Nov 78 min read

Sometimes I Kick Myself - Top 10 Beekeeping Mistakes

Ten Beekeeping Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs

Beekeeping is a rewarding and fascinating journey, but it's not without its challenges. As a beekeeper, you'll inevitably face a range of unexpected issues, from queen problems and swarming mishaps to aggressive hives and hive invasions. While these setbacks can be frustrating, they're also an essential part of the learning process.

In this comprehensive blog post, we'll dive into the tough side of beekeeping, exploring 10 of the most common mistakes that every beekeeper should strive to avoid. By understanding these pitfalls and learning how to handle them, you'll be better equipped to keep your colonies healthy, productive, and thriving.

1. Interfering with Your Bees Too Much

One of the biggest mistakes new beekeepers make is over-interfering with their colonies. It's natural to want to constantly check on your bees, but the truth is, the less you intervene, the better they'll do. The more honey they'll produce, and the more successful splits you'll be able to make.

As a beginner beekeeper, it's easy to get carried away with manipulations and inspections, constantly checking on the status of your hive. However, this can be detrimental to your bees' well-being. Each time you open the hive, you're disrupting their delicate balance and setting them back.

The key is to strike a balance between necessary management and excessive interference. As long as you're performing your varroa treatments at the right time, ensuring your bees have enough food to get through the winter, and providing them with adequate space, your colonies should thrive with minimal intervention. However, weekly inspections are required during the swarming season. In the UK, I inspect at weekly intervals between April and August. After August, I only check to ensure they have sufficient space for honey storage.

Only inspect your bees at weekly intervals or when there is a need to inspect

2. Incompatible Beekeeping Equipment

Another common mistake is failing to choose a consistent hive format and stick to it. Beekeeping equipment comes in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, from Langstroth and National to Dadant and Commercial. It's crucial to select a hive type and commit to it, rather than mixing and matching components.

When I first started beekeeping, I didn't heed the advice to "choose your format and stick to it." I ended up with a mishmash of National Deep, National Shallow, and 14x12 frames, as well as mini mating nucs with their own unique frame sizes. This made manipulations and management much more complicated than it needed to be.

My advice is to do your research, decide on a hive type that works best for your needs, and then stick to it religiously. If you're in the UK, the National hive is a great option, with National Deep brood boxes and National Shallow supers. For beekeepers elsewhere, the Langstroth system is a popular and widely compatible choice.

Here are my two favourite UK Poly hives in National and Langstroth format:

National Hive - https://www.abelo.co.uk/shop/national-hive/12-frame-premium-national-poly-hive/12-frame-premium-national-poly-hive/

Langstroth Hive - https://www.abelo.co.uk/shop/langstroth-hive-poly-cedar/langstroth-hive-polystyrene/langstroth-poly-hive-with-2-supers/

Regardless of the format you choose, the key is to maintain consistency throughout your beekeeping operation. This will make your life significantly easier when it comes to inspections, manipulations, and honey extraction.

Compatible equipment makes beekeeping SO much easier!

3. Poor Hive Placement

The placement of your beehives is a critical consideration that many new beekeepers overlook. It's easy to simply set up your hives in your backyard or a convenient location, but this can lead to a host of problems down the line.

When I first started, I had four hives crammed into a small 10x6 meter garden. As the colonies grew, they began swarming, much to the dismay of my neighbours. Keeping bees in a densely populated area can quickly become a nuisance and a safety hazard.

My advice is to seek out a more remote location for your hives, away from high-traffic areas, public footpaths, and your neighbours' properties. Speak to local farmers or landowners who may be willing to host your colonies in a more suitable environment. This not only benefits your bees but also helps maintain good relations with your community.

By carefully considering hive placement from the outset, you can avoid the hassle and stress of having to relocate your colonies later on. It's a simple step that can make a big difference in the long run. I like to keep my bees where there is good vehicle access, away from flood plains, with good forage, in direct sunlight and out of the wind!

Get the hives in as much sun as possible in the UK

4. Starting with a Single Colony

One of the most common mistakes new beekeepers make is starting with just a single colony. While it may seem like a cost-effective way to get started, having only one hive can be a recipe for disaster.

I often receive calls from beekeepers who have a lone colony in their backyard, struggling to survive, especially in the fall and winter months. In these situations, adding a new queen or attempting to merge the colony with another is often a waste of time and money.

My advice is to always start with at least two colonies. This provides you with a backup in case one of the hives fails, and it also allows you to practice essential beekeeping techniques, such as queen rearing and nuc production. Even if the initial investment is a bit higher, having two colonies from the start will pay off in the long run and set you up for greater success.

If your one colony fails, you are in trouble!

5. Buying Inadequate Extraction Equipment

Another common mistake is purchasing extraction equipment that is too small for your beekeeping operation. It's tempting to go for the cheapest option, especially when you're just starting out, but this can end up costing you more in the long run.

When I first began beekeeping, I bought a small, manual two-frame extractor, thinking it would be sufficient for my needs. However, as my apiary grew, I quickly realised that this equipment was woefully inadequate. I ended up having to upgrade to a larger, more powerful extractor, which was a significant additional expense.

My advice is to invest in extraction equipment that is sized appropriately for your current and future needs. Aim for a minimum of a 12-frame electric extractor, and consider going even larger if you plan to expand your apiary. While the initial cost may be higher, quality extraction equipment will hold its value well and save you from having to replace it down the line.

A great budget 20 frame option from Abelo - https://www.abelo.co.uk/shop/extractors/electric-20-frame-radial-extractor-standard/

Remember, you can often find excellent second-hand extraction equipment that is well-maintained and still in great condition. This can be a more cost-effective option than buying brand new, especially when you're just starting out.

Equipment holds it's value well so always over spec everything

6. Compromising on Beekeeping Equipment Quality

When it comes to beekeeping equipment, quality matters. While it may be tempting to opt for the cheapest options, this can often lead to more problems and headaches in the long run.

In the UK, the majority of the major suppliers offer high-quality wooden and cedar components for their hives and supers. However, it's still important to do your research and read reviews before making a purchase. Poorly made equipment can be a nightmare to work with and may not last as long as you'd like.

Additionally, be wary of equipment that locks you into a specific brand or format. If you can only use supers or other components from a single supplier, you may find yourself limited in your options and unable to mix and match as your apiary grows.

My recommendation is to invest in quality, well-made equipment that is compatible with a range of hive types and components. This will give you more flexibility and ensure that your beekeeping journey is as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

Buy cheap. Buy twice. You know the drill...

7. Believing Beekeeping Myths and Misinformation

The world of beekeeping is rife with myths, misconceptions, and outdated information. It's crucial to be discerning when it comes to the advice you receive, whether it's from experienced beekeepers, online forums, or even well-meaning but misinformed sources.

For example, I've encountered beekeepers who swear by the benefits of small cell foundation or the use of matchsticks for hive ventilation. However, these practices are not supported by scientific evidence and can actually be detrimental to the health and well-being of your colonies.

My advice is to approach any beekeeping advice with a critical eye. If something doesn't align with your own experience or the latest research, don't be afraid to challenge it. Seek out reputable sources, such as university extension services, respected beekeeping organisations, and experienced mentors who can provide you with reliable, evidence-based information.

Remember, beekeeping is a constantly evolving field, and what may have been considered best practice in the past may not necessarily be the case today. Stay curious, keep an open mind, and always strive to learn from your own experiences as a beekeeper.

Matchsticks for ventilation. What a load of nonsense!

8. Neglecting Varroa Mite Treatment

One of the most contentious and divisive topics in beekeeping is the issue of varroa mite treatment. While some beekeepers advocate for a "treatment-free" approach, the reality is that for most of us, regular varroa management is a necessary and critical part of maintaining healthy, thriving colonies.

Varroa mites are a devastating pest that can quickly decimate a hive if left unchecked. In the UK, where varroa is a significant problem, I firmly believe that every beekeeper should be treating their colonies at least once a year, if not more frequently, to keep these parasites under control.

I understand the appeal of the treatment-free approach, but the truth is, it requires a significant investment of time, effort, and potentially even sacrificed colonies to reach that point. As a new beekeeper, it's simply not realistic to expect your bees to be able to fend off varroa without any intervention.

My advice is to prioritise varroa treatment as part of your regular hive management routine. There are a variety of effective treatment options available, from organic acids to synthetic miticides. Consult with experienced beekeepers, your local association, or a beekeeping mentor to determine the best approach for your specific situation.

Treat your bees for mites every single season

9. Neglecting Regular Hive Inspections

Another common mistake is failing to inspect your hives on a regular basis. Some beekeepers, in an effort to "leave the bees alone," end up neglecting essential hive management tasks, which can have serious consequences.

While it's true that you don't need to constantly fuss over your bees, regular inspections are crucial for monitoring the health and well-being of your colonies. During these inspections, you can check for signs of disease, pests, swarming, and other issues that require your attention.

My recommendation is to inspect your hives at least once a week, at the same time each week. This consistent schedule will help you stay on top of any problems that may arise and allow you to address them before they become more serious.

Remember, being a responsible beekeeper means not only providing your colonies with the resources they need but also actively monitoring their progress and intervening when necessary. Neglecting regular inspections can lead to a host of issues, from nuisance swarms to the spread of disease to your neighbours' hives.

Be responsible and inspect your bees regularly

10. Failing to Learn from Your Own Experiences

The final mistake I want to address is the tendency to rely too heavily on the advice of others, rather than learning from your own experiences as a beekeeper.

It's easy to get caught up in the wealth of information available online, in books, and from other beekeepers. While this knowledge can be invaluable, it's important to remember that beekeeping is a highly contextual and personal endeavour. What works for one beekeeper may not necessarily work for you.

I often encounter beekeepers who challenge my own techniques and methods, citing information they've heard from other sources. However, my response is always the same: "Have you tried it yourself?" If the answer is no, then their criticism holds little weight, as they're simply speculating rather than speaking from personal experience.

My advice is to approach beekeeping with an open mind and a willingness to experiment. Don't be afraid to try new techniques, even if they go against the conventional wisdom. Document your results, learn from your successes and failures, and use that knowledge to inform your future beekeeping practices.

By embracing a hands-on, experiential approach to beekeeping, you'll not only become a more confident and capable beekeeper but also be able to share your own insights and experiences with others, contributing to the collective knowledge of the beekeeping community.

Remember, mistakes are an inevitable part of the beekeeping journey, but they're also opportunities to grow and improve. By being mindful of these common pitfalls and taking proactive steps to avoid them, you'll be well on your way to becoming a successful and thriving beekeeper.

I am passionate about beekeeping and really enjoy helping beekeepers through our YouTube channel and bee mentoring programme! Want to get the VERY BEST out of your bees? Sign up today to join the programme:

VIP Mentoring programme - https://www.blackmountainhoney.co.uk/beementoring