How To Be A Beekeeper
Learning how to be a beekeeper takes a little time. It can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it is also a complicated one. So, it's not something that you should take lightly or jump into quickly. Let's look at some things that you need to know before you decide to be a beekeeper.
Allergies:
Some people have severe allergies to bee stings. You should not be a beekeeper unless you are sure that nobody in your household has such an allergy. It's also a good idea to warn your neighbors that you plan to keep bees, just in case anyone in their families has an allergy to bee stings. Luckily, you can have your doctor test you to confirm whether you have a bee sting allergy or not.
Avoid Used Hives:
If you're new to beekeeping, it may be tempting to try to get a deal on hives and equipment. You may be able to find some cheap used hives out there with bees already in them, but you may not be getting a deal. Instead, you may find yourself suddenly stuck with a major problem. Some of the things that you could encounter with a used hive include:
- Aggression
- Swarming
- Bacterial Infections
- Mites
- Structural Problems With The Hive Itself
So, if you are looking to save money when you start beekeeping, you can get some equipment used, but not the hive itself. Also, be careful that any used equipment you do purchase is still useable. For example, don't buy a used beekeeping suit if it has holes in it.
Space For Your Bees:
Another important thing that you should know about beekeeping is that you need to have space for your bees to live and thrive and for you to work with them. It's usually best to start with two hives, so that you can learn and compare results between the two. The hives will need to be at least 5 feet or so apart from each other. That will allow you plenty of room when you are inspecting or harvesting them.
Of course, you also have to have the outdoor space for your bees to fly around without becoming a nuisance. You should never put your hives anywhere near heavily trafficked areas. So, keep the hives away from all doors, windows, places that your children play or neighbors' yards.
How To Get Your Bees:
You can buy both hives and bees from a number of sources. It's usually both cheaper and easier to buy them locally, but you can even order them online. Just keep in mind that bees don't always travel well. So, it's best not to order them from across the country. Also, bees that are already local will be better used to your local climate and weather patterns.
Learn From An Experienced Source:
Buying the bees and purchasing the right tools for the job is only part of being a good beekeeper. You also need to learn from an experienced source. It's best if you can get a local beekeeper to teach you what has worked well for them. Another option is that you can actually take a class in beekeeping. If all else fails, you can also do Internet research and read books on the subject.
Just remember that beekeeping can be fun. It can also be a lucrative business venture. However, in the wrong hands a beehive can bee-come a disaster. So, the buzz on beekeeping is that you need to be prepared for whatever might fly your way. Learn all you can about how to be a beekeeper and your new beekeeping hobby or business is more likely to be a success.
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