Beekeeping - Frequently Asked Questions

Thinking about Beekeeping? Common FAQs of Beginner Beekeepers.

You’ve thought about it and you’ve contemplated it, but still you’re not sure if you want to raise bees.

There are two types of beekeepers: those who jump right into beekeeping and figure a way to make it work, and the second type; those who are more cautious about the hobby and want to learn everything they can before taking the leap.

Regardless of which category you fall in, we are committed to bringing you the most information possible so you can make an educated decision that is right for you.

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions for those wanting to start beekeeping.

Are bees easy to keep?

Anyone can keep bees. The best trait to have in keeping bees is not to micro-manage them. Let them do their thing.

How much time do bees take?

Bees are less time consuming than domesticated pets or livestock. Bees should be checked no more than one time per week. After they are established, they can go two weeks between checks. If you live in a winter climate, try not to do any heavy inspections after mid to late October.

Where do I put a hive?

We recommend placing hives opposite of the wind direction. Keep them away from horses or cows. If they are in the same field, put fencing around the hives. If in a residential area or placing a hive close to your home, face the entrance away from any play, work or lounge area. If your yard is fenced, put your hive in a corner, forcing the right pattern to go up and out. Always have a water source for your hive to help keep them from becoming a nuisance.

How small of an area can I keep bees?

Bees can be kept on very small lots: there are many beekeepers in Urban cities that keep bees on roofs or porches. Think Music City Center in Nashville or the McCormick Center in downtown Chicago. There are ways to keep bees in major cities and for beehive and urban areas to co-exist. Of course, if you are fortunate to have more land, that is great and will allow you to expand your hobby. Check your local, county, and state codes for any laws regarding space.

How much honey will a new hive produce?

Honey production can range from 0-50 lbs, even in the first year. If you are worried about too much honey, let your friends and family know you have honey and you will be their new best friend.

I have kids, are bees safe?

Bees are safe around children when they are tended and cared for properly. Placing a fence or barrier around the bees will give children and the bees their needed space. When placing your hive, put the entrance facing away from play areas and provide an ample water supply for the bees.

I have other animals, will they bother the bees?

Other animals are fine. Cows and horses are curious and can knock the hive over. Other large pets may do the same. Fence the area around the bees to limit any
problems.

Will they bother my neighbors?

Properly cared for bees will not be a nuisance. Check your beehives in the middle of the day when the majority of the hive is out working, to avoid masses of bees flying around. Use your smoker to calm them when you do check. The biggest culprit of nuisance bees is inadequate water. We suggest that you have a five gallon bucket of water, a pond, a bird bath, or other water sources nearby to keep your bees from gathering around your neighbor's pools, water hoses, or open water areas.

I like to garden, will the bees bother me?

Bees like to garden as much as you like to be in your garden. We suggest that if you find the bees bothersome, garden in the morning or evening hours when most of the bees have returned to the hive.

What do I need to start?

Harvest Lane Honey Backyard Beekeeping Kits have everything you need to start your hive. You will only need to purchase bees and protective clothing. As your hive grows you can add additional small, medium or large kits.

I have heard two hives are better than one to start. Why?

We recommend two hives if you can. If one hive fails or does exceptionally well you can compare differences in them. It is also good to be able to pull frames of honey or brood from a stronger hive to help a struggling one.

How late can I order bees?

Bee orders will need to be placed before March 31, 2023. Sooner is better to ensure you will get bees. Bees will arrive in either April or May depending upon your area.

What about CCD (Colony Collapse Disorder)? Will I be affected?

CCD is something that is a risk for all beekeepers. There is no proven cause, which means there is no proven prevention or treatment. As with all livestock there is a risk of loss.

What about mites?

Mites do occur. All bees from HLH are treated for mites before you receive them. There are many options and methods for treatment. We treat it after we spot mites in the hive.

I have some old equipment. Is it okay to use?

We strongly recommend not using old hive equipment. If the old hive died out the original cause could kill a new hive. New equipment also encourages production and is not at risk for potential contamination with chemicals or pesticides. Used beekeeping suits, gloves, smokers, and tools can be used. However, we recommend thoroughly cleaning these to avoid any possible hive contamination.

When will the bees ship?

Bees will ship during the month of April and the 1st week of May. Harvest Lane will send the shipping schedule to North 40 two weeks prior to shipping your bees. North 40 will contact you and let you know the exact shipment date. The planned shipping schedule is to start with Southern states first and then work north.

How many bees are in a 3lb package?

10,000-12,000 bees, one mated queen (either Italian or Carniolan)

What is the best time of day to install my bees?

Before dusk, as this forces the bees to stay in their hive.

How quickly should I install my bees after receiving them?

Recommended within 24 hours. If there is rain or snow please see the next question.

It’s raining where I am. How long can the bees stay in the shipping container before I install them?

Although it is recommended that you install within 24 hours, the bees can wait to be installed up to three days later if necessary (not recommended unless conditions require). You will need to care for your bees in the meantime. If it is cold (55 degrees or below) bring your bees inside, and leave them in the wooden cage. If the bees are very loud and buzzing, they are hot and you can LIGHTLY mist them with water to help cool them. The bees have a sugar feed inside and won’t require any syrup for food. The key is keeping the bees cool. They need to be in an environment around 65 degrees. Do not place them in direct heat, wind, sunlight, or on a heat vent.

It’s still cold where I am. Can I wait to install my bees until it warms up?

As long as it is not snowing or raining, the bees will be fine to install, cooler temps are better than high temps.

Should I smoke them or spray them with sugar water before I install my bees?

There is no need to use a smoker or spray with sugar water on installation. The bees will be active and want to get into their hive.

Should I mark my queen?

We don’t recommend marking her unless you are experienced in this method. You could accidentally injure the queen without knowing and cause the hive to reject her. Finding the queen on inspection isn’t as big a deal as knowing that you have eggs. Eggs are a very good indicator that the queen is active and laying.

I forgot to put a marshmallow in my queen cage and it still has the cork in, what should I do?

The bees won’t be able to release her with the cork still in. Go ahead and take the queen cage out of the hive and switch the cork out for a marshmallow (be careful not to release the queen) and put the cage back into the hive.

I don’t want to squash all my bees, do I have to put all the frames into the hive or can I leave a couple of frames out?

Yes, it is totally normal to have to leave a frame or two out of the hive on the first week after installation. This will not hurt the bees; just remember to replace the frames on your one-week inspection. On your one-week inspection, use your bee brush to gently push the bees out of the way. Use slow motions when replacing the frames and this will prevent any unnecessary bee crushing.

Should I feed my newly installed hive?

Yes, we recommend having the feeder set up prior to installation. Starter Kits come with an in-hive feeder which you can fill prior to installing bees. If you forgot to put a feeder in we suggest using an entrance feeder.

What should I feed my new hive?

We recommend Harvest Lane Honey Liquid Bee Feed.

How long after installation do I wait to check them?

You should wait 7-10 days before checking on them.

How often should I check my hive?

You should check your hive no more than one time per week. Checking during the heat of the day will ensure that most of the hive is out foraging and make for an easier inspection. You should not check your hive at dusk or early morning, the hives are easily aggravated during these times and naturally more aggressive.

How long should I continue to feed my new hive?

Until the end of June in colder climates, end of May for warmer climates.

What setting on the entrance reducer do I use when installing my package?

Use the smallest setting.

When should I add the second deep box?

It will take about 4-6 weeks before you will put on a second box to the hive. You will know the hive is ready for this when 8-9 frames are built out with a comb and the bees are beginning to fill the comb with brood and honey reserves. Once you see this, it will be time to add another box.

I have about an inch of dead bees at the bottom of the package. Should I still install?

This is normal. Our supplier actually fills the bees fuller in anticipation of the hives having some loss.

My Queen is dead. How do I get a new one?

Is the queen still in her cage? If so, take a photo and send it to customer service of the store where you purchased the bees. Must send within 24 hours. Queens will only be shipped Monday - Thursday. Your bees will be fine without a queen, so don’t worry. You can install the bees now and the queen when it arrives. If the queen died outside of her cage you can purchase a new queen and we can have her shipped to your home Monday - Thursday. Your hive will survive during the wait period. If you haven’t installed your bees go ahead and do that.

My queen flew away, what do I do?

You can purchase a new one and we will have her shipped to your home Monday - Thursday, Your hive will survive without her for a few weeks.

My queen is a drone layer, how do I get a replacement?

When did you receive your bees? We can only accept claims within three weeks for a drone layer. Please send pics to the retailer.

(Information provided by Harvest Lane Honey)