Home >> Science & Nature >> Insects & Science

How Much Work Is Involved in Beekeeping?

Industrious beekeepers can generate a profit by managing multiple hives and selling honey commercially. However, many beekeepers choose to pursue apiculture as a hobby, spending as much, or as little, time and effort doing it as they choose.

Beginning
- The average hive produces 20 to 30 lbs. of honey per season.
  
  It costs anywhere from $300 to $500 to get started as a beekeeper. That amount includes the price of protective clothing, tools, supplies, and a honeybee colony. However, over time, the initial investment in beekeeping pays for itself. Each hive produces a seasonal average of 20 to 30 lbs. of surplus honey, which a beekeeper can harvest and keep, share or sell.
Time
- Beekeepers extract honey twice a year.
  
  Managing bees takes about half an hour per hive per week, and less time in the winter when bees are hibernating. Beekeepers extract honey twice a year. This takes about two hours per hive each time.
Neighbors
- Beekeepers wear protective veils.
  
  Backyard beekeepers spend a significant amount of time educating neighbors on the habits of honeybee swarms. One way to assuage potential fears of stinging is to build a high enough fence to keep the honeybees out of sight, and, hopefully, out of mind.

Insects & Science