Should you start a Beehive?
- Dave
- Apr 8, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 24, 2020
Looking to start keeping bees? Well you've found the right place. Having been there and done that, we'll give you the practical and honest low-down on all the details.
First, why do you want to have bees? Hopefully this post will help you answer that question so you don't get knee deep before you realize beekeeping isn't for you.
Here are some reasons we got into beekeeping:
1) They're great for our garden! (And our neighbors'). Studies show that 1 out of every 3 bites of food depends on honeybees and pollinators. Bees can increase your own garden and fruit tree harvest!
2) They're low maintenance. You don't have to go out and feed them every day. You don't have to buy food for them. In fact, they don't like to be bugged too much. Checking on your bees occasionally is important though, so you can catch any disease or mites before they take their toll. You do have to pay for the bees (unless you catch a local swarm), hive, and tools up front, but after that your expenses are relatively minimal!
3) Honey! But not just honey. We get other byproducts from them like pollen and beeswax! Not only are they making our gardens more productive, but they're making liquid gold.
4) The bee population is in danger. It's a small thing I can do to help the environment while also benefitting our own plants and increasing our little harvest. It's a win-win! Add a third win on there because we love watching them gather, and grow their hives.
Preparing For Your Bees
Research is key. If you know any other local beekeepers, go have a chat with them, about everything! Find out where they get their hives, tools, and bees. Find out how they manage their hives and what specific difficulties and advantages they find themselves with. Ask what tips they have and if they would be a mentor for you while you're getting started!
If you don't have the luxury of knowing a local beekeeper, don't worry. We've got you.
Local laws should be respected. Look on your city's website or call them to find what restrictions, if any, they have on beehives. Be sure you know how many hives you can legally have on your property. Where we started out with our first hives, we could only have two on the property. We were also required to have hives are over 6 inches off the ground and 5 feet away from the property line, and labeled with our identification. Find out the laws for your area before you get started!
Hive Placement is an important thing to consider initially. Put the entrance facing the sun, generally a southeast direction. Be sure the hive gets plenty of sun all day. Protect the hive from excessive wind as this can be distressing to the bees.
Get your supplies! The majority of beekeeping costs for us have been the up front ones. Most importantly you'll need THE HIVE, of course! Learn more about all the hive components and what you'll need to get started.
Beyond the hive itself, there are some necessities, and some optional tools. And which tool is in which category depends on the beekeeper! Some would never work without their bee suit, while others never use one. You will find what works for you after experience. I recommend starting out with a suit 😂
Here's the list of tools:
Beekeeping suit (including veil to cover your face and head, and leather gloves)
Smoker
Bee brush
Hive tool
Entrance feeder
To learn more about these tools, GO HERE.
Where to get it all.
Your local farm supply stores often have the things you'll need to get started. But they're probably overpriced.
Finding an online bee supply store may save you time and get you more quality product. Many people I've talked to prefer Mann Lake products. I've also used Pierco and a few other sites. You can choose between assembled or unassembled hive boxes or frames. While the unassembled are usually a little cheaper, you do need to have the right tools and you've got to put in time to assemble them yourself.
I have even used a local classifieds page to find supplies! If you do end up getting used supplies, be careful as they may have disease. I would buy used supplies cautiously, and from individuals I know and trust. You may be able to sanitize these effectively with bleach, ammonia, a scrub brush, and even a blowtorch.
If you're handy, there are blueprints you can find that let you make your own!
We're excited!
Beginning your beekeeping journey is a fun and rewarding experience! We are finishing up our Successful Beginner Beekeeping Course. If you want to reserve a seat in the course, please contact us and leave your information! And feel free to contact us personally if you have any questions :)
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