Much of the information below covered in more detail in the class, but we recognize that the class fee is significant and we do not take your giving up four Saturdays of your time lightly. Please consider this the “fine print” that is meant to assist you in your decision to undertake beekeeping.
- Recurring theme: Knowledge
Are you easily afraid of feeling like being unprepared for what you need to do?
Beekeeping has a big learning curve. That is why this class runs for four 8-hour sessions and that is just the tip of the iceberg. Every club meeting is devoted to education. Don’t do this because it seems easy – it’s not. Beekeeping is an imperfect practice. What works this year may not in a future year and vice versa. Weather, location, and genetics are the controlling unknowns. We cannot control the first and have limited control on the others. - How much care is needed – time investment – Is your spare time limited?
Though bees are no-where near as needy for attention as a pet dog or cat would be, but they also cannot be ignored for extended periods, especially during the spring season when they are the busiest. When first getting started, opening and checking on a colony will probably be needed every 2 -3 weeks. Multiply that by how many colonies are started. Honey bees have pests and diseases that require our attention once we take charge of their well-being. They cannot be ignored. Don’t do this only for the honey or for just bettering the environment. Lack of proper management can result in detriment to the environment. - Beekeeping is expensive, don’t do it to make money
Starting with two colonies is highly recommended. Figure between $700-800 plus tax for equipment and gear. Bees will cost between $300-$450. It is unusual to harvest any honey the first year.
- Problem solver – identifying and make decisions can be difficult and overwhelming to some
Time spent inspecting a colony needs to be kept as brief as possible. That is not the time for researching for answers and over-analyzing to come to a decision. Beekeeping is an imperfect practice of art. Nature and bees don’t follow our rules. - Honey bees are not native to North America. They are not endangered, and despite the headlines, they are not in serious decline due to educated and dedicated beekeepers. Some native bees (there are over 400 in Virginia) and other pollinators are in decline due to loss of habitat and food sources because of development, weather, pesticides, and if we overpopulate the local ecosystem with honey bees. Those who rightly support the “natives” will express disdain towards the keeping of honey bees.
- Will I lose my bee? – Are you scared of failure?
Loss of a colony or colonies is not unusual in the first year. When bees in nature divide and start new colonies themselves, only about 40% survive that first year. While we will teach ways to lessen loss and sustainable methods to replace losses, you may wind up having to purchase more bees the next year. Bees also will totally abscond or swarm unexpectedly.
- Lifting heavy boxes, working in hot, humid weather
Beekeeping is heavy work. Boxes can weigh as much as 60-80 lbs. when full of honey. Sometimes the weight is close to the ground; sometimes it can be shoulder or higher height. Many beekeepers develop back injuries. There are some ways to do beekeeping to reduce the amount of lifting so do some research before jumping in using standard equipment. On top of this, summertime in Virginia is hot and humid. Beekeeping is hot work. If you are wearing lots of protection, overheating and heat exhaustion is possible. Think about your tolerance for working in the heat. - Getting stung
I’m often asked “How many times have you been stung?” My response is: “Today?” Even with protective gear, it’s still possible to get stung. By putting bees on your property, you are increasing the likelihood of getting stung when you are out on your property and not wearing protection. Same goes for the other members of your family. If you experience anaphylaxis reactions to stings you should seriously consider NOT keeping bees. If a family member has that possibility, should you decide to keep bees, an EpiPen or equivalent is a must. You also need to consider your proximity to neighbors. Bees pay no attention to boundaries. While honey bees are not aggressive when out collecting food; your opening and inspecting could rile them and result in an incident if a neighbor is close. - Location
Again, close neighbors is a consideration. Also, if your space is mostly wooded, and/or close to a stream, bears can be a problem; which requires investment in an electric fence. Fortunately, bees can be kept in a smaller space than most other livestock. - Statistics sometimes just point out reality
New beekeepers: 80% quit by year 2 or 3.
This is not meant to be negative nor discouraging, just honest reality. With that we can say enough about the joys in keeping honey bees. You will learn about the pollination benefits and start paying attention to all pollinators. You will learn about nature’s food sources for all pollinators and most likely start increasing their availability. You will make an environmental connection and pay a lot more attention to the seasons and weather as it changes. Once the trepidation of working with stinging insects is overcome, the sights, sounds, smells and activity in a beehive becomes immersive; the outside world totally fades around you. There’s little like it. Community building through education is quite fulfilling. Success is just as sweet as the fresh honey you harvest. Are you ready or not?
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