Honey bees were introduced to the North American continent by early European immigrants. People begin to raise them domestically not for only the honey but for the wax as well. Honey bees are valuable, and the reason why honey bees are valuable is because they account for 80% of our food pollination. Bees are very important for our food supply.

The importance of backyard beekeepers in keeping the bee population going should never be under estimated. Raising bees is very exciting and rewarding and requires only a small time commitment. Most beekeepers spend approximately 2 to 3 hours per hive per month in full effort. June is the busiest month for beekeeping and 4 to 5 hours is the norm then.

Before setting up your beekeeping operation be sure to check with your state for any licensing requirements. Some states require an inexpensive permit before you get started.

When you are just starting out as a beekeeper – or apiarist – you will need some equipment to get started. You will need a hive, protective clothing, a smoker, and those bees.

Before you get your equipment get a good beginners beekeeping guide and sign up for some beekeeping forums to start learning about your new hobby. This way when you go to set up your hive you will be ready.

Coming to the bees a lot of new beekeepers get amazed to know that while a queen can live for several years the worker bees only live for 6 weeks during the active season of the summer and in the winter about four to nine months.

The society lived by bees is a structured type with each bee having a common role to play.

Beekeeping is a perfect hobby for those with limited time. Honey bees are and maintaining a hive and harvesting honey is fun and rewarding.