For the beginner who is just starting with bees, buying all new equipment
with package bees is the best way to start. An established hive can create
problems for the beginner in areas such as swarm control, re-queening, and
colony defensiveness. Buying new equipment will allow you to learn the
individual parts of the hive while putting it together, and with package bees
you can gain valuable experience from manipulating a small colony. You
will witness the colony's growth from a small package into a strong
honey-producing colony. This way your beekeeping skills will grow as your
colony grows. Starting with more than one colony is helpful and will give
you more management options. Two to four colonies are ideal for new
beekeepers.
Buy your first bees and equipment from a well-recognized source. Refer to
advertisements in beekeeping journals and request catalogs from the
suppliers listed at the end of this publication. Before you buy used
equipment, familiarize yourself with honeybee diseases and pests. Second
hand equipment may be safe; or it may turn out to be a costly and
discouraging investment.
Outfit yourself with work clothes and needed accessories to make your work
easier and more enjoyable. When working with bees, always use a smoker
and hive tool. Learning to use these tools properly is an important skill for
the beginning beekeeper to master. You should be able to light your smoker
and keep it burning before you attempt to open a colony. Never attempt to
open a colony without having a smoker burning. With a well-lit smoker, you
are in charge; without it, the bees may take control.
Attend short courses, field days, and beekeeping association meetings.
Subscribe to at least one beekeeping periodical. If you have friends who keep
bees, go with them when they work with their bees. This experience will
prove very helpful when you get your own bees.
When you begin working with bees, always wear bee gloves and a veil. As
you become more aware of the factors that affect a colony's temperament, you
will learn when you can work with your bees without gloves and when the
colony will be quite defensive. You will only learn these lessons through
experience working your bees, so be well protected. Before attempting to
open a colony, carefully study information on how to handle bees when
opening the hive.
People react to bee stings in different ways. Most people become accustomed
to bee venom with time and tolerate occasional bee stings with little reaction.
Unfortunately, a small fraction of the total human population can be
dangerously allergic and have a life-threatening reaction. Generalized
reactions, where symptoms occur away from the site of the sting, indicate a
dangerous sensitivity. These symptoms include difficulty in breathing,
swelling away from the site of the sting, itching and hives, nausea or
abdominal cramps, dizziness, and confusion. If any of these symptoms occur,
the beekeeper should seek immediate medical attention. Allergic reactions
can be stopped by administering epinephrine. Allergic individuals can be
desensitized in most cases and should consult their physician.
