Getting Ready for the Bees, Day 1

Preparing to bring bees to the ranch comes with a lot of apprehension and even more decisions. Becoming a beekeeper (apiarist for the more fancy) comes with a lot of rewards. It’s educational and a nice outdoor activity. The bees will do wonders for my garden. We have homegrown honey to look forward to, should we be successful. Plus, we are making a difference by helping a creature whose future is in jeopardy.

But there is a lot to be apprehensive about. Can I do this? Can I care for 60,000 tiny little lives? Will I be good at it? Will I fail? The answers to these questions will come as I progress through this new adventure.

The most popular question I have received from friends and family is “aren’t you worried about getting stung?” The answer, of course!

With my decision to become a beekeeper came a lot of studying, reading, and watching YouTube videos. When it comes to being afraid of being stung, I should be cautious but not afraid. Honeybees bred for beekeeping are docile and are seldom inclined to sting, according to experts and seasoned apiarists. After all, honeybees use their stinger only as a last resort to defend the colony. And, when they’re away from the hive collecting nectar and pollen, defending the colony is no longer a priority – so they are gentle when out in the fields, gardens, neighborhood.

I have also learned that all new beekeepers are afraid they aren’t good enough for this task. There will be a lot of trial and error, a lot of learning, and a lot of celebrations (I hope).

If you also are interested in becoming a beekeeper, watch this video. This has been a great supplement to all of my reading.