Getting Started In 3 Simple Steps

Beekeeping Getting Started
Made Simple

It can be complicated to get into beekeeping when you don't know where to start. After years of helping new beekeepers getting started in the local BC community, we've built a simple guide to help you get started. Let's make beekeeping simple for you. Read below to get started in 3 simple steps!

1. Get Your Hives & Equipment

Get your hives and equipment ordered before the end of June! Most beekeepers begin with either a Standard Langstroth Deep Hive Starter Kit or an Polystyrene Hive along with purchasing a second hive of the same design for supplementing any hive that is weak. Unless you're experienced or have a mentor assisting you with an alternative hive, we recommend starting with two Langstroth hives as they are the most widely used and thus equipment is readily available. Branching out to different styles after you've got a season or two under your belt, or if you have a mentor versed in using alternatives. We are here to help get you started!

What We Recommend

2. Order Bees or Get a Lead on a Swarm

There are two ways to getting bees, ordering them or capturing them. Capturing bees can be a bit uncertain, but with a Swarm Catcher it is definitely possible. We would still recommend purchasing bees for your first hive

Swarms are not guaranteed so it's a good idea to order at least one package or nucleus colony from a trusted supplier and purchase live bees. Many of our customers start out with one package or nucleus colony, and attempt to fill their second hive with a swarm.

What We Recommend

3. Take A Course

Taking a course allows for a lot of information to be learned quickly, at BC Bee Supply we will do a live inspection of a beehive to show you what to look for, and what are some warning signs. A course will also help you know when to check for disease and how to be a great beekeeper.