Experts share tips for new beekeepers wanting to start a backyard apiary
As interest in self-sufficiency, pollinator conservation and local food production continues to grow, more individuals are beginning to add honeybees to their farms, ranches and even their backyards.
While beekeeping can provide a long-list of benefits – from honey production to improved pollination of gardens and orchards – experts say success starts long before the first hive arrives.
From understanding state regulations to selecting the right location and equipment, they offer several steps prospective beekeepers should take to improve their chances of building healthy, productive colonies.
Do homework first
Many experienced beekeepers emphasize one piece of advice above all others – do thorough research before purchasing bees.
“Before you dive in headfirst, know there is a sharp learning curve when it comes to successfully running your own first-time hives,” states Pennsylvania State Beekeepers Association President Stephen Repasky in an April 5, 2019 Country Living article.
Repasky and fellow experts encourage new beekeepers to take a beekeeping class, join a local beekeeping association or find an experienced mentor before getting started.
Books, online resources and educational videos can also help beginners learn about bee biology, hive management, disease prevention and seasonal colony care.
Additionally, prospective beekeepers should familiarize themselves with federal and state regulations before purchasing bees.
According to an undated University of Wyoming (UW) Extension publication written by UW Extension Educator Justina Russell, Wyoming residents must register their hives with the Wyoming Department of Agriculture (WDA).
“In general, beekeepers must register hives with WDA by April 1, and failure to do so can result in hefty fines,” Russell explains. “Hobbyist beekeepers can keep up to five hives before having to pay a registration fee, but accurate legal descriptions of hive locations must be provided so WDA can determine if newly established hives might interfere with proper feeding and honey flow at existing apiary sites or if they have the potential to transfer bee diseases and parasites.”
In addition to state requirements, experts note beginning beekeepers should verify whether city, county or homeowner’s association regulations apply to their property before purchasing a hive.
Use proper equipment
Like any new venture, beginning beekeepers will need to make some initial investments.
According to Repasky, depending on location, an individual can expect to spend between $800 to $1,000 for a two-hive setup during their first year, which includes equipment and the bees themselves.
Russell suggests purchasing a starter kit, which averages between $100 to $300 and contains most of the basic equipment needed to establish a hive including hive bodies, frames, foundation, feeders, brood chambers, hive tools and protective equipment.
Experts across the board emphasize the importance of investing in quality safety gear including a bee suit, gloves and protective veil.
“I cannot express the importance of a good bee suit. I would suggest buying the best beekeeping suit you can afford,” writes Kristina Guidroz of Guidroz Family Farm LLC in an undated AcreageLife blog post.
Another commonly recommended tool is a bee smoker, which helps calm bees down during hive work.
Guidroz says, “Another invaluable tool I believe you should splurge on is a bee smoker. You’ll get one in any beginner beekeeping kit, but a great quality smoker will make your hive work much easier.”
Russell agrees, stating, “A bee smoker is a small fire container with bellows used to puff smoke on bees during harvest. Smoke produces a feeding response in bees – when a bee has a full belly, it is less likely to sting.”
“Smoke masks alarm pheromone and keeps bees calm,” reiterates Frank Mortimer, adjunct instructor at the Cornell University Beekeeping Program, in an article published by Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “Going into a hive without having a smoker can be irresponsible, as it can cause a colony to become increasingly more defensive. All beekeepers should smoke their bees as needed, and for the suburban beekeeper, the use of a smoker is strongly encouraged.”
Choose a good location
Another important consideration is location, as hive placement can have a major impact on colony success.
According to Russell, an ideal apiary site should be level, protected from wind and located near a dependable water source.
She also says hives should be elevated on blocks or stands to improve airflow and to discourage predators such as skunks and raccoons, and a large rock or brick should be place on top of the hive to keep top covers secure.
“A good rule of thumb for a site is anywhere a tent might be placed – level, close to water and out of the wind. If people would find the site suitable, then bees will probably be happy to camp there too,” Russell says.
She continues, “Bees are most active in full sunlight, so place hives where they will receive adequate exposure to the sun to maximize nectar collection and the honey crop. However, like a pet, bees need shade during the hottest part of the day.”
A consistent water source is equally important, and Russell notes a colony may consume a quart or more of water each day during hot summer weather.
Birdbaths or other shallow sources of water with floating corks or pieces of wood provide a safe place for bees to rest and hydrate without the risk of drowning. A nearby water source will also prevent bees from visiting neighboring birdbaths, swimming pools or pet water dishes.
“It’s important to provide bees with water on your property so they don’t make a neighbor’s pool, dog bowl, air conditioner, birdbath, koi pond or other water source their own,” Mortimer states. “Keep a water source within 15 feet of your hive year-round so they orient on the source you have provided for them before scout bees find water sources in a neighbor’s yard.”
A good location and strong communication with neighbors are also important for new beekeepers who live on small acreages or near residential developments.
Mortimer strongly recommends discussing apiary plans with neighbors before installing hives and providing education about honeybees to alleviate concerns and dispel misconceptions.
“If you’re going to keep bees in your backyard, being a good neighbor is key. A general rule of thumb is if you’re on good terms with your neighbors before you get bees, then they’ll be just as excited as you are about your new hobby. But, if you’re on bad terms with your neighbors, then getting bees is like pouring gasoline on an open fire,” he says.
Additionally, Mortimer recommends setting up the apiary in a location which minimizes complaints.
“First, it’s a good idea to think about how non-beekeepers will be using your yard,” he points out. “While a south-facing hive is best, you also have to think about what will be happening 10 to 15 feet in front of your hives. One way to visualize the bees’ flight path is to stand where you’re thinking of putting the hive and spraying a hose 10 feet, 15 feet, even 20 feet in front of you. What are the chances of someone or something getting wet? What kind of foot traffic does this area of the yard get?”
“It is equally as important to think about how your neighbors use their yard, so it is not a good idea to put a hive directly on a property line. Instead, place hives 10 feet or more from the property line,” he adds.
Further, Mortimer recommends installing fencing around the hive to discourage people or pets from walking into the bees’ flight path or putting the apiary near a flight barrier – tall bushes, trees, the side of a house or anything that forces bees to fly up and away after leaving the hive, which reduces interactions with people and pets.
Start small and be patient
After getting equipment purchased and the apiary set up, many beekeeping experts recommend beginning with two hives rather than one, as having two colonies allows new beekeepers to compare hive performance and identify potential problems more easily. It also provides a backup if one colony struggles.
Experts also remind new beekeepers setbacks are common.
Colony losses due to weather, pests and management mistakes are all part of the learning process, especially during the first few years.
Russell says, “Beekeepers can employ techniques to ensure development of a strong colony with ample honey production. Carbohydrate and protein supplementation, disease and pest mitigation and winter hive management are essential to achieving maximum colony numbers in time for the major nectar flow time periods.”
Repasky further advises, “Continue to learn, continue to educate yourself, join beekeeping clubs, be observant and be willing to fail.”
For those willing to invest the time and effort, beekeeping can offer many rewards, and with careful planning and realistic expectations, experts say a backyard apiary can become a productive and enjoyable addition to any farm, ranch or rural homesite.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
