Tips for Starting a Backyard Beehive

Bees like it warm, but not too hot. Face hives south and keep them off the ground to protect from water and critters. Choose a spot that also has protection from wind.

Provide Plenty of Privacy

• Keep hives at least 50 feet away from high-traffic areas such as swing sets, pools or patios. A green or man-made privacy screen also keeps bees and people happy.

Bee Prepared

• Check your community’s laws on keeping bees. This may determine the number of bee boxes you can keep and how close to the property line you can set the boxes. Talk with your neighbors and share information about the value of bees. If you haven’t already, learn about your local beekeeping organization and sign up for beekeeping classes.

Choose a hive. Then, pick up basic beekeeping tools such as protective clothing, a smoker, pellets and feeding supplies. You can also grab a book on backyard beekeeping for more in-depth information.

Source Your Bees

• Order bees in January for shipment or pickup in spring. Ask your local beekeeping association for advice on where to order. Also ask for advice on buying packaged bees, nucs (small honeybee colonies), a swarm or an already-started hive. Each has pros and cons and you want what works best in your area.

Keep Young Bees Well-Fed

• Young bees do all the hard work and support the queen. Whether you make your own nectar with sugar water or provide store-bought food, young bees need to be well-fed. Use a frame feeder to reduce the chance of attracting wildlife.

Check Hives Regularly

• Inspect hives about once a week for the first few months. Once you feel confident, check every two weeks. Ensure the outside of the hive and landing board are clean. Check for mites, ants and other pests. Treat if necessary.

Keep Fresh Water Close

• Be sure bees have access to fresh water near the hive. Fill a large plant saucer with river rocks or stones and place next to the hive. Ensure water is refreshed daily.

A smoker is a beekeeper’s friend. Smoke signals danger and triggers the bees to move their hive. To prepare for the move, they consume honey which makes them lethargic.

This slower activity makes bees more manageable and creates a safer work place. Smoke doesn’t guarantee you won’t get stung, but it does decrease the chance

Harvest

• Bees spend the first year building up their hive. You can typically harvest honey by the second spring or early summer.

Tip: Plant a variety of edibles and native flowers around your garden to provide food for your hive. Bees like clovers, legumes, berry plants, milkweed, morning glory and sunflowers, to name a few.