First-Time Beekeepers — Start Here

First-Time Beekeepers — How to Start Right

Congratulations on starting your beekeeping journey! We've helped hundreds of first-time beekeepers get their first hives buzzing. Here's what you need to know.

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What Bees Should a Beginner Buy?

We recommend nucleus colonies (nucs) for first-time beekeepers.

Why nucs over packages?

• HIGHER SUCCESS RATE — The colony is already established

• LESS CAN GO WRONG — Queen is accepted, comb is built

• EASIER TO INSTALL — Just transfer frames, no shaking bees

• FASTER RESULTS — You're 4-6 weeks ahead of packages

Yes, nucs cost more ($188.50 vs $150 for packages). But for beginners, the higher success rate is worth every penny. Your first year should be about learning, not rescuing a struggling colony.

To understand more, see our side-by-side Package Bees vs Nucs comparison.

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What Breed Is Best for Beginners?

Both Carniolans and Italians are gentle and beginner-friendly.

CHOOSE CARNIOLAN IF:

• You're in a cold climate (MT, WY, ND, SD, MN, ID)

• Overwintering success matters most to you

• You want bees that won't eat through their honey stores

CHOOSE ITALIAN IF:

• You want maximum honey production

• You want queens that are easy to spot (golden color)

Our recommendation: For northern climates, Carniolans give beginners the best odds of making it through that first winter. You can see the full trait list in our Carniolan vs Italian Bees guide.

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What Equipment Do I Need Before My Bees Arrive?

Before pickup day, make sure you have:

ESSENTIAL:

☐ Hive body (most beginners use 10-frame Langstroth)

☐ Frames with foundation (or foundationless if you prefer)

☐ Bottom board

☐ Inner cover and outer cover

☐ Hive stand (keeps hive off wet ground)

☐ Bee suit or jacket with veil

☐ Gloves

☐ Smoker

☐ Hive tool

HELPFUL:

☐ Entrance reducer

☐ Feeder (for feeding sugar syrup early season)

☐ Bee brush

☐ Frame grip

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What Happens on Pickup Day?

1. You'll receive an email with your exact pickup location and time

2. Arrive 10 minutes early

3. Check in with our team

4. We'll help you load your bees

5. Drive home (bees can ride inside your car, out of direct sun)

6. Install into your hive that same day

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What Should I Do After Installing My Bees?

FIRST WEEK:

• Leave them alone! Resist the urge to check constantly

• Make sure they have sugar syrup if natural forage is limited

• Watch the entrance — you should see bees coming and going

AFTER ONE WEEK:

• Do your first inspection

• Look for: eggs, larvae, capped brood, queen (or signs of her)

• Don't panic if you don't see the queen — eggs mean she's there

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Common First-Year Mistakes to Avoid

1. OPENING THE HIVE TOO OFTEN — Once a week max during active season

2. NOT FEEDING WHEN NEEDED — New colonies need help building comb

3. HARVESTING HONEY YEAR ONE — Let them keep it for winter

4. IGNORING VARROA MITES — Learn to monitor and treat

5. GIVING UP TOO SOON — Beekeeping has a learning curve

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