Developed in partnership with Harvest Lane Honey, reviewed by Petco’s Animal Care & Education Team.
Care recommendations cover a variety of species:
Beekeeping can be a fun and rewarding hobby. Beekeepers reap countless benefits from their hives, including relaxation, garden support, self-reliance, as well as the wider environmental advantages of supporting pollinators. And the sweetest reward of all: fresh, home-harvested honey! Review this guide and be ready to get started in the fun and rewarding world of beekeeping.
There are two common types of bees that are available in North America; Italians and Carniolans. These are the best for beginners since they are relatively calm, yet hard workers. Each of these bees are great honey producing bees and will work well in a hive.
Care Difficulty | Beginner to Enthusiast |
Average Life Span |
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Average Adult Size |
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Beekeeping hobby hives, on average, have 10,000 to 80,000 bees.
Bees can be kept on very small lots: there are many beekeepers in Urban cities that keep bees on roofs or porches. Of course, if you are fortunate to have more land, that is great and will allow you to expand your hobby. Check your local, county and state codes for any laws regarding space.
*No matter how docile your bees are, protective clothing must be worn anytime you are performing maintenance on or near an active hive to prevent stings. It is also recommend all beekeepers keep an EpiPen on hand for emergency situations as you never know when a helper might be unaware of an allergy, an allergic neighbor is stung by one of your bees, or you suddenly develop an allergy.
Nectar, Pollen and alternative feed specifically made for bees when nectar and pollen are more scarce
Feed bees in early spring and late fall. Use commercially purchased feed for emergencies when natural nectar is not in abundance. After a honey harvest, it may be necessary to supply bees with food to prevent starvation.
Bees are available for purchase at Petco online.
Signs of a healthy colony
Health Issue | Symptoms or Causes | Suggested Action |
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Health IssueHive Beetles | Symptoms or CausesHive beetles destroy the hive ruining the honey, comb, pollen, and bee larvae. They will lay larvae in the honey, which results in the larvae tunneling through everything, eating, and destroying anything in their way. You may notice the hive smells of decay or fermentation; Honey bees are gathering at their front entrance, in preparation to abandon the hive. They are trying to protect their hive from the beetles; The colony, including the bees, and frames look |
Suggested ActionMaintain regular inspections of the beehive, and: Use the beetle and mite trap tray, Cover the ground underneath the hive stand to make it harder for the beetles to come back to the hive, keep hive dry. If you have an infestation, it is recommended to: Remove all boxes with honey. The beetle larvae are typically burrowed in the honey supers so eliminating future adult beetles is the logical way to proceed |
Health IssueVarroa Mites | Symptoms or CausesWhile looking at the brood look to see reddish or brown dots on the larvae or on the back of the head of the bees. If you see any dots these could be mites. Look for bees that are badly deformed (EX: wings misshaped, stunted abdomens, etc). Another indication is that without warning the hive dies in late autumn. Bees know when something is off with their brood they will actually uncap it when they sense mites on the larvae. |
Suggested ActionMaintain regular inspections of the beehive, and: Use the beetle and mite trap tray, Use a sticky trap on the screened bottom board.
If you notice varroa mites in your hive, you can eradicate them by: Fogging with oxalic acid. This is the best way to get rid of them fast, Add drone cells in one area of the hive, most mites prefer to infect drone cells. Once they move into those cells, remove the frames and put them in the freezer to kill the mites. |
Are bees easy to keep?
Anyone can learn to keep bees. The best trait to have in keeping bees is not to micro-manage them. Let them do their thing.
How much time do bees take?
Bees are less time consuming than domesticated pets or livestock. Bees should be checked no more than one time per week. After they are established, they can go two weeks between checks. If you live in a winter climate do not do any heavy inspections after mid to late October when temperatures remain below 55 degrees.
Where do I put a hive?
Check your local, county and state codes for any laws regarding space or location. We recommend placing hives opposite of the wind direction. Keep them away from horses, cows and other types of livestock. If they are in the same field, put fencing around the hives. If in a residential area or placing a hive close to your home face the entrance away from any play, work or lounge area. If your yard is fenced put your hive in a corner, forcing the right pattern to go up and out. Always have a water source for your hive to help keep them from becoming a nuisance. Do not place boxes in an area that floods or cannot appropriately drain water.
How much honey will a new hive produce?
Honey production can range from 0-50 lbs, even in the first year. If you are worried about too much honey, let your friends and family know you have honey and you will be their new best friend.
Ask a Pet Care Center store employee about Petco's selection of products available for the care and happiness of your new pet. All products carry a 100% money-back guarantee.
Go to cdc.gov/healthypets for more information about pets.
The information on this Care Sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. If you need additional information, please contact your veterinarian as appropriate.
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