Is Beekeeping Your Next Hobby?

Beekeeping can be challenging, especially for a new, upcoming hobbyist beekeeper. Hobbyist beekeepers are those beekeepers with only a few colonies to manage in an apiary whereas a commercial beekeeper operates a large apiary – often with hundreds, if not thousands, of colonies. Many of us older beekeepers likely cannot remember a lot of the challenges we faced when we explored the idea to become a new beekeeper. A few of us discussed these challenges and came up with several ideas a new beekeeper may face below.

These are some of the challenges one should consider before becoming a new beekeeper.  We discussed the following ideas:

• Upfront Costs of Beekeeping
• Physical Strength
• Learning Curve
• Time Commitment
• Hive Inspections
• Pest and Disease Management
• Equipment Maintenance
• Apiary Location
• Bee Stings and Allergies

This discussion is not intended to discourage anyone from taking up beekeeping as a hobby. On the contrary, we want a new beekeeper to understand and be prepared so they are not disappointed or disheartened as they face these upcoming challenges when entering into the hobby.  Many new beekeepers do not return after the first year or two as they were ill prepared or become discouraged of the challenges.

The cost for the initial equipment and a package of bees for the first year of beekeeping should total around $1000. Depending on a variety of factors and what a new beekeeper may want to initially invest in to start beekeeping, this is a realistic starting point for one colony of honey bees. However, the expenditures into this hobby can become much higher, especially with continued interest. Many beekeepers state to start with two colonies of bees which doubles that cost.

Some people researching may find estimates as low as $400 to start beekeeping. That is an unrealistic estimate unless someone has help from another beekeeper. The problem with setting a cost estimate that low is that it reflects a bare minimum to get started. This unrealistic estimate either excludes the bees or excludes the hive body or other equipment.

A package of bees will be about $200 typically.  A nuc (nucleus hive) likely will cost more.  A beginner beekeeping starter kit (usually a deep box with frames and foundation, a smoker, a hive tool, bottom board, inner cover and lid with a few extras) is also about $200.  This does not account for any personal protective equipment.  A ProVent bee suit is about $150 or, if one prefers just a beekeeping jacket, it is around $125.  Gloves are about $30 if the beekeeper is so inclined. The $1000 estimate considers the full costs of a first year of beekeeping including the sugar purchase, smoker fuel, a probable mite treatment in the Fall, and another complete box purchase for the growing colony to expand into.

Remember that this is the cost for startup alone. Over the first two years, additional costs of several hundred dollars may be incurred for feeding, other pest treatment, winterizing the hive(s), and possibly even a colony replacement after the first year. (A lot of bee colonies managed by inexperienced beekeepers do not make it through the winter.)

Consider if the total upfront cost is within your budget before you get started in this hobby.  Some costs, if planned out, may be distributed over several months prior to getting honey bees.

When considering beekeeping, it is important to recognize the physical strength required for certain beekeeping tasks.

For example, a 10-frame deep Langstroth box filled with bees, brood, and honey can weigh between 70 and 100 pounds. Smaller boxes filled with capped honey can weigh over 40 pounds.  Moving an entire box demands a good amount of physical strength, especially during         inspections when Langstroth hive bodies need to be removed as they are stacked on top of one another. Additionally, removing honey – something not typically done in the first year – requires lifting boxes off the top of the hive.

To make box handling easier, a beekeeper can reduce the weight by removing frames one at a time and placing them in another box or container. However, this process can be time-consuming and may disturb the bees due to prolonged handling.

If you believe that moving Langstroth hives would be challenging, there are alternative designs available, such as the Long Langstroth hive and the Top Bar Hive. These options do not require moving heavy boxes. However, keep in mind that each design has its own set of advantages and disadvantages regarding frame movement.

It is vital to understand there are physical demands in beekeeping before diving into this rewarding hobby.

A new beekeeper should gain knowledge in any way before jumping into the hobby. As a new beekeeper, one needs to gain knowledge with a steep learning curve. The biggest initial time investment is the preliminary knowledge the beekeeper gathers prior to getting any bees. The setting up of hives, installation of bees, and a continued education should get easier after a beekeeper has a basic understanding of what will be occurring in an apiary throughout the year.

Reading beginner beekeeping books and/or watching videos on beekeeping helps tremendously. One may join a local beekeeping association, such as SABA, as well. Joining an organization will give the beekeeper a reliable source for local information about beekeeping in a particular area. A new beekeeper should also take a beginning beekeeping class or classes to understand and reinforce the basics.

There are those beekeepers who learn more from hands on education than learning from bookwork, however. SABA’s beginner series classes have hands-on components. Once a beekeeper has the initial educational knowledge into beekeeping, the curve should hopefully start to flatten for them.

A new beekeeper will have to set aside time to inspect their apiary fairly regularly.  Most say the interval should be between ten days to two weeks for inspections. Beekeeping is not a “put-it-out-and-forget-it” type of hobby.  The amount of time required will vary based on one’s level of experience, comfort level, size of one’s apiary, the time of year, and sometimes, unpredictable events.

Other than during winter, a beekeeper will be fairly busy at times. Just how busy a beekeeper becomes is dependent upon self-knowledge and how healthy the apiary is.

Once an apiary is set up, the beekeeper will need to inspect the hives periodically. As a new beekeeper you will look for signs that the colony is building comb, thus expanding, and that the queen is producing brood (new bees).

Some newer beekeepers may be in the hives more often and longer than necessary when they start out.  In and of itself it is okay. But with time they will look for indications that things are okay without unnecessarily keeping the colonies open significantly.  When getting into a colony any beekeeper should have a reason to do so. Sometimes, it may be a quick look through the hives for an obvious problem. Other times, it may be a frame-by-frame inspection of the entire hive, making sure the colony is not prepared to swarm. But again, have a reason or purpose to enter.

Depending on the weather and the mood of the bees, an inspection can last anywhere from fifteen minutes to an hour per colony. If there is a suspected problem it may last longer.

Various pests and diseases can threaten the apiary. Common issues that require the beekeeper’s attention include varroa mites, small hive beetles, and wax moths. Additionally, beekeepers should safeguard their hives from ants, mice, skunks, raccoons, and even bears.

Varroa mites are particularly concerning, as they have been linked to colony collapse disorder. These mites vector viruses that can lead to a decline in the colony. If left untreated or unmanaged, an infested colony may ultimately fail.

If you notice any issues during a hive inspection, be prepared to invest time – and possibly money – to address the problem effectively.

New beekeepers often find themselves investing more time into the hobby as they gain experience. Many beekeepers start with fully assembled and painted hives, which simply need to be placed to get started. As they progress, beginners may need to upgrade their tools as well. Over time, equipment can break, deteriorate, or become worn, necessitating replacement. Tools can also get misplaced, requiring repurchase. Additionally, unused boxes may need to be cleaned and organized. Typically, maintenance tasks are performed during the off-season, which is usually the winter months.

As beekeepers gain experience, many consider purchasing unassembled hive bodies and frames because they are generally less expensive. These purchases often occur when planning to expand one’s apiary. Some beekeepers enjoy assembling the hives themselves. Many beekeepers take pleasure in painting the hive bodies to reflect their personal preferences rather than settling for a single, solid white color.

The apiary needs a suitable location with enough room. A hive will need about a three- to six-foot radius clear around the colony area.  Think about the area the apiary will be on the property and plan accordingly.  Will the area get too much sun?  Will sprinklers hit the boxes?  What will the flight path of the bees be? Is there a water source nearby?

Beekeepers should also think about their neighbors. Will the neighbors view the bees as a nuisance? Do any of the neighbors have allergies to considered? Be respectful of their concerns. Then again, the neighbors may love the idea and, in the second year, a jar of honey may be appreciated.

Make sure of the regulations for the area.  Depending on lot size, such as in Sacramento County, will depend on how many colonies are allowed. And do the right thing and register the colonies.  If there are issues with neighbors, a proper and registered apiary will alleviate issues with the government.

First off, a beekeeper will be stung at some point. A beekeeper can wear all the protective gear in the world and eventually something will be removed and they will get stung. Or they might just be walking past their apiary and walk in a flight path and get stung from becoming entangled in hair. Every beekeeper will be stung sooner or later.

If someone is considering beekeeping as a hobby, they should know how allergic they are from a bee sting.   A doctor can test for reaction to stings.  One needs to understand the risks associated with beekeeping before taking up the hobby and investing any significant money. Some people have severe reactions to bee stings which can be life-threatening. Even if someone doesn’t have a serious allergy issue, the swelling and itching that comes from a bee sting is certainly not an enjoyable event.  Sometimes Benadryl helps here.

Understanding the challenges that new hobbyist beekeepers may face prior can help prevent feelings of being overwhelmed and unprepared when entering the hobby. Beekeepers will continue to learn throughout their journey in the hobby, facing new challenges along the way. It is important to have an idea of these challenges upfront before diving in.

Be aware that organizations like SABA provide experienced advice from beekeepers that have learned the hard way.