If you have considered taking up beekeeping, it is only natural to wonder where to start. After all, it is very rare to see bees for sale in a pet shop, and therefore it might not seem obvious just where you get your well-protected hands on such creatures.
Ultimately, the thing to remember is that you don’t go to the bees, instead they come to you. Whilst seeing a group of bees in swarm may not be the most comforting of sights, they will very rarely sting so long as they are not antagonised, and even then, once in swarm they will usually have gorged themselves on honey and will struggle to sting anyway.
It is at such times when bees will be looking for a new hive. Scouts will be sent out to look for potential new homes and, should you have beehives available, any such swarms will instantly head for it to make it their new home. Putting some old honeycomb into your beehives will make such hives far more attractive. From here, all you need to do is sit back and wait, and by putting your hive up early in the spring you will have far more chance of attracting a swarm looking for a new home.
To start beekeeping, you will need not only the hives, but also the relevant protective gear as once bees decide to take up residence in your hive, you will need to be ready to deal with them. A quick search online will not only help you understand what equipment and clothing you will need but also how best to care for the bees and how to successfully harvest the honey they create.Once you are prepared, you can sit back and wait for what will eventually be the amazing sight of a swarm heading for their new home.