New Forest Beekeepers' Association - New Forest Bees - Hampshire Beekeepers

NEW FOREST BEEKEEPERS' ASSOCIATION

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you get stung a lot? 

The short answer is not if you can help it! It is important to wear protective clothing and learn how to handle bees calmly and gently to avoid provoking stinging. All beekeepers get stung from time to time.  You have to get used to it.

How much does it cost to get started? 

Beehives and beekeeping equipment can be expensive if you buy everything new and at once. Most people begin by buying secondhand and only get the essentials to start with. It is possible to get started with a couple of empty hives, smoker, protective veil etc for around £100. Many beginners pick up bargains at local auctions to enable them to get started. Bees themselves can often be bought from beekeepers wanting to cut down on colonies.

For further information you may like to read the following article First Steps in Beekeeping by clicking on the following link

Why do bees swarm?

Honeybee colonies swarm as a means of reproduction. Swarms usually appear in May or June. They happen when hives get full of bees, the weather is fine and there is a good supply of honey coming in. The bees “decide” that they want to swarm, make a new queen and then the old queen with around half of the flying bees leaves the hive. This is a swarm which will fly around the immediate vicinity before temporarily settling in a clump nearby. 'Scout' bees will then leave the swarm and search for a permanent place to live. Once they have found a good location the swarm will fly off to settle in their new home.  Finding ways of controlling the swarming urge is ones of the main things a beekeeper has to do in the spring and early summer.