INTERESTED IN BECOMING A BEEKEEPER?
Keeping Honey Bees as a hobby or business is a
fascinating undertaking! Practiced responsibly and with some basic knowledge you
can enjoy the age old tradition of Beekeeping. Keeping Honey Bees can at first
seem complicated and expensive. If you have little to no Honey Bee knowledge
and own little to none of the needed equipment, it can involve some initial
capital expense as well intellectual capital.
Since Honey Bees are living organisms that can
sting, they must be handled with care by someone with some basic knowledge. The
ISBA recommends that individuals interested in Beekeeping, follow the steps
listed below, prior to actually starting your first colony of Honey
Bees. It is best to spend at least one year preparing for your Beekeeping
adventures so that you may begin your new hobby the next Spring.
By following these steps, you are more likely to be
successful, safe and responsible to your Honey Bees and truly enjoy your new
Hobby!
1.
Read,
Read and Read ~ There has been more written about Honey Bees that
any other insect! As a result, there are numerous, excellent books written to
assist you in beginning your hobby of Beekeeping. Your base of knowledge needs
to start here. You will then build on this base at local ISBA meetings, with
your new found Beekeeping friends as well as with hands-on experience later in
your education. See our list of recommended books.
1.
Join
a Local, ISBA Affiliated
Beekeeper’s Association ~ Now that you have
started your reading, you can share your questions and concerns with other
local beginners as well as veterans. Beekeepers are generally friendly people
of all ages who are passionate about talking about Honey Bees. Enjoy and
participate in our many associations and clubs! You will gain much knowledge
from these Beekeepers. Many associations have monthly meetings that contain
demonstrations, presentations, workshops, etc.
2.
Join
the Illinois State Beekeepers Association (ISBA) ~ The ISBA
brings many benefits to its membership as well as supports and represents Illinois’ Beekeepers in Springfield. For a complete list of ISBA
membership benefits, click here.
3.
Participate
in Local and State ISBA Meetings and Events ~ We encourage all
beginning and veteran Beekeepers to actively participate in their local and
state ISBA meetings and events. Many meetings include hands-on workshops and all
provide information from experienced Beekeepers!
4.
Familiarize
Yourself with Illinois’
Honey Bee and Beekeeping Rules and Regulations ~ Since some
communities do not allow the keeping of Honey Bees within their communities, it
is important to understand this potential prior to introducing Honey Bees to
your backyard or property. Additionally, the State of Illinois requires that all Beekeepers follow
its rules and regulations as defined in the Bees and Apiaries Act and register
their colonies with the Illinois Department of Agriculture within 10 days of
starting a colony. Information on these programs can be found here. Please
keep in mind that these programs exist to assist you in maintaining healthy
colonies of Honey Bees and to help prevent to spread of Honey Bee pests and
diseases within areas of the state.
Should you require any additional information or
have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact any of our elected
officers, delegates or representatives from a local, affiliate association.
Copyright Illinois
State Beekeepers
Association