The one factor we believe will increase your ability to keep healthy bees is to join a beekeeping association and go to
The theory classes, usually held in the winter, when there is
The practical classes are literally hands-on with practical suggestions on reducing the likelihood of contamination in your clothing, footwear and hive tools
Most classes start in early spring, inspection includes looking at the health of the brood and the general wellbeing of the colony.
Next is swarming the first of many words that send a shiver down the spine of new beekeepers. Many people can relate to swarming bees having seen them in gardens, etc. It can mean the loss of a thriving hive as the queen leaves with flying bees to make a home elsewhere.
Swarm prevention is one reason for checking the hive in Spring; subject to weather permitting. A strong colony may require more room soon. The building of queen cups can
What am I going to do? read up about it. Regrettably, bees don’t read our books. Ask your mentor, you need one so get one. Ask the members of your beekeeping association, you joined right?
Next up is diseases which the honey bee seems to attract a lot of. Some of these are notifiable and we must notify a bee inspector who will visit your apiary and confirm or otherwise any disease. If caught early, we may take some measures to save the hive. In others, the destruction of the hive and bees is the only recourse to stop the disease spreading.
Then there is varroa which seems to be a very common problem.
You thought keeping bees was all about, keeping bees? It is, but as a new beekeeper without my own bees yet it is not a walk in the park.
Next time more on the latest predator the yellow-legged hornet or Asian hornet. https://newbeekeeper.co.uk/2019/07/18/yellow-legged-hornet-or-asian-hornet/