Bee Agskills - Beginning in bees

Few insects have a greater impact on our lives than the honey bee. Bees pollinate many of the food crops we rely on, and produce honey, one of nature's most remarkable products. It's no wonder that more people than ever are discovering the rewards of beekeeping.

Perhaps you would like to keep bees but are not sure where to start. Or perhaps you have some experience but would like to improve your skills.

Published by NSW DPIRD and now fully updated in a new edition after 20 years use in industry, this practical guide explains the fundamentals of beekeeping in clear, easy-to-read language. Photos, diagrams and practical tips will help you choose suitable equipment, establish your apiary, safely light a smoker, open your hives, inspect and manage your colonies, identify health problems, and harvest quality honey.

WHO THIS PUBLICATION IS FOR

• New beekeepers who need a practical introduction to managing honey bee colonies.
• Beekeepers who wish to expand their knowledge and develop their skills.
• Beekeeping clubs and training organisations that deliver beginner-level courses or accredited training.

WHAT THIS PUBLICATION COVERS

• Bee anatomy, castes, life stages and behaviours
• Safety precautions
• Skills like lighting a smoker, inspecting a hive, and catching a swarm
• Knowledge of different ways to move a hive
• What to look for if your bees aren’t healthy
• Types of beehive and hive components
• Buying or building hives and equipment
• Removing and extracting honey
• Laws and regulations that relate to beekeeping and marketing bee products