Can I have bees in the city limits? Check your city ordinances or additional regulations (i.e. Home Owners Association). The City of Lubbock allows up to 4 hives per lot. Here are the full ordinances: City of Lubbock, TX LIVESTOCK AND OTHER ANIMALS (ecode360.com)
How much is the startup cost in becoming a beekeeper? IT DEPENDS. $400 - $850 The best part about being a Caprock Beekeepers Association Club Member is that we can help you navigation websites and find the best deals. We may also have some members that donate starter equipment before spending a fortune.
Beginner Beekeeping Class: $35-$75 Beehive: $120 - $200 Hive Tool: $7-$12 Bee Brush: $6 - $10 Bee Smoker: $30-$40 Protective Gear: $20-$160 (Veil, jacket, full body suit, gloves) (Another option is a Complete Starter Kit which come with all of the above and usually include a beginner beekeeping book as well. The basic starter kits and the deluxe starter kits range from $200-$450.)
Honeybees: Package bees $140 - $175 (appx 3lbs of worker bees in a screen box) Nucleus Colony $150 - $350 (4-5 frame established colony with a queen, brood frames and honey stores)
How important is it to take a Beginner Beekeeping class? It is beneficial to acquire as much beekeeping knowledge as possible before beginning. An experienced beekeeper can provide valuable guidance on initial setup, including acquiring equipment, establishing the apiary, and managing hives effectively, to help new beekeepers successfully navigate first winter.
How much time and commitment is required to keep bees? After establishing a new hive, it is advisable to conduct inspections every week to few weeks to monitor growth. Occasionally, new beekeepers may become overly enthusiastic and open their hive multiple times a week. While this is acceptable, it is unnecessary and merely disrupts the bees' productivity.
How much space do I need for a beehive? A standard beehive typically measures approximately 22 inches by 16 inches. Backyard beekeeping is a highly feasible. Positioning the hive entrance toward a privacy fence encourages the bees to fly upward above fence lines to access resources. Beekeeping does not require a large yard. (Please note, this response pertains solely to spatial considerations and excludes any local city ordinances or HOA. Ensure you conduct thorough research beforehand!)
'Bee' in the know when they are in your space
What if a bee lands on me!! Don't panic and flail your arms like you are going to land a 747 airplane. A slight puff of air from your mouth and the bee will fly off. Just like blowing out a birthday candle!
What if a bee stings me! Get a credit card or business card and use the edge to quickly scrape/flick the stinger out of your skin. Don't use tweezers to pull out the stinger because you can squeeze the venom sac and push more venom into your skin.
After the sting, make a paste with baking soda and a drip of water and press it on the sting to help draw out the venom.
Why are bees getting in my chicken feed? Bees are attracted to the pollen and protein in the feed.