Basic Beekeeping Class

Beekeeping 101 — Basic Class

This is our first-level course designed for beginning and first-year beekeepers.

The objective is simple: start you off on the right track with healthy bees, clear understanding, and confidence at the hive.

Two-Part Format

Part 1 — A private video series covering core fundamentals.
Part 2 — An in-person hands-on session where we open and inspect an active hive together. (See details below in Specifications)

By the time the class is over, you will have handled live bees, you will better understand what you’re looking for and have a plan for when you get into your own hives.

The classes will generally include, but are not limited to the following topics of discussion:

• Equipment - Parts of the Hive
• Identification and Uses
• Visit - Hive Anatomy
• Hive Setup
• Component Arrangement and Placement
• Hive Maintenance
• How often and what to look for during inspections
• Life Cycle of the Honey Bee
• Including Tasks of the Workers, Queen and Drones
• Visit - Basic Bee Biology
• Supplements
• What, Where, How, When and Why
• Pests and Diseases of the Hive
• Identification, Prevention & Treatments
• Varroa Mite Controls
• Treatment Methods and Management
• Swarm Prevention
• What is all the buzz about
• Harvesting Honey
• How much to rob and when

Hands-On Hive Experience

There is no substitute for standing over a real hive with an experienced beekeeper.

During the in-person session, we demonstrate:

• Proper smoker use and why it matters
• How to approach and open a hive calmly
• Identifying workers, drones, and the queen
• Recognizing brood, nectar, pollen, and honey
• Performing a quick yet informed hive check
• Understanding when to add or remove boxes
• Closing the hive safely and properly

Most participants leave this portion of the class far more confident than when they arrived.

Class Format & Schedule

Hands-on sessions are held on weekend mornings from 10:00 AM until approximately noon in Somerset, Texas.

After registration, you will receive access to the private Part 1 video series along with instructions for attending the in-person session. The video series covers the classroom portion of the course and should be viewed before arriving for the hands-on portion of the class.

If you do not see the link to the video series on the confirmation page or in your confirmation email, please email us and we will resend it so you have plenty of time to watch it before your class.
Please note: The Bee Place conducts business communication by email only. Text messages are not monitored for order support or customer inquiries.

If conditions change during class, we have covered and indoor areas available where discussion can continue safely.

Who This Class Is For

This class is designed for beginning / first-year beekeepers who want a solid foundation before or shortly after getting bees.

It is ideal for:

• Anyone preparing to purchase their first set of bees
• First-year beekeepers wanting confirmation they are on the right track
• Families learning together
• Anyone who prefers hands-on learning over YouTube University alone

If you already have at least one full season of experience and are comfortable performing hive inspections on your own, you may prefer the Intermediate Class

What To Bring

• A bee veil or suit (recommended, but not required)
• A pair of gloves (recommended, but not required)
• A notepad if you like taking notes

Full protective suits are not required for this class. We work gentle hives, but protective gear is always your choice.

Weather & Rescheduling

Classes are weather permitting. We do not open hives in heavy rain or pull frames of brood in temperatures below 60°F.

If weather conditions require cancellation prior to class, we will contact you with available reschedule options.

If a sudden storm develops during class, we have covered and indoor areas available so general discussions can continue safely. We will pause hive inspection portion until conditions improve or reschedule, if needed.