace.
Start Small and Stay Consistent
When you’re just starting out, it’s tempting to check on your bees every few days, but resist the urge to inspect too frequently. Bees need time to settle, and over-checking can stress them out. A good rule of thumb is to inspect the hive every 1-2 weeks during the active season (spring to fall). You’ll want to make sure the queen is laying eggs and that there’s no sign of disease, but try not to disrupt the hive too much.
Be Mindful of Allergies
It’s worth mentioning that while beekeeping is a great hobby, bee stings happen—no matter how careful you are. Before starting, make sure that you or anyone nearby isn’t severely allergic to bee stings. If you or a family member has an allergy, it’s important to have an EpiPen on hand. Over time, beekeepers often get stung less as they learn how to move calmly and gently around the bees.
Learn to Spot Swarming
Swarming happens when a colony gets too crowded, and the bees decide to split in two. The old queen and about half of the workers leave to find a new home, which can be alarming for new beekeepers. Swarming is natural and can’t always be prevented, but you can minimize it by giving the bees more space to grow before they feel crowded. Regular hive inspections will help you spot the signs of swarming, like crowded frames or the presence of queen cells.
Join a Local Beekeeping Community
One of the best things you can do as a new beekeeper is join a local beekeeping club or online community or get a mentor. These groups and experts are a goldmine for advice, troubleshooting, and moral support. Beekeeping can sometimes feel overwhelming, but having a mentor or community to turn to makes a huge difference. Plus, other beekeepers can give you local tips, like when to expect nectar flows and what plants your bees might love in your area.
Stay Calm Around Your Bees
Bees pick up on your energy. Moving slowly, gently, and calmly around your hive is key. If you’re anxious or panicked, the bees will be too! Over time, you’ll learn how to move confidently, and your bees will be less likely to sting. A smoker can help keep the bees calm during inspections, but handling them with respect is just as important. It’s also best to check on your hive when it is cooler, like early morning or at dawn.
Understanding Hive Health
As a beginner, it’s important to educate yourself on the common diseases and issues that can affect a hive, such as American foulbrood, chalkbrood, and nosema. Early detection is critical, so take time to learn the signs of a healthy hive. The more you know about what healthy bees look like, the quicker you’ll be able to act if something goes wrong.
Plan for the Unexpected
Beekeeping is full of surprises. From unexpected swarms to weather changes that affect flower blooms, things rarely go perfectly according to plan. Flexibility and preparedness are essential for long-term success. Having extra hive equipment and a backup plan if a colony fails (which sometimes happens despite your best efforts) will help you avoid frustration. Not every year will go smoothly, and that’s okay!
Respect Your Neighbors
Finally, always keep your neighbors in mind. While you might be excited about your new hive, not everyone feels the same way about bees buzzing around their yard. Make sure your hive is placed at a respectful distance from neighboring properties, and talk to your neighbors about your plans. It’s a good idea to let them know you’ll do your best to keep the bees from swarming or visiting their pool. A little communication goes a long way!
Bruce is our trusted beekeeping advisor and expert. As you can see, he needs no equipment!
Beekeeping has been an amazing journey so far. It has taught as so much about patience and the art of letting things unfold in their own time and trusting the process.
Beekeeping is also more than just harvesting honey—it's about understanding and caring for these fascinating creatures that help our planet thrive. It's about seeing the bigger picture.
If you're thinking about giving beekeeping a shot, we say absolutely go for it! Just remember, there's always something new to learn, and each season brings its own surprises.
Happy beekeeping friend! 🐝
READ MORE:
Homesteading for beginners- Three principles to get you started
6 Ways to be more self-sufficient - improving your health, environment, and pocket!