Thinking About Getting Started in Beekeeping?
Are you thinking about considering bee keeping as a hobby? or a part-time or even full time business proposition? If so there are some things you will want to bear in mind before deciding to make that decision. There are lots of facts that you should consider before trying to earn money from bee keeping. Before you even think about buying bees you will need some where to keep them. You will need bee hives and lots more equipment. Most importantly you will need protective clothing to prevent you getting stung. I know I am stating the obvious! But all this stuff costs money.
Start out by contacting local bee keepers. You will find them very helpful. They will be pleased to welcome you to their community and will fall over themselves to give you lots of help
Before setting up your first hive you do need to consider the safety of your family, especially young children and of cause do not forget your next door neighbors. They may be allergic to bee stings!
You also need to decide if there is enough pollen near enough for the bees to collect. Your bees also need a reliable water supply nearby. Bees need water constantly. They need it every single day and It also needs to be nearby. It also needs to be shallow. If they use your neighbor’s swimming pool full of chlorinated water they will drown in it!
Another thing to consider is that when bees leave the hive they defecate! Ten thousand bees defecating on your neighbors’ car can cause upsets! These small spots can damage the paint on your car! This can be cured by forcing the bee’s flight path using tree or shrubs. But it is a common problem that newbie bee keepers do not think about
Your hive needs to be easily accessible. It should be in a sheltered spot away from the wind and the weather.
