Other Supplies Needed
Beekeeping is a simple hobby requiring few tools. After building or purchasing a hive, you need only:
Like any hobby or activity, much more could be purchased if desired, but these few items are the only true necessities.
Instructions for using the Warré hive
Near the end of his life, Emil Warré wrote a wonderful book explaining all the details of beekeeping using his hive. Titled “Beekeeping for All”, it is available by free download from the website: www.warre.biobees.com . One will also find many other sources of information about beekeeping and Warré hives here.
Hive Placement
Bees do best with an eastern exposure offering strong morning sun. Here in the northwest, generally full sun is not a good idea. Afternoon shade is prefered to minimize the cooling demands on the bees.
In warmer parts of the country protection from the afternoon sun is a necessity. It is best if the hive is protected from strong winds. Hives placed on roof tops do very well since in nature bees often live in trees. However rooftop hives must be shaded from the afternoon sun even in the northwest.
If placed on the ground, use pavers or bricks underneath the feet to protect it from ground moisture and soil. Bees fly out at an approximately 45° angle from the entrance, so keeping this angle free from foot traffic around the hive is a good idea.In general a warm, quiet, undisturbed spot is best.
Lastly, bees need a water source. A simple bird bath with a few large stones in it for landing works well. Cuttings from a kitchen herb garden added to the water periodically are a nice treat for the bees.
Getting Your Bees
Bees are available from April through June and can be ordered online or through a beekeeping association or apiary. They are sold in packages by weight. A Warré hive starts well with a three pound package.
It will contain many thousands of adult worker bees and a queen in a small cage.
It is preferable to find a direct source, i.e. one that picks bees up from a breeder personally and delivers them to a given area to be distributed. Bees arriving by mail can not be guaranteed to be in good condition and the trip may be very stressful on the colony.
Giving bees the best possible start in a new hive is important, so consider your source carefully.
If you know a beekeeper, you can also ask him to capture a swarm for you. This is an excellent way to ensure you start with a strong colony.
Two reliable sources for bees in the Seattle area are:
