Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where can I keep my bees?
2. How much will getting started in beekeeping cost?
3. How much honey will I get?
4. Will I get stung?
5. Where do I go for more information?
6. I want to start beekeeping. What do I need to do?
 

Where can I keep my bees?

We don't know what legal restrictions might apply to you, but assuming there are no legal problems, bees can be kept on farms, suburban back yards, townhouse back yards, and even city apartment verandas and roofs. Most farmers (especially those with orchards) love to have people keep bees on their property. And you would be surprised at the honey crops one can get in urban areas.

How much will getting started in beekeeping cost?

Most beekeeping supply companies offer beginner's kits that include a basic hive and beekeeping tools for about $120. A three pound package of bees will cost about $60, delivered. That will get you going, and you will have to spend about $100 on the colony over the course of its first year. We recommend that beginners start with new equipment, because used equipment can be infected with bee diseases.

How much honey will I get?

Don't expect any harvestable honey from a new colony in its first year. From then on, how much honey you will get is dependent on where you keep your bees and how well you care for them. In Montgomery County, MD, we expect a well tended beehive to produce between 50 and 100 pounds of honey a year. Although we sell much of our honey for $5.00 to $7.00 per pound, few of us are beekeepers for the money.

Will I get stung?

All beekeepers get stung occasionally. Remember that to the bees, you are an intruder poking around in their house. While the first few stings may cause some local swelling, most beekeepers become more immune to the bee stings, and then the stings are no worse than mosquito bites. Genuine allergic reactions to bee stings are rare.

Where do I go for more information?

The best source of beekeeping information will be your local beekeeping association. Also try your local Public Library, your local Agricultural Extension Service, and your State Apiary Inspector.

I want to start beekeeping. What do I need to do?

First, if you haven't already done so, introduce yourself to your local beekeeping association. If they offer a beginner's course, take it. Get a beekeeping book. We recommend The Beekeeper’s Handbook by Diane Sammataro and Alphonse Avitabile (available at all the online bookstores).

Most telephone Yellow Pages list beekeeping supplies merchants. If your’s doesn’t, most beekeeping equipment manufacturers sell mail order. Here are a few to get you started:

LOCAL SUPPLIERS (members of MCBA)
 

OTHER MARYLAND SUPPLIERS
 

NATIONAL SUPPLIERS

Bee colonies should be started in the spring, the exact time being dependent on where you live. In general, the sooner in the spring a colony is started, the better. You will probably want to get a beginner's kit from one of the beekeeping equipment suppliers, and order your bees from either a local beekeeper (a "split") or order a package of bees from one of a number of suppliers. Your local association can help you pick which suppliers give good results in your area.

Once your hive is set up, take care of it as you learned in your beginner's course. You shouldn't harvest any honey from it in the first year. From then on, if you tend your hive properly you should enjoy a fine crop of honey in future years.