Basics of Beekeeping

CLASSES →    The best way to get started in beekeeping is to take a short course.

                            Our Special Events link will list the classes available in the local and                                   surrounding area.

 

BOOKS →    There have been more books written about beekeeping than any other                                  hobby. Start your library with some of the books listed in the

                            Books and Equipment section.  There are books for any level of

                             experience, from beeginer to advanced.

 

Take the Test →  Click on the link to take a Beekeeping Knowledge test.

 

What you will need →       To start raising bees, you'll need to get some equipment.  Our Books and Equipment page will help you find a vendor for everything you will need, from the hive equipment, to protective clothing, to the bees themselves.  When it's time to get your bees, you can either (1) mail-order a package of bees, (2) buy a working hive or a nucleus colony from a local beekeeper, or (3) catch a wild swarm.  Some sort of protective clothing is a must for the beginner. A good quality veil, hat, coveralls and gloves can give you the protection you need. You can reduce the use of some items, as your confidence increases.  Your choice of the hive equipment (hive bodies, supers, etc.) will depend on what you are wanting to do with your bees.  Do you want to make honey, pollinate crops, raise queens and bees?  Join an association and ask other beekeepers what they do and what sort of equipment they find works the best.  Don’t be afraid to experiment a little.  You never know what you will discover that might make things easy for you.

Piedmont Beekeepers Association

Clemson Extension Office

301 University Ridge

Greenville, SC  29601-3664

Phone: 864-232-4431

E-mail: webmaster@beebuzz.org

Piedmont Beekeepers Association

Established 1981