In the nutshell, beekeeping is simply controlling the environment in which bees "do their thing" so you can collect and benefit from the honey they produce.
It's been done for thousands of years and continues to the present time.
Today, people voluntarily get involved with beekeeping because they enjoy it as a hobby.
However, still others treat it as a profitable business venture.
To help you really enjoy all this pastime has to offer, it's critical that you get a solid educational foundation before you tangle with the bees.
And I'm pleased to be the trusted source for your beekeeping information.
Probably the best starting point for you is to ensure that you have the right equipment.
As with anything, having the right "tools" is everything.
It really all begins with the hive.
And once you have a great hive to work with, it's time to populate it.
Some people shortcut the process by purchasing packages of bees, where there is already an established colony.
Others try to collect swarms from the wild.
Most will find greatest success buying the pre-packages bees.
Now, perhaps this will be the most important beekeeping information you receive: before you get carried away, make sure that you get the basic gear necessary to keep you from getting stung.
At a minimum, beginners should have a hat/veil, gloves, and a beekeeping suit.
Actually, a smoker can help retard the bees so you can work in and around the hive.
As the smoker released the smoke, it will cause the bees to leave the area.
Honeybees "colonize" hives that can include literally thousands of bees.
They are social creatures and seem to have no problem living in such large groups effectively and efficiently.
Indeed, they work together quite nicely to create nests, gather nourishment, and take care of the baby bees.
Interestingly, beekeepers are able to capitalize on these predictable patterns to gather honey in quantities sufficient to run a profitable business.
A useful tip is that you do not want to leave the honey in the hive for too long.
This can cause the honey to turn darker.
More importantly, perhaps, it takes up space where the bees could be storing new honey.
Oddly enough, it's also possible to harvest the honey too soon.
In that case, it can contain too much water.
In that case it might spoil.
Just use nature to time it perfectly.
The bees will tell you.
When the honeycomb cells have wax caps, then you'll know it's just the right time.
Just use a smoker or else harvest early in the morning or during a bright sunny day when the bees are active.
Here's a final thought that can save you some pain.
Before you begin beekeeping, just ensure you've checked out the local laws.
As you might expect, the government regulates just about everything.
But the fact of the matter is that bees are a great addition to just about any area.
Simple honeybees actually help keep meaner species like yellow jackets and hornets from taking over an area.
The bees will also be great for local plant life.
If you haven't started, dive in.
Beekeeping is a blast...
and you're sure to be the talk of the town.