Frequently Asked Questions
Please contact us with any questions you might have!
Q:
Can anyone become a beekeeper?
A: With rare exceptions anyone can learn to
become a beekeeper. The members of the PCBA range in age from early
teens to octogenarians. We are a representation of communities
throughout the United States. Our backgrounds and skills are varied. If
you possess an inquisitive mind, an adventurous spirit and have a love
of nature and all it represents then you certainly have all the
qualities necessary to become a beekeeper.
Q:
How much property do I need to keep beehives?
A: There are beekeepers in almost every
community in Massachusetts. There are even rooftop beekeepers in cities
like Boston. Some communities may have restrictions to where beehives
can be placed. When in doubt, check with your local city or town hall.
Although a beehive does not take up much space not every yard is
suitable for the placement of a beehive. Contact a local beekeeper for
advice.
Q: Will I get
honey from my hive?
A:
Honeybees are subject to all the elements (good and bad) that nature can
present to them during the seasons. A poor season can mean having just
enough honey for the bees to keep for themselves to use during the
winter or a surplus of honey that the beekeeper can remove from the
hive. There are no set figures of how much honey will be produced by the
bees during the year.
Q: How much
will it cost to set up a hive?
A: There are several companies that offer
beekeeping equipment and supplies. Many of them offer beginner
beekeeping kits that will be more than sufficient to get the novice
beekeeper started. A typical beginner’s kit can cost less than $300 and a
package of bees with a fertile queen can cost $65 to $70. For under
$400 you can have a working hive.
Q:
Will I get stung?
A: In a
word – yes. Being stung is a hazard of being a beekeeper. With the
correct clothing and precautions you can minimize the number of times
you will be stung. Remember, the honeybee only stings if it perceives
that there is a threat to the hive or herself. In many cases the
beekeeper is stung because they have made a mistake. They may have
trapped the honeybee against their clothing, handled the hive
carelessly, chose the wrong time to enter the hive (when it’s raining)
or otherwise aggravated the hive.
Q:
How can I get started?
A:
Contact a member of the PCBA to obtain more information and/or advice
as to becoming a beekeeper. Don’t hesitate – you know you
have always wanted to do something like this.