So You Want to Be a Beekeeper

By Envision Magazine on November 1, 2016

                                          By Becky Hoag
                                          By Becky Hoag

 

Bees are essential for our natural ecosystems. They are the main pollinators for our world’s terrestrial plants, allowing plants to diversify and reproduce. Lately, the natural bee population has been in trouble. Human influences such as habitat destruction and pesticide use have caused the premature deaths of more than 250 million bees in the last four years. In order to reverse this trend, or simply to help the pollination of gardens and fields, a growing number of people have become beekeepers. Beekeeping, however, is not all flowers and honey, but a big commitment. This is why there are organizations out there to help interested novices get their hands sticky.

The Coursework

The first place to start is some introductory courses with knowledgeable experts who can show you the techniques of beekeeping. While researching on your own can help you learn the basics, getting hands-on training will allow you to learn the basics before you even get your own bees. To start, find a weekend workshop from places like GloryBee or through the Lane County Beekeepers Association. From there, joining a beekeeping club so you can stay up-to-date on the latest technology as well as sharing experiences can prove to be very beneficial. In Eugene you can find the Lane County Beekeepers Association on the third Tuesday of every month at 7pm at the Trinity United Church.

The Hive

One you have gained some knowledge about beekeeping, the next step is getting your own hive. There are two different types of hives: the Langster system and the top bar system. The Langster system is recommended if you are planning on harvesting honey and entering the hive regularly since it is easy to remove the honey and brood without hurting the hive too much. The top bar system is useful for when you are primarily using the bees for local pollination, but hurt the hive when they are taken apart to get inside.

The Outfit

It is also important to choose your tools and attire carefully. Generally, you will be visiting the hive during the warmer months, so a full-body suit is unnecessary. Purchasing a beekeeping jacket, veil, and gloves are the necessary basics. When beekeepers get better at handling their hive (less mishaps), they tend to stop using the jacket or even the gloves. Even if you get comfortable, continue to use your veil to avoid being stung in the eyes.

  

The Tools

The main tools needed for beekeeping include a smoker, a bee brush, and a hive tool. The smoker is not used by all beekeepers, but it can help, especially if you are new because it calms the bees down, decreasing the amount of casualties when working with the hive. No matter what, there will always be some casualties when it comes to maintaining a hive, but the less that occur, the better. 

While not necessary, a smoker can help prevent being stung and losing bees during the harvesting of honey
While not necessary, a smoker can help prevent being stung and losing bees during the harvesting of honey

 

An image of a J-hook, often used to lift the lids from hive boxes
An image of a J-hook, often used to lift the lids from hive boxes

A bee brush also helps decrease the amount of bee deaths by brushing the bees off the rim of the hive box before closing it. The hive tool is a hook used for opening the top of the bee box because honey tends to stick the lid on tight. A J hook is preferred by many beekeepers.

There are many local places where you can find bee supplies, including GloryBee and Coastal Farm in Eugene.

  

Here are some other tips for new beekeepers:

  • Sign up early for beekeeping classes because they fill up very fast
  • Bees prefer their hive facing to the south so that they get morning sun and afternoon shade
  • Buy a looser suit but tighter gloves
  • Rubber band your pants on the bottom when first starting out so bees don’t climb up your legs
  • Keep your hive ventilated and dry
  • Have water accessible and relatively close but not too close to their hive or they will ignore it
  • Bees prefer green and slimy water over clear
  • Consider paying the extra cost for a bee colony that is already acclimated with their queen. Bees who arrive separately than the rest of the queen are more likely to be kill her.
  • Wood is good (for hive boxes)
  • Look at beekeeping magazines for tips, tricks, and product advertising

 

Max Kuhn, displaying a lid from a top bar beehive. This type of hive is cheaper, but the top must be broken off during harvesting, which means more honey is lost in the process.
Max Kuhn, displaying a lid from a top bar beehive. This type of hive is cheaper, but the top must be broken off during harvesting, which means more honey is lost in the process.

 

As Max Kuhn, a Journeyman level Oregon and Washington beekeeper, said, “if you ask five beekeepers the same question, you’ll get six different answers.” Every beekeeper has their own strategies when it comes to taking care of their bees. So learn as much as you can and decide what works best for you. Beekeeping is a very rewarding experience so enjoy it.

   

***There’s a honey tasting event at the Lane County Beekeepers Association meeting on November 15th. Honey tastes different from hive to hive. See you there!