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I would just use knotty pine (cheapest). I sealed it with raw linseed oil. If you buy the plans it calls for a stupid thickness you would have to special order (7/8" thick) for a lot of the boards because of the 'weight' of a fully loaded hive, but 1/8" of thickness doesnt really make any significant difference and you'll have a much easier time finding 1" nominal thickness (3/4" actual thickness) boards rather than 1 1/8" thickness.

At a minimum you need:

• chop/miter saw (you can get a hand powered one but that wouldn't be fun)
  
• table saw
  
• band saw (not required but it would make the top bars WAY easier to make, I used a table saw for this)
  
• drill
  
• impact driver (it makes it easier to drive fasteners in)
  
• pocket screw jig
  
• drill press
  
• Finish nailing gun would help a lot
  
• The plans call for the use of biscuit dowels to join the hive body panels but that's pretty advanced wood working and a lot of finesse work with either purchasing the biscuit dowels or making them yourself and it adds the need of a router to the mix. So, I just drilled angled holes and used screws or pocket screws/jig
  
• other misc. tools like measuring tapes, pencils, etc.
  
  ​
  
  The hardest part was making the top bars (cutting, drilling, etc.) and getting them straight and not warped. They are really expensive from backyardhive.com compared to the time and material required to do it yourself but, it's moderately advanced work getting that right or at least knowing how to fib things to make it work like I did.
  
  ​
  
  Like I said before, if I were to make them again, I would use 2" nominal thickness boards for the hive body because it would reduce some of the difficulty of making the top bars work because of the ridge that you make to rest the bars on makes the following board pretty difficult to fabricate if your cuts aren't 'just so'. This would also help with insulation (both in hot and cold climates). I would also not mess with an end entrance/landing board that are in the plans. It adds unnecessary complexity to the project. I would rather do a combined approach from the cathedral hive and what you will find in Les Crowder's book: Top-Bar Beekeeping: Organic Practices for Honeybee Health. He has found that the bees prefer and entrance on the side of the top bar hive, towards the bottom board, about half a foot back from the front of the hive that is about 3/8" tall by 6" long (these numbers are from memory so they could be inaccurate).

Hey there!

I live in Ontario, so I'm a little North of you. I'm a hobbyist beekeeper with five hives. I help my mentor out (who has ten hives) too. We make some honey, but we do it more for the hobby.

> Is it possible to let the bees survive the winter on their own supply?

Absolutely. This is how my bees do it. I don't feed sugar or anything like that to them. They live off entirely their own supply. I take a little bit from them throughout the summer, but stop after Labour Day. In fact I've read that feeding sugar is detrimental to the hive's health.

> Which hive box is the best option to use for a beginner?

I suppose this depends on what is available in your area. I recommend the style of hive other keepers use in your area. I've only had experienced with pine wood boxes ranging in thickness from 7/8 to 1 & 1/8. My mentor is trying those foam hive boxes this winter. I can't report on how they perform just yet.

> Is early March or early April a good time to get started on placing my queen inside the hive?

You usually don't buy a queen to get started. You purchase a nuc or a package of bees. I started by buying a couple nucs. My mentor gave me a couple splits too. See what is available in your area. The local keepers won't sell you a nuc if they're not ready / it's too early.

> Really any points or tips would be greatly appreciated as I'm excited to get started.

I strongly recommend reading a few books on the topic. I've read a few over the summer/fall/winter prior to me getting my first hives and they really pumped me up for the hobby. I recommend to start:

Natural Beekeeping by Conrad Ross

The Practical Beekeeper by Michael Bush

These books go against the traditional line of thought of considering feeding sugar and pre-emptively striking with antibiotics and other medicines to be normal practice. I am still a new keeper, but so far with the three years I've had my hives I haven't had a problem going natural. Also means you don't have to play with nasty things you don't want to play with as a hobbyist.

The Michael Bush book's content can be found on the Michael Bush website for free. I prefer reading paper, and bought the book, but you can still learn plenty from his site: Bush Farms.

Good luck!

Here's a list I composed a couple months back. Hope it helps.

Beekeeping - Getting Started

1. Look for and join a local bee club or association
   
2. Verify keeping honey bees is legal on your property
   
3. Verify your allergy, or not, to bee stings
   
4. Shadow a successful Beekeeper for a keeping season to learn. They should have no issue explaining how they run their hives, and what their survival rate is year over year. Buy some protective gear to aid in your menteeship. Get bees the next season.
   
5. Start with two hives and one nuc, if possible. This will allow you to compare hive strength and give you some spare parts.
   
6. The old adage, "ask X beekeepers, get x+1 answers" is shortsighted. Beekeeping is made up of what the biological tendencies and behaviors are for the bees -vs- what our human preferences and goals are when keeping bees. An answer doesn't always match your goals. A biological fact will help you manage your expectations.
   
7. Always know what your time is worth. When learning, building equipment, caretaking for the bees... Please know how to valuate your time. It may not be best to "start from scratch".
   
8. If someone says "I don't have varroa mites" or "I didn't see any mites", question this immediately. Knowing how to calculate your mite load percentage, as well as manage mites, is critical to being a successful Beekeeper.
   
   
   
   --Video and Channels--
   
   University of Guelph Beekeeping Channel- A digestible lesson style format for beekeeping of all levels. Very logically made and of high quality.
   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3mjpM6Av4bxbxps_Gh5YPw
   
   Devan Rawn
   https://www.youtube.com/user/devanwatchesvlogs
   
   Jason Chrisman
   https://www.youtube.com/user/creekroad1
   
   Michael Palmer
   https://www.frenchhillapiaries.com/videos/
   
   NY Bee Wellness Group (many visiting speakers of all types. Tons of great material)-
   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7iM0M1_IwQPIKSpdMnCLjQ
   
   David Haught (Barnyard Bees)
   https://www.youtube.com/user/davidhaught84
   
   Alcohol mite wash-
   https://youtu.be/oiu_dIZu7Uk
   
   --Book Resources--
   
   Honey Bee Biology and Beekeeping, 2013, Revised
   [Book was written before United States approval of Oxalic Acid as a pesticide in 2015]. An essential text used in college for the "why's" and "how's" of beekeeping-
   https://www.amazon.com/dp/1878075292/
   
   The Beekeeper's Handbook- https://www.amazon.com/dp/0801476941/
   
   Wicwas Press Bee Books-
   http://wicwas.com/
   
   
   --Educational Beekeeping Websites--
   
   Honey Bee Health Coalition
   https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/
   
   Bee Informed Partnership
   https://beeinformed.org
   
   Bee Culture Blog
   http://www.beeculture.com
   Bee Culture Recommended Resources and Papers
   https://www.beeculture.com/approved-website-resources/
   
   Randy Oliver's Scientific beekeeping! I think the site needs some format polishing, but the content is great. The resource here are invaluable.
   http://scientificbeekeeping.com
   
   Eastern Apicultural Society-
   A wealth of previous years conference presentations as well as Master Beekeeper training/certification
   http://easternapiculture.org/conferences/eas-2018.html
   
   Michigan State University Pollinators-
   Do you live in the northern US? You may find a lot of helpful info here:
   https://pollinators.msu.edu/resources/beekeepers/
   
   
   --Equipment--
   
   Mann Lake
   
   Kelley
   
   Dadant
   
   Pierco
   
   Aacorn
   
   Shastina Millwork
   
   Blue Sky Bee Supply
   
   Maxant
   
   Betterbee
   
   

Thank you! In Pennsylvania last winter there was roughly a 50% die off for hobbyists, so I figured I’d start with 1 hive to focus on and learn as much as I can from and hope for the best. I was ecstatic to find they did well.
You can do it! You just have to take the leap. Find a location, buy materials for 2 supers, buy your necessities, buy your bees, and, most importantly, buy a good bee book (I highly recommend The Beekeeper’s Handbook by Diana Sammataro) and start learning as much as you can as soon as possible. My father-in-law has been farming for almost 2 decades, and he jokingly commented last summer that I know more about bees after a few months than he knows about cows after X number of years. It was funny and a compliment, but you need to know bee behavior and be able to recognize what this buzzing super organism of thousands of bees is trying to tell you.
Just do it! Get started! It’s a highly rewarding hobby, and the tangible fruits of your labors are delicious haha.

Oh, and never let your smoker go out when the bees are starting to get pissy. Just trust me on that one.

You use the smoker when you go into the hive to check it out. What the smoke does is it tells the bees that there's a fire (forest fire for example) and that they are in need of danger. Therefore, their goal is not to defend the hive (sting you, therefore they die) but to eat their honey and salvage what they can before the fire gets there. Don't worry - they won't actually run away from your hive ha! It's a distraction tool

​

I'm a first year beekeeper so I feel like I can give you any advice you may have since sometimes veteran's advice is good but they can use words and processes that confuse a newbie like you and me. So, ask anything you need and keep in touch.

​

The bee group/company you called should have everything you need. Definitely go to them for advice. Idk if they're into sales (most aren't) but you really don't need anything than this below FOR NOW:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BHKH29B/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1

- the little plastic bottle thing is your feeder. make a 1:1 sugar (granulated pure cane) to water mix and boil it until it dissolves. Cool it down (time + ice) and then give it to your bees in a beer bottle flipped upside down into the plastic bottle feeder - it goes in the bottom of your hive area; the entrance. It will all make sense when you get your stuff and see it. Gloves, head gear, scraper, and feeder. You're good to start!

of course make sure you get frames and wax foundation - did that come in your kit? I assume so.

Idk what that yellow thing is but you don't need it for now.

​

​

This is a good book. I LIKED it but didn't love it. It's informative but it didn't really get me ready for beekeeping honestly. I think it would be better if I read it 4 months in now than starting out.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1631593323/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

​

youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=basics+of+beekeeping+

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIoaJFMUu4Q

Some of the books on my shelf:
The Beekeeper' Bible, How to Keep Bees and Sell Honey, Beekeeping for Dummies, Natural Beekeeping, The Backyard Beekeeper, The Beekeeper's Handbook.

I think the best bang for your buck, and certainly the one that helped me most, is The Beekeeper's Handbook, 4th Edition. It includes the most recent available data on pests and diseases (although I think I noticed that microscopic images of 2 diseases were reversed... I have to check that again). It discusses, in a really straightforward, textbook-like style, castes and life cycles of bees and their pests, 4-season best practices for management, all the way up to honey extraction and marketing. It mainly deals with Langstroth hives, which is typical. Other styles are introduced, however, and people who are interested can find additional resources.
Natural Beekeeping is a good complement, as it deals strictly with organic beekeeping. Even if you can't go totally organic (I live near non-organic orchards, so it's a joke for me), it's wise to know what options exist so you can do what you can.
Beekeeper's Bible has some great info about early beekeeping and bee symbolism, along with some recipes for foods and salves - but most of that is pretty easily researched online.
I hate anything "For Dummies", How to Keep Bees is pretty outdated, Backyard has good info but feels like it's shilling for a certain supplier and I don't think the math works out for using 8-frame hives instead of 10-frame.
tl;dr This: [http://www.amazon.com/The-Beekeepers-Handbook-Fourth-Edition/dp/0801476941/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334286109&sr=8-1]

1. Would a typical mail-order queen+squad survive on its own if released into a midwest backyard in early spring?
   
   Releasing a package of bees is kind of chaos. One, they might not have accepted the queen yet as she is still in her cage and they need to chew through the candy. Second, they can swarm and go miles away. They need a nook to live in and may end up in somebody's wall. Third, they need a hive if you want to harvest honey.
   
   
2. A Langstroth. I recommend purchase first and always recommend two hives. The reason why is you can tell something is wrong when one hive acts differently and you can interchange things to save the other colony. For example, if you have a honey surplus in one and a honey deficit in the other you can give them some of the honey frames so they survive winter. If one hive loses a queen you can add a frame a brood from the other hive to keep the brood cycle from being interrupted as it may take 25 days until you have a living queen again.
   
   
3. I do a weekly inspection at the most busy time of year that takes half an hour at best. I refill the sugar jar daily, but that all depends on the feeder you choose. You need to feed them much of the first year as it takes a lot of resources to build the comb they need for brood, honey, and pollen.
   
   
4. Most common bee in the US - Italian Honeybees. They do pretty well and are prolific honey produces.
   
   
5. Depends on your region. Ask your local beekeeping association what your nectar flow(s) are/is. This tells you when harvest time will be every year. Regions also have different types of honey due to different types of nectar sources. Bees love everything from clover to tulip poplar.
   
   I recommend this guy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016YJ9A1A/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=29VJ8PUPFOP20&coliid=I2ACZZ7RHI1RVJ
   
   Also, watch this series. Walks you through an entire season and then some. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjrdwXXEtLo&list=PLF3090CE32602616C
   
   
   What's an easy beehouse to assemble for first time honey collectors?
   How much daily maintenance is required for healthy bees?
   What's an easy species to raise in the American midwest?
   What kind of nearby plants could the bees feed themselves with?

As a noob, I've been reading and acquiring a lot of beekeeping books lately. Here are my thoughts:

"Homegrown Honey Bees" by Alethea Morrison is a nice introductory book that is loaded with photos. It's definitely a gentle intro book more than a reference book.

I really love "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Beekeeping" by Dean Stiglitz and Laurie Herboldsheimer. It covers all the basics and teaches a treatment-free approach. I was put off by the Beekeeping for Dummies book, which repeatedly recommends prophylactic use of chemical treatments.

After that I'd recommend a good reference book that has hive management diagrams, such as "The Beekeeper's Handbook" by Diana Sammataro and Alphonse Avitabile.

If you're interested in top-bar hives, I would get "Top-Bar Beekeeping: Organic Practices for Honeybee Health" by Les Crowder and Heather Harrell, and "The Thinking Beekeeper: A Guide to Natural Beekeeping in Top Bar Hives" by Christy Hemenway. Backyardhive.com has a great DVD on top-bar hive management.

If you want to geek out on beekeeping history, "The Archaeology of Beekeeping" by Eva Crane is legendary. It's sadly out of print and very expensive to buy. I found it at the library.

Check out some documentaries, it will give you stuff to think about. Vanishing of the Bees, Queen of the Sun...I believe both of those are on Netflix.

One of my favorites is Nova's Tales from the Hive...check on YouTube, there was a high-res version in three 20-ish minute parts. These crazy film makers put surgical cameras on bees! It gives you a great perspective of things from the bees' POV.

Edit...Here are links to the best version!
Part one: http://youtu.be/SjfJVYC_TJg
Part two: http://youtu.be/8Qx_f3ZIrwo
Part three: http://youtu.be/fM_fcVCRKew

Another great book, although very scientific, is the Beekeeper's Handbook (http://www.amazon.com/The-Beekeepers-Handbook-Diana-Sammataro/dp/0801476941).

I've been meaning to read Honeybee Democracy but haven't gotten around to it. In fact, I'm going to get on Amazon and see if there is a Kindle version right now. (Edit: yay, there is! There wasn't the last time I looked: http://www.amazon.com/Honeybee-Democracy-Thomas-D-Seeley-ebook/dp/B0046A9M68/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1405486484&sr=1-1&keywords=Honeybee+democracy)

I'm also going to come back and edit with links...edited to add, I did 😊

The best bees for you and your area are likely to be from a colony that has already successfully over-wintered in your area. This way you know your colony(ies) will have "what it takes" to survive where you're at.

Capture a swarm, buy local. If you want to learn about swarms, attracting them and how best to capture/keep them, find yourself a copy of "Honeybee Democracy" by Thomas D. Seeley - good read and some GREAT info on swarms and capturing them!

If all else fails, contact your local beekeeper club/association and/or find a local keeper that'd be willing to sell a nuc.

I am secretly hoping the beeks in NE Ohio get caught off guard too. I have nice, warm, happy, lemongrass-smelling swarm traps in trees just waiting!

Edit: Since there is some interest here about the design of the swarm trap, here are some details. I started with the D. Coates 5-frame nuc plan from BeeSource here and expanded it downward to make it about a 40 liter volume, which is the volume Seeley recommends in his book. This makes the large side pieces 18 inches deep. Instead of the entrance on the nuc plan, there are just a couple holes in the side of the box, which can be easily plugged up when I want to take the trap out of the tree and move it.

Edit 2: Added link to Seeley's book. It's a fascinating read for anyone interested in bees, or neural networks in decision making.

I can't really watch the video because I have no sound on my work computer, but just looking at the images, it looks like this hive violates many of the rules we have about good hive design. Sure, the bees will probably live there if you put them there, but they would never choose such a structure on their own. The structure shape also is critical to the way the bees protect and maintain proper hygene, and it doesn't look like this design was thought out very well in those terms.

The designers need to read Honeybee Democracy. And then they can stop trying to force their concept of beauty on bees and just build some Warre hives.

To become a beekeeper just buy the hives and bees (all that other stuff is really optional). Most states require you to register them.

To become a good beekeeper you should look for your local Beekeeping Assoc or Agricultural extension office and see what classes they offer and start taking them before buying anything. They will help you determine what you need, what works for your area and how to do things in a manner that you hopefully don't lose the bees.

There are no certifications required but there are some out there. The University of Florida has a 5 years Master Beekeeper Program is one. UF also offers 3 different Bee Colleges during the year in two places in the state, and the Caribbean. Local associations hold day courses and Ag offices have done longer multiple session training courses at least in Florida. Look in your area.

You can also start learning on your own. Start with something like The Beekeepers Handbook.

The best advice I can give you is find that local association and start there. They will have experienced beekeepers and be able to point you at local resources.

Thank I saw that earlier and plan on making some calls tomorrow (Monday). I’ve thought about catching one but I think that starting out id rather spend the money initially and have more of a complete setup while I’m learning.

I’m thinking of buying something like this to start. Basic Beekeeping Starter Kit, Completely Assembled, Painted, Made In The USA https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B8L5ZJG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_BEzPAbF6WQTJT

I’m mostly wanting a little honey and wax. Not looking to sell any or anything like that just personal use and maybe give some to friends and family.

this is absolutely great and has most everything you'll need to know. If you're ever ready to get super serious, this is the ultimate beekeeping bible.

If you get the small propane torch, make sure to get the "clicker" kind that automatically light. This is the one I use.

It is SO nice to just click the button and shove the flame into the smoker and three seconds later it's lit perfectly.

http://www.amazon.com/Bernzomatic-TS4000-Trigger-Start-Torch/dp/B00008ZA09/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1395417266&sr=1-1&keywords=propane+torch

I got The Backyard Beekeeper when I started, and it's great. It has all you need to know about bees, pests, diseases and more. There is even a recipe section in the back that's pretty good. I still reference it every now and then when I need to know something.

I read Backyard Beekeeper and thought it was a very helpful and informative book. I also recommend The Bush Bee Man on YouTube. Good balance of humorous and educational.

I suggest reading The Joy Of Beekeeping, Richard Taylor.

I enjoy the insect husbandry. Working with a wild critter to both your and their benefit.

I don't think there's a consensus on the "best" book. I'm reading The Beekeeper's Handbook at the moment, and it's very good.

Natural Beekeeping is also quite good, if you want to try a more natural approach.

My Books

---
Here are the books I have:

Beekeeping

• The Backyard Beekeeper by Kim Flottum
  
• The Beekeeper's Bible by Richard A. Jones & Sharon Sweeney-Lynch
  
  

  History and Biology
  

  
  

• _Letters from the Hive_ by Stephen Buchmann
  
• _Biology of the Honey Bee_ by Mark L. Winston
  
  

  Gardening
  

  
  

• Attracting Native Pollinators by [The Xerces Society](
  https://xerces.org/mission/)
  
• Garden Plants for Honey Bees by Peter Lindtner
  
  
  

  The Wiki
  

  
  ---
  
  Here is the recommended list linked to in the wiki:
  
  

• Beekeeping for Dummies, by Howland Blackiston
  
• The Beekeeper's Handbook, by Diana Sammataro
  
• The Beekeeper's Bible: Bees, Honey, Recipes & Other Home Uses, by Richard Jones
  
• Backyard Beekeeper: An Absolute Beginner's Guide to Keeping Bees in Your Yard and Garden, by Kim Flottum
  
• Better Beekeeping: The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Stronger Colonies and Healthier, More Productive Bees, by Kim Flottum
  
• The Backyard Beekeeper's Honey Handbook: A Guide to Creating, Harvesting, and Baking with Natural Honeys, by Kim Flottum
  
• Attracting Native Pollinators: The Xerces Society Guide, Protecting North America's Bees and Butterflies, by the Xerces Society
  
  
  If you had to just pick one I would choose between The Backyard Beekeeper and The Beekeeper's Bible.
  
  I also highly suggest doing the following:
  
  
• look to see if beekeeping courses are offered by your state university or local community college and attend a basics beekeeping course
  
• find a local beekeeping club and regularly attend meetings (this will be important not just to learn, but also to be kept up to date about pesticide sprays, diseases to anticipate, and access to expensive machinery like honey extractors)
  
• read all your local laws about beekeeping and follow them

I'm in the same place as you are. My thought is to start with 2 hives so that if I suffer a loss, I might have a way of discerning whether or not its my fault.

I hate the title, but many people I have talked to said that Beekeeping for Dummies is a great book. I think it is great too.

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

The Joy of Beekeeping by Richard Taylor

---

^^i'm ^^a ^^friendly bot

First thing i did was search around YouTube watching beekeeping related videos. That was the closest thing I could get to "hands on".

From there I read [Beekeeping For Dummies (For Dummies (Lifestyle)] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1119310067/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_jpZezbCC9HBN7) front to back.

Best of luck, read around! If possible, contact a local keeper or apiary to ask if you could observe sometime this summer!

I'e made these 'quilt boxes' in the past. What I've do now is use a honey super with a dehumidifier in it like this https://www.amazon.com/Improved-Eva-dry-E-333-Renewable-Dehumidifier/dp/B000H0XFCS I'll place it over the top board hole, slightly rasied to let air circulate.

I'm in New England so it does get cold for prolonged periods. I wrap my hives with the silver bubble wrap insultation, e.g. https://www.amazon.com/Improved-Eva-dry-E-333-Renewable-Dehumidifier/dp/B000H0XFCS

I am a first year beekeeper. I became intensely interested in this back in Feb of this year. So, I got a book...this was a great start for me. I also joined a local beekeeping association. I now have two hives running marvelously...should be getting about 30-40 quarts in a few weeks.

I have considered calling a local beekeeper to come get them, but then I realized I could be a local beekeeper if I didn't. I've always been interested in beekeeping, but have no experience. Amazon has a starter kit but I'm not sure if it's actually worth buying. Any input is appreciated.

The Honeybee Democracy: Thomas Seeley is a really good option! I give it to my beekeeping friends.

Probably want to wait until spring for the bees. In the meantime, do some reading. This is a pretty good book for beekeeping in general. http://www.amazon.com/Beekeepers-Handbook-Fourth-Diana-Sammataro/dp/0801476941

I enjoyed this guy who does top bar beekeeping

Video
and book.

On the off chance you or someone else reading this thread might be interested in knowing how swarming works, Tom Seeley's poorly-named book Honeybee Democracy is available on Amazon.

By the way... one of the best books I've ever gotten my hands on. http://www.amazon.com/The-Beekeepers-Bible-Honey-Recipes/dp/1584799188/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407955330&sr=8-1&keywords=Beekeepers+bible

if you can't find your grandfather's books i'd recommend The Beekeeper's Bible. it is an interesting read and inexpensive for it's size and quality.
https://www.amazon.com/Beekeepers-Bible-Honey-Recipes-Other/dp/1584799188

The Hive and the Honeybee is one of the greatest pieces of literature concerning beekeeping.

Where are you? Best thing we can do is point you to your local beekeeping club.

But if you're serious about becoming a beekeeper, order this book and read it:
Beekeeping For Dummies (For Dummies (Lifestyle)) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/1119310067/

Sorry just a little hand torch like this Bernzomatic TS4000 Trigger Start Torch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00008ZA09/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_kY-nzb7B0874G

it will turn it to Ash then it will wipe off.

Check out Thomas Seeley's book Honeybee Democracy. He's done some amazing things to decipher the whole process.

Thanks for your help :) I'm pretty new to this, so you'll have to forgive me on my lack of knowledge and experience. This is the apiary I purchased https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016YJ9A1A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 What are your thoughts on this? I fully assembled it and painted it white. I haven't thought about purchasing more hives until I've got the hang of it, but would like a few more hives sometime in the future. My pre-order states 3 pounds of bees will be delivered. I've been posting on Craigslist for a couple of months now, but to no prevail, which is odd cause I know beekeepers are in my area. Maybe I'll stumble upon someone here.

When I got back into beekeeping, a professional beekeeper insisted I read The Beekeeper's Handbook by Sammataro and Avitabile (https://www.amazon.com/Beekeepers-Handbook-Diana-Sammataro/dp/0801476941). It's an excellent, no nonsense textbook for keeping bees, and one that I now recommend to people that need a resource. Edit: hyperlink

http://www.thebeeyard.org/ebooks/ has several free books including the penn st one that was mentioned.

i have this one:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Beekeepers-Handbook-Diana-Sammataro/dp/0801476941/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1395340884&sr=8-4&keywords=beekeeping

Seems to be very detailed but not to the point that it is hard to read/understand.

I'm new - I don't have my bees yet, they're on order - but I've been studying like mad. I'm an IT consultant who swings between tons of typewritten and moderate amounts of handwritten notes, and that's likely to translate into my beekeeping life.

I've written all of one beekeeping post so far: The waiting is the hardest part (Beekeeping part 1), and it's just a status update and a bare few notes.

BUT I'm underlining my copy of The Beekeeper's Handbook like crazy, and I'll probably go back and make notes out of that!

$25 with shipping.... or $0.10 a page

edit: shit, forgot the link
http://www.amazon.com/Beekeepers-Handbook-Fourth-Diana-Sammataro/dp/0801476941
(I haven't read it yet, just ran across the review/article, just thought it applicable to the reddit)