How to Master the Art of Beekeeping

Study bees. Honeybees live in hives and are social insects. Observe how they interact. Learn the different types of honeybees, such as the male drone, worker, and queen. Talk with other beekeepers and glean knowledge from them about how bees function.

Join a local beekeeping association and also join the state association where you live. Attend meetings they have, usually in the spring and fall. Network with other beekeepers you meet at these meetings to gain knowledge and ideas for your hive.

Start your hive by purchasing package bees. You can also buy an already established colony or collect swarms yourself. However, beginning with package bees provides the easiest way to start for a beginning apiarist.

Begin with one to two bee colonies. Expand after a couple of years as you gain experience and success. One hive can produce 50 to 100 pounds of honey each year.

Get the proper equipment for beekeeping. In addition to the hive, purchase protective clothing and equipment to handle the honey and bees. Ask an experienced beekeeper where he got his equipment.

Understand the parts and functions of your beehive. Purchase a new hive when you start out, but learn over time how to build your own hives. Study how the wooden frames hold the honeycomb and hang inside the body of the hive. Observe how the bees store the honey in the upper chambers of the hive, while young bees grow and develop in the lower chambers.

Pick the best hive location. Place the hive near a good source of nectar and pollen, with trees and plants nearby. Ensure a good source of clean water stands close by the colony. This may require you keeping a pan of fresh water near the hive if you live in an area with no natural water. Position the hive facing south or southeast with a wind break behind it. Keep the hive under a nice shade tree to protect the colony from the summer heat.

Take care of the bees in the winter. Starvation in the winter causes most bee deaths with inexperienced beekeepers. Learn how to keep the proper amount of honey in the hives for winter feeding.

Prevent disease in your colonies. Buy new equipment or have your older equipment inspected and cleaned. Study common diseases that kill bees, such as foulbrood disease and nosema disease. Know treatments to prevent these diseases and others. Keep the hive tilted slightly forward to prevent water build-up in the hive. Excessive moisture can cause dysentery in colonies.