So you’re thinking about becoming a beekeeper? That’s awesome, and I truly mean that. Beekeeping is one of the most rewarding, humbling, and fascinating hobbies (or side hustles) out there. But before you take the plunge, there are a few things you should seriously think through.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the top 10 things to consider before starting your first hive. Whether you’re dreaming of backyard honey or hoping to help pollinators, these are the critical questions to ask yourself upfront.
1. Are You Allowed to Keep Bees Where You Live?
Before anything else, check the legal requirements for beekeeping in your area. This might include:
- State-level registration requirements
- Local zoning or ordinance restrictions
- HOA rules or neighborhood bans
- Required signage or fencing in certain areas
Some places limit the number of hives you can keep or require them to be a certain distance from property lines, public sidewalks, or neighboring homes. Don’t skip this step, it can save you a lot of trouble down the line.
📝 Pro tip: Many states offer free or low-cost beekeeper registration. This also puts you on the radar for disease and pest alerts.
2. Do You Have Enough Space (and the Right Space)?
Bees don’t need a ton of room, but placement really matters. Think about:
- Sunlight: Full sun is best to keep hives warm and help deter pests like small hive beetles.
- Wind protection: A fence, shrub line, or natural break can help prevent cold gusts from blowing into the hive.
- Flight path: Bees exit the hive in a straight line, don’t place them right next to your front porch or walking path.
- Access to water: Bees need a water source nearby or they’ll end up in your neighbor’s pool.
If you’re in a small yard or urban space, don’t worry. Rooftop beekeeping, community gardens, and even partnering with a landowner are all viable options.
3. Do You Understand the Real Costs?
A lot of folks ask me, “Is beekeeping expensive?” And the answer is… yes, especially upfront.
Here’s a rough breakdown of what you might spend just to get started:
- Hive components: $200–300 per hive
- Bees (nuc or package): $125–225
- Protective gear: $100–200
- Tools (smoker, hive tools, feeder): $50–100
- Pest treatments: $50+
- Supplemental feed: $30–60 per season
It’s not a $20 hobby, and those costs can rise fast if you expand. I’ll be publishing a separate article soon breaking down all the numbers (and linking it here once it’s live).
👛 Budget realistically. A single hive setup with bees and gear can easily hit $500–$700.
4. Are You Willing to Treat for Varroa Mites?
Let me be blunt: If you’re not willing to treat for varroa mites, you shouldn’t be a beekeeper.
Varroa destructor is the number one killer of honey bee colonies in North America. It’s not a matter of if your bees will get varroa, it’s when.
There are several effective treatments (chemical and non-chemical), but you must monitor mite levels and take action. I’ll be publishing two separate articles soon:
- A complete introduction to varroa mites
- A comprehensive guide to 15+ varroa treatment options
This is the most important health issue you’ll deal with as a beekeeper. Don’t go in blind.
(detailed “all about varroa mites” and “treatment options for varroa, posts forthcoming).
5. Do You Have the Right Gear?
Don’t wait until the bees are buzzing to grab your smoker and veil. You’ll need:
- A bee suit or jacket (plus gloves)
- A smoker and fuel
- A hive tool (J-hook or standard)
- Feeders and bee feed
- Spare boxes or supers in case the colony grows quickly
- Hardware cloth for ventilation or pest prevention
Here is a checklist of some of the things I use.
6. Do You Know How and When to Order Bees?
Yes, you need to order your bees in advance.
Most beginners start with either a nucleus colony (nuc) or a package of bees. Each has pros and cons, and I’ll be doing a separate article to break that down for you.
But the key here is timing:
📦 Packages and nucs often sell out December and January in many years. If you wait too long, you’ll be out of luck.
Ask local beekeepers, find a trusted supplier, and get your bees reserved early, especially if you’re planning a spring install.
7. Are You Ready for Hive Setup and Arrival Day?
Once you have your bees, there’s no turning back, so make sure everything’s prepped:
- Your hive should be assembled and painted (if wooden)
- It should be placed in its final location before the bees arrive
- Have your smoker, suit, and feeder ready to go
Your first interaction with the bees is a big one. The calmer and more prepared you are, the better the experience (for both you and the bees).
8. Are You Comfortable With Feeding?
Feeding bees is not a sign of failure, it’s a standard part of beekeeping.
New colonies often need sugar syrup (1:1 or 2:1) to get started, especially if:
- They’re installed early in spring
- There’s a nectar dearth
- They’re building comb for the first time
Use top feeders, jar feeders, frame feeders, or open feeders where appropriate. I’ll cover feeding techniques in a later post, but for now, know that you should expect to feed your bees at least a few times during the season.
9. Do You Understand How to Install Bees?
Installing a package or nuc isn’t hard, but it’s not something you want to wing. You need to understand:
- How to safely introduce a queen (in a cage or loose)
- How to gently shake a package into a hive (if needed)
- How to reduce stress and keep the bees calm
- When to return for your first inspection
A calm install day sets the tone for your season. I’ll be writing a post soon walking you through the exact steps for both package and nuc installs.
10. Are You Ready for Regular Inspections?
Your job doesn’t end after you install the bees. In fact, that’s just the beginning.
You’ll need to:
- Check brood pattern and queen status
- Monitor for signs of swarm prep or disease
- Keep tabs on varroa levels
- Add supers when the colony grows
Most beekeepers inspect every 7 to 14 days, depending on the season. I’ll have a full article on how to do your first hive inspection—what to look for, how to take notes, and what not to worry about.
Final Thoughts
Beekeeping is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, but it’s also one of the most demanding. If you take time to think through these 10 areas, you’ll be way ahead of the game when your first bees arrive.
This blog isn’t just about gear—it’s about helping you become a better, more confident beekeeper. Whether you’re new to the craft or just want to tighten up your system, you’re in the right place.
📺 Want to see these tools in action?
Check out my YouTube channel for walkthroughs, hive tours, and gear demos.
💻 Want more content like this?
Bookmark this site—I’ll be adding more gear reviews, how-to guides, and seasonal tips very soon.
🐝 Check out our website for more resources and information:
https://beekeepingfornewbees.com/
Related Posts:
Varroa Treatment Guide: 15+ Options Every Beekeeper Should Know
Top 10 Beekeeping Supplies I Actually Use (And Why You Should Too)
Is Beekeeping Expensive? Here’s the Real Cost Breakdown
Beekeeping Gear Checklist: What You Really Need Before You Start
Should You Order a Nuc or a Package? Let’s Compare