An Introduction to Urban Beekeeping

Perhaps you’ve found it a bit confusing where best to keep bees, especially if you are living in the city or in any other urban area. There is always the misconception that beekeeping is reserved for those the rural areas and that keeping of bees in urban areas is not possible. However, contrary to popular belief, it is; and urban beekeeping can be just as thriving as backyard beekeeping.

Whether you want to keep bees in an urban setting as a hobbyist, or as an investment for profit, you will still need to follow these tips below to get started with urban beekeeping:

1. Acquaint yourself with the laws that govern beekeeping in your urban locality

Different cities or urban areas have different laws that govern beekeeping, and while there are those that outright forbid, some allow it as long as the beekeeper follows laid out rules. For this reason it will be important that you first check with your local authorities and ask them what the law says about beekeeping. If you find out that it is legal to keep bees in your local urban place, then you can then go ahead with your endeavor.

2. Do some research about bees and beekeeping in general

After you have established that it is legal to keep bees in your urban locality and have decided to go ahead with your urban beekeeping endeavor, it is advisable to do some research about bees and beekeeping in general. Gaining this knowledge is the first step for you to in order to be successful. And luckily, 

Through our resources, you will learn about the bees themselves, the different types, how to care for them, how they behave, where to buy them, the costs involved in beekeeping, the equipment that you will need, honey harvesting and so forth.

3. Ensure there is enough space where you plan to set up your bee hive(s)

You should find an area with ample space to set up your bee hive. Setting up your urban bee hive in a place that is near a water source will be beneficial to the bees, as it will save them the hard task of having to travel long distances looking for water. If you do not have enough space in your backyard, you can put your bee hives on your rooftop, but ensure that temperatures there will be optimum for your bees during the summer and winter seasons.

You should ensure that the space is easily accessed by children as the bees might sting them if they wander too close. The area should also be one that which receives enough sunlight and is not exposed to strong winds and possible bee predators.

4. Talk to your neighbors about your beekeeping plans

Telling your immediate neighbors about your beekeeping plans at your place is a wise thing to do. You can do so by explaining to them how you will keep your bees safely, and ensure their safety and that of their children. Most people are usually scared of bees for fear of the fact that they may sometimes sting. You can allay such fears by talking to them about the various safety steps you have taken that will guarantee their safety from your bees.

5. Get all the necessary beekeeping equipment that you will need

Before you purchase your bees, it is important to have all the necessary beekeeping equipment such as the bee hive, the beekeepers suit, the bee smoker etc ready and waiting. Urban beekeeping works best if you have everything you need in place before making a purchase of bees.

The pros of urban beekeeping

1. It can help to boost the income of the beekeeper

As you know, urban dwellers are often faced with numerous financial needs which include utility bills, high rent payment, cost of commuting to and from work and so forth. Beekeeping for economical reasons in your local urban area can help supplement your bills when the honey is harvested and sold for a profit.

2. Urban bees are resilient and healthy

Scientific studies show that bees that are kept in urban areas are usually stronger and healthier compared to those in the rural areas. The study found that it is the diet of the urban bees that make them stronger compared to those found in rural brethren. The explanation behind this is the fact that various species of flowers have pollen that has a different collection of nutrients which gives numerous health benefits to the bees. In urban areas, there is usually a higher diversity of pollen than in rural areas.

      by BeeKeepClub