Beekeeping, where to begin

Beekeeping is an exciting new endeavor for many people. Apiary operations range from hobbyists (less than 10 colonies) to sideliners (couple hundreds of colonies) to commercial (several thousand colonies). Keeping bees is challenging, but is well worth your time and effort. When done properly, it is extremely rewarding from an economic and environmental perspective. Here are several guidelines that will help you begin your beekeeping journey.

1. Start by joining your local beekeeping organization

Find your local beekeeping association and attend a meeting. Many associations meet monthly and have social and educational programs. Local meetings are very informative as beekeepers of all levels attend and they typically have a speaker at each meeting. This will give you an opportunity to discuss best management practices specific to your area and beekeepers are often happy to share advice and ideas with beginners. Information regarding local beekeeping clubs is usually found on your state’s Apiary Association or Apiary State Registration website. The listing of local beekeeping clubs in Pennsylvania is found at PSBA local beekeeping organizations

1. Start by joining your local beekeeping organization

2. Read, Read, Read!

There is a plethora of information ‘out there’ on bees and beekeeping practices. Getting started is the hardest part, so it is important to be prepared for how to take care of your bees to prevent common problems that beekeepers encounter. The key to success is to learn the basics, not only of common beekeeping practices but of honey bee biology. Our Penn State Beekeeping Basics book provides ample background on both of these topics. Informative journals that will keep you up to date on information include American Bee Journal and Bee Culture. The amount of information on how to keep bees can be daunting and different opinions on how to best manage your bees can be contradictory. Our advice is to look for information from reliable sources that are scientifically-based.

3. Take a workshop and find a mentor

Sign up for a workshop hosted by your local or state beekeeping organization. There are also regional conferences that are great for beginners such as Eastern Apiculture Society or Heartland Apicultural Society. Local and experienced beekeepers are an invaluable source of information. Many times, finding a local mentor who can advise you through the ups and downs of your first year as a beekeeper can be very helpful and many local clubs have mentorship programs.

4. Consider your goals

There is a number of things to think about when you start keeping honey bees. For example, your budget, where and how you will get bees, what type or strain to purchase, what is the necessary equipment, and how you will keep records, among many other things. The first thing to decide before you start is: what is your objective for keeping bees? For example, is your objective to produce honey? Or are you keeping bees for the sheer joy of backyard pollination?

5. Review local laws & zoning ordinances

The first beekeeping laws in the mid-Atlantic region were passed in 1921 as a response to an outbreak of American foulbrood. In 1994, the modern beekeeping law was created in Pennsylvania in order regulate the movement of colonies in and out of the state and to control for diseases. The current cost of colony registration is $10 for two calendar years per beekeeper. The Pennsylvania Apiary Inspection Program is outlined here. Be aware of local zoning ordinances because regulations in different areas (urban vs. rural) can differ even within the same state.

6. Remember to protect yourself

Bee stings are a fact of life for beekeepers. When working with stinging insects, stings are inevitable, but precautions should be taken to reduce stings. Many beekeepers become used to the stings, but it does take time to build a ‘sting’ tolerance. In the meantime, appropriate attire can help. This includes a bee veil to protect your face and, even though this will depend on your personal preference, the climate in your area and how conformable you are working a colony. Gloves can be handy as the finger tips are sensitive to stings, but they reduce dexterity. Learning how to manage bees without gloves can help a beginner to slow down and work more carefully, which keeps the bees calm. If stung, it is best to quickly remove the barbed stinger, walk slowly away from the colony, and wash the sting or apply rubbing alcohol to reduce pain.

7. Bees & equipment

There are also a number of options when it comes to bee equipment. The “standard” equipment is a 10-frame Langstroth hive body. However, 8 frame equipment is becoming more popular and tends to be lighter. There is also growing interests in topbar hives. You will want to consider the pros and cons of the equipment that you purchase because it is a long-term decision. The cost of starting two colonies (including the colonies, physical hives, apiary tools, and personal protection) will run about $600-$800. The cost will vary, for example where you purchase your bees or which strain of bee, but it does require a small start-up fund. Be careful purchasing used equipment as it could spread disease, such as American foulbrood. Popular equipment suppliers include: Kelly Bees, Dadant and Mannlake.

8. Start small

The best course of action is to start small with 2 to 3 colonies in early spring. Be aware that many times you must order your colonies, either package or nuc, several months in advance. For example, it is best to place our order by early winter if you would like to receive bees in early spring. Depending upon your objectives, you can continue to progress gradually into more advanced levels of beekeeping, such as honey production and queen rearing. Be aware that in the first 1-3 years there is a steep learning curve, so it is beneficial to observe and learn from your colonies. It is extremely important to become familiar with when and how your colonies are active, honey flow patterns in your area, best management strategies, and the life cycle of a honey bee as well as a bee colony. By starting small, you will be better able to assess problems or successes in the future and potentially increase the size of your apiary.

9. Have fun

There is only so much information that you can digest before you make the jump and begin keeping bees. Be prepared to encounter difficulties, but do not lose motivation or become discouraged. Beekeepers of all experiences make mistakes and you will never stop learning! Keep detailed records to assess past management strategies. During your first 1-2 years, it is extremely important to learn the basics and take records to be able to have a comparison for future experimentation. The key is to be informed and to not be afraid to seek support when in need. Good luck on your journey!