Beekeeping was introduced to the North American continent by early European immigrants. People begin to raise them domestically and are prized not only for their honey but also for the wax they produce. Honey bees are valuable; the reason why honey bees are valuable is, because they account for 80% of our food pollination. Without them our food supply would begin to dry up.

The importance of backyard beekeepers in keeping the bee population going on should never be under estimated. Raising bees is very exciting and rewarding and needs just a little of your time. Most hobby apiarists can expect to spend approximately 2 to 3 hours per hive per month on their beekeeping efforts. June is the busiest month for beekeeping and 4 to 5 hours is the norm then.

Before setting up your beekeeping operation be sure to check with your state for any licensing requirements. Some states require an inexpensive permit before you get started.

When starting out - or apiarist - there are some basic equipment you will need. You will need a hive, protective clothing, a smoker, and of course the bees.

Before you get your equipment get a equipment guide and join beekeeping forums to you learn as much about beekeeping. So you will be ready when setting up your hive.

Coming to the bees a lot of new beekeepers get amazed to know that while a queen can live for several years the worker bees only live for 6 weeks during the active season of the summer and about 4 to 9 months in the winter.

Bees live in a very structured type of society. Each bee has a distinct role within the hive.

Beekeeping is a perfect hobby for those with limited time. Honey bees are and maintaining a hive and harvesting honey is fun and rewarding.