Beekeeper inspecting a brood frame. Credit: The Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera), Crown Copyright
Entering the world of beekeeping can be fun and challenging: many new terms must be understood; equipment, tools, and bees purchased; seasonal management practices researched; beekeeping clubs joined; trade magazines subscribed to; classes attended; and now is the time to learn some techniques.
Understanding the basics of colony inspection and manipulation, monitoring for pests and diseases, producing honey, and preparing for winter are crucial to success and enjoyment with beekeeping. In addition to the many books and periodicals the beekeeper should have at their disposal, the following are articles that exhibit the basics of regular beekeeping tasks.
- Starting a Colony
- Working with a Bee Colony
- Inspecting a Colony
- Collecting a Swarm
- Dividing a Colony
- Moving a Colony
- Removing Surplus Honey
- Smoker Maintenance
- Wrapping a Colony for a Northern Winter
- Powder Sugar Roll for Varroa Sampling
- Queen Marking and Requeening
- Best Management Practices for Beekeepers and Growers
- Basic Mead Making