How to become a Bees keeper

My family keeps bees for over twenty-five years. I remember the time when I was able to learn from an old bees keepers. These days everything changed. Younger people are no longer interested keeping bees as the world spins fast and not everyone is ready for such hard work. On the other side is so refreshing to see some young people with interest in bees. This article should not be taken as an ultimate guide into bees keeping but as a motivation for those who are interested or thinking of bees keeping.

Before we start talking further I would like to explain there are some things you need to consider before start having your own bees. Many people think you just need a hive and bees and the rest is done by mother nature. That is so wrong! Bees are living creatures and they are not pets.

Things to do before getting your first hive.

1/ Environment
You need to reconsider if you have suitable conditions for keeping hives. Do you have a huge garden? Do you have a place where bees can fly and would not annoy neighbors? Is the place spacious and well accessible?

2/ Expensive hobby
You need to clearly understand that getting your first hives can be pretty expensive. In this world everything costs something. You would need to buy your first hive, beehive, honey extraction, honey frames, safety clothes, and tools.

3/ Safety first
Very important and useful would be to find out If you are not allergic to bee poison. No, I am not joking. Many people overlook this and then when more than one bee attack them, they have an allergic reaction.

4/ Join a guild
I am not sure How it works in other countries but in the Czech Republic is an organization which registers all beekeepers and their hives. You no need to be registered but still, you need to report to a town hall that you are Beekeeper.

Benefits of being registered with a guild.

* First of all, you meet people with same interest. As a beginner, you would need help. Experienced bees keepers will be happy to help you and explain you some important facts.

* You will be able to ask for a state donation each year. In the Czech Republic, all registered members get a donation / small amount of money/ which vary on the number of beehives. That money you can use for buying supplies or medicine for your hives.

* Guilds also provide courses every year which you may find interesting to attend. As a member of a guild, you will always be updated with latest news and recommendation.

The guild in the Czech Republic is called Český Svaz včelařů. It has 48 000 members.

Safety clothes for beekeepers

I know it might sound boring to you but safety clothes are very important. We all know that experienced beekeepers do not care about safety clothes due to their experiences. This article is a guide for beginners so I will talk about safety clothes.

I grew up surrounded by great beekeepers Who never wear safety clothes in beehives. In fact, a member of my family always goes to beehives in his boxer shorts. The bees seem to love him. I have not done it myself. I am responsible and you never know What bees can do or How they would act. They are still insect and you cannot pet them!