Are you thinking of starting with bees? Maybe you're just curious about those tiny winged insects that make wonderful, liquid gold. Maybe you're concerned about CCD (Colony Collapse Disorder) and wonder what you can do to help?
Whether you're ready to put the title 'beekeeper' behind your name and start your own honey operation, thinking about starting small with one hive, or are just wanting to find out a little more information, this is a good place to start.
Why Keep Bees?
There are many good answers to this question...here are a few...
1. Keeping bees helps the dwindling bee population, which in turn helps food production happen (bees have some part in about a third of the food we eat).
2. It's interesting and educational.
3. It gives you access to fresh honey.
4. It aids in the pollination of you and your neighbors (in a 3-mile radius from you) gardens.
5. Once your hives are set up, the time investment for your beekeeping hobby is minimal.
6. You'll never be at a loss for something interesting to talk about at parties!
Are Bees for YOU?
Sure, there's a bunch of great reasons to keep bees, but is beekeeping for you? Here are some things to consider:
1. Are you terrified of being stung? (It doesn't happen a ton if you're careful, but chances are it WILL happen.)
2. Do you have $300 or more to invest in starting up a hive?
3. Do you have time to learn about beekeeping?
4. Do bees facinate you or send you running in the other direction?
How you answer these questions will give you the beginning understanding of whether or not bees are for you.
Even if you don't want to keep bees with a hive, there are things you can do to help the bees. You can start by planting flowers and herbs that will attract and feed the bees.
If you don't want to spend the money, do the learning, or are afraid to be stung, maybe Mason bees are the answer for you.
Other information you might find helpful:
About Honeybees
Keeping Bees (Mason vs. Honey)
Honeybee Dance
Mason Bee Information
Honeybee Deaths
How to Build a Mason Bee House
