BEGINNER BEEKEEPER FAQ’S
Where do I start if I want to keep bees?
We strongly recommend you educate yourself by reading books, listening to podcasts, attending workshops, etc. before embarking upon beekeeping.
Here is a list of some good verified resources:
Texas Apiary Inspection Service: txbeeinspection.tamu.edu/beekeepers/educational-resources/
Dr. Jamie Ellis Podcast – https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/podcast/
Scientificbeekeeping.com – https://scientificbeekeeping.com/first-year-care-for-your-nuc/
How do I get an Ag Valuation for keeping bees?
Requirements vary by county. You can visit this website for more information: https://texasbeekeepers.org/ag-valuation/
How much will it cost me to get started?
Several bee supply houses offer a variety of beginner kits. These contain all the equipment you will need to start your first hive. The wooden ware can often be purchased pre-assembled. While these kits are handy, they tend to have some things that may not be needed by the beginner, and are a little expensive. They range in price from $200 to more than $300. Package bees average cost between $100 to $150 and nucleus colonies from $200 to $250. Prices vary depending on seller.
What’s the difference between package bees and a nucleus colony and which do I need?
Package Bees are more economical and are more readily available. They are slower to build up a working population if they are installed into a deep super with new frames without drawn comb. Some come with a queen and some do not.
Nucs – Nuc colonies are more expensive than packages of bees. They include a drawn honeycomb, some brood, and bees to cover the frames. Their mated queen will already be laying and accepted. This gives them a jump start initially over package bees.
What tools do I need?
Bee suit, hive tool, smoker, and gloves.
Where can I buy stuff?
There are many online stores that sell beekeeping equipment. Here are a few popular ones to consider:
Mann Lake – https://www.mannlakeltd.com/
Dadant – https://www.dadant.com/
Texas Bee Supply – https://thebeesupply.com/
How many hives to start?
We recommend starting with 2 hives so you can compare them to each other. However, many people start with just 1 until they build their confidence.
How do I get bees?
Local suppliers begin taking orders as early as January. You can buy a package or a nuc, which cost approx. $150 each. They are available for pick up in April or May. Some WTBC members sell bees. Please ask a club officer for information.
How much space is needed?
It is recommended to have at least ¼ acre. What’s most important is that you have a good location for your hive that will get morning sun and stay dry.
How much time is involved?
It varies by season. Spring and summer are busy at about 15 mins/hive at each visit. Two visits a month is average but you may want to spend more time getting accustomed to your hives as a new beekeeper. Summer honey extracting takes several hours per hive. Fall is about 15 mins/hive each visit. And in winter you may spend just 5 mins/hive each month. Additionally, researching and educating yourself is important to new beekeepers and takes dedicated time.
Is beekeeping hard work?
Beekeeping does require some strength, and a bit of physical labor. A full honey super can weigh 40lbs.
What do I feed my bees and how often?
There are several variable to consider when feeding bees. If there is a good nectar flow on when your nuc is installed, there is no need to feed, but the feeding of sugar syrup to the small colony frees the bees from the need to forage for nectar, and they can use their efforts instead to collect pollen, rear brood, produce beeswax, and draw out comb. The production of beeswax in order to “draw out” the frames of foundation into “drawn combs” requires a great deal of sugar (whether from nectar or syrup). Therefore, it is generally a good idea to consistently feed sugar syrup to the new colony until all the frames in the lower box are fully drawn.
What is a nectar flow?
Also called a honey flow, it’s a period of time, usually a few to several weeks long, when an abundance of one or more nectar producing plants are in bloom.
How much time does it take to keep bees?
The time varies with the seasons. In the winter, there is practically nothing to do except to occasionally check for physical damage or snow blocking the entrances. The busiest time is in the early summer when each hive should be checked weekly to prevent swarming, and to add additional honey supers. This need take no longer than a few minutes once you get the hang of it. Treating your bees for Varroa mites when needed takes a bit of time.
What is a Varroa Mite?
The Varroa mite, is an external parasitic mite that attacks and feeds on honey bees and is one of the most damaging honey bee pests in the world. A significant mite infestation leads to the death of a honey bee colony.
Do I have to treat for Varroa Mites?
Varroa control should be a primary activity in your beekeeping operation. Monitor and control for Varroa mites using methods found in the Honey Bee Health Coalition’s Tools for Varroa Management guide.
Do I have to use chemicals to treat for Varroa Mites?
This is up to you. Consult this document to help you make decision about how to treat your colony. Honey Bee Health Coalition’s Tools for Varroa Management guide. Consult it ofter as they are constantly studying and improving best practices.
How much honey will I get?
This will vary from year to year. It also depends on the strength of the colony, the weather, location, and other environmental factors.
Will I get stung?
There’s no way to avoid this, YES you will. It really isn’t as bad as you think. Stings on the hands and arms don’t really hurt much, if you learn to remove the sting properly.
What do I do if I get stung?
Scrape the stinger off with a fingernail, or the sharp edge of your hive tool. This grabs the shaft of the stinger, and pulls it out, leaving most of the venom in the sac. Never grab the bulb (venom sac) of the stinger and pull, because that squeezes all the venom into your skin, like a hypodermic syringe.