Common Types of bees
- Western Honeybee: these are the ones that most bee keepers keep. They're golden brown with black stripes and the
- Carpenter Bee
- Bumblebee
- Blueberry Bee
- Squash Bee
- Mason Bee
- Leafcutter Bee
- Location: Bees can thrive in both rural and urban areas as long as you have the space for them. When picking a spot for your hive, places that have early morning sun and some shade in the afternoon are best. Urban areas usually provide food year round while more rural areas tend to have fewer hazards for the bees.
- Water is important so provide them with a slope sided bird bath and fresh water or a shallow bowl with a few pieces of floating bark or cork, something they can safely stand upon while drinking.
- The most common hive design with the most resources
- Yields the most honey
- Needs a moderate amount of management
- Can require heavy lifting (60-80 lbs)
- Requires no heavy lifting (5-7 lbs)
- Yields the least honey
- Most frequent but simplest management
- Satisfying to work in.
- Great for education
- Yields a medium amount of honey.
- Requires some lifting (30 lbs).
- Needs the least management.
- Gives bees a natural colony experience.
- How to Identify Different Types of Bees
Beekeeping management books
- The world history of beekeeping and honey hunting by Eva Crane
- The Apiary by Alfred Neighbour
Bee biology books
Hive specific books
- Observation Hives by Caron & Webster
Beekeeping Basics
Types of hives for beekeeping
Different hives have different pros and cons. When choosing a hive, consider what kind of beekeeping you're doing. Is your primary goal educational, for the honey production, or just because you want to give the bees a nice place to live? Also consider your own limitations in terms of time, space, and physical mobility.
Langstrom Hive
Top Bar Hive
Warre Hive
Sources and Resources
Handy Links
Online forum list
Beekeeping Videos
Local beekeeping associations