Skill
2025-08-21
Beekeeping Basics: From Getting Bees to Managing Hive Issues
Here’s a concise guide to the essential practical skills every new beekeeper needs.
1. Where to Get Your First Bees?
You have three main options:
Package Bees: A common method. You order a screened box (a "package") containing 2-5 lbs of bees, a separate queen in her own cage, and a can of sugar syrup. They are shipped to you. It's a great way to start a new hive.
Purchasing a Nucleus Hive (Nuc): A "nuc" is a mini, established colony on 4-5 frames. It includes a laying queen, workers, brood, and food stores. It's often the best choice for beginners as it gives the colony a head start.
Swarm Catching: Not recommended for beginners. It requires experience to safely capture a wild swarm and carries the risk of introducing diseases or pests.
2. How to Inspect a Hive?
The goal is to assess hive health with minimal disruption.
When: On a warm, calm, sunny day (midday is best), when most foragers are out.
How: Suit up. Puff a little smoke at the entrance and under the lid. Wait a minute. Gently pry the boxes apart using your hive tool. Lift frames slowly one by one. Look for: evidence of the queen (seeing fresh eggs is enough), healthy brood pattern, adequate pollen and honey stores, and signs of pests/disease.
3. How to Feed Sugar Syrup?
Feeding supports your bees when natural nectar is scarce (e.g., early spring, late fall).
Ratio: Use a 1:1 sugar/water ratio for spring stimulation to encourage brood rearing. Use a 2:1 ratio (thicker) for fall feeding to create winter stores.
Method: Use a hive-top feeder or an entrance feeder. Fill it with syrup. Avoid spilling any outside the hive to prevent robbing from other bees.
4. How to Identify the Queen?
She is the heart of the colony. Look for these key identifiers:
Size & Shape: She is noticeably longer than worker bees, with a tapered, elegant abdomen that extends beyond her wings.
Entourage: She is often surrounded by a "circle of attendants"—a ring of worker bees facing her, feeding, and grooming her.
Movement & Space: She moves with purpose across the frame. Bees often seem to "part ways" for her. Look for her on frames with fresh, pearly-white eggs.
5. How to Deal with Common Pests & Diseases?
Wax Moths: Strong colonies keep them at bay. Keep hives well-populated and free of excess burr comb and debris.
Varroa Mites: This is your #1 threat. You must monitor mite levels regularly (e.g., with an alcohol wash or sticky board) and treat with approved miticides (e.g., oxalic acid, formic acid, Apivar) as needed. Follow label instructions exactly.
Foulbrood (AFB/EFB): If you spot spotty brood patterns, sunken/discolored cappings, or a foul smell, contact your local bee inspector or an experienced beekeeper immediately. This is a serious notifiable disease.
Pro Tip: Join a local beekeeping association! It's the best resource for hands-on help and advice.
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