Beekeeping for beginners- The absolute basics

**Get my beehive inspection checklist here: mybook.to/BeehiveInspection **
In this video I go through what I think are the absolute basic things you need to start beekeeping.
I run through all of the tools and equipment you need to keep bees, do hive inspections and extract the honey.
This is my second video and I'm still learning how to edit!
This video is based on my blog post that you can find here: selfsufficientsarah.com/the-ab...
Social media! I have it!
Facebook: / selfsufficientsarah
Instagram: / self_sufficient_sarah
Blog: selfsufficientsarah.com

[@pooriapouria]

No ads, instant like.

[@alexpearson6763]

She seems like a nice person to bee with 😁

[@nickolasibarra9774]

Alex Pearson ur funny lol

[@ggggggg4327]

Yepp, she is. Thanks God that creates these kinds of creatures too.no disrespect to anyone were meant.

[@jtoland2333]

She's a real....honey! **crickets** Yeah, I'll just show myself out.

[@timbradley4974]

Bee have

[@MrMoekanz]

that stung

[@anthonyblackmon2138]

I just attended my first beekeepers meeting today. I'm super stoked!

[@ProbusMihraban]

Watched this video in 2019 when I was a complete newbie .Now every little bee out there thanks you 😁

[@kennapop3]

Getting stung is part of the deal, just remember every bee that stings, dies. Keep your numbers up by being gentle.

[@SelfSufficientSarah]

kennapop3 That’s my philosophy as well, best to send the bees love and be as kind and gentle as possible.

[@charlottewheeler7383]

I heard that if you don't swipe the bee off they don't necessarily die - if you leave them they'll wiggle around and extract the sting, although I don't imagine most people have the wherewithal to do that!

[@chucho35pewdsmiester78]

How would you get stung if you wear a suit

[@bumblebeahive]

Yes, Bee Gentle. Bee Kind. 🐝🍯💚

[@vindowme]

Hi Sarah, you are the prettiest beekeeper I have ever seen! I am from Eastern Canada and looking to start beekeeping and hence watching beekeeping videos. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences. Keep up the good work. Cheers!

[@johnwalker913]

My work - around: I have always been interested in this craft, but as a full time employed person and also a very busy working musician at the young age of 69, I pick my battles. So I got to know an apiarist who does a good deal of urban beekeeping and we host 3 to five boxes in a smaller (separate from our main backyard) back yard, where they are undisturbed, very happy and productive. We get the pleasure of seeing them at work and we are supplied with Local (all within 100 miles of our city) raw honey for our own use. Not gallons, mind you, cuz it's not like we guzzle honey, but a mason jar a few times per year, so we always have it in the cupboard. Very satisfying and rewarding!

[@SelfSufficientSarah]

Love this!!

[@MusiqTruth]

Thank you Sarah! This was a good intro for someone pondering what might be needed. I hope to be a "newbee" in no time lol

[@steves3760]

This video was a little painful to endure.

[@fishking3195]

I'm just in the very early stages of beekeeping and finally found a video of the very basics for beekeeping! Thanks Sarah!

[@FiresideCoffee]

This is an exceptional video for beginners! I have a lot of interest in beekeeping and I’m trying to inform myself as much as possible. There are so many videos out there but most of them assume you know the basics. You kept this video simple. Thank you for sharing!

[@Martyz-TV]

Thanks for taking the time to help others. Good job!

[@4729peter]

Your voice is relaxing! Good info. Thank you!

[@thegoodgeneral]

I want to start beekeeping once I buy a house. This video is amazing. Thanks so much for your perspective, Sarah!

[@StephenBauerHomestead]

all that honey running into the pail makes me want to start. Thanks a bunch! You got me interested.

[@1LadyyBugg]

Loved the video! We have a swarm literally living on the outside wall of our back house. I wanted to order a beehive and transfer them to start collecting honey!!🍯🐝 i also live 5 min near a bee keeper! This is the second video that ive watched! I like your style!!!

[@mountainhobbit1971]

excellent...thank you for taking the time to do this for us beginners. loved how much you smiled throughout this video. I am get my first bees in early May!

[@thevagabondsageinthewoods]

I finally got my first beekeeping kit and so far, Im just watching every video I can to learn how to do this. I was going to order one of those new-fangled boxes where you just turn a knob, and the honey drains out, but I wanted a closer working relationship with the bees. Im super excited.

[@Jase-so2tm]

How have u found it? Any tips?

[@thevagabondsageinthewoods]

Jas D I wont be getting my bees until spring coz I didn’t want to try starting them in the winter, but I’ll be putting up a video about that journey. Hopefully u will tune in then to join me and find out!

[@lovebeekeeping8289]

I am just venturing into starting my hobby in bee keeping

[@DarrellCraig]

Love Beekeeping you will amazed

[@solefarr6315]

Thanks for taking time to make this video! I've been collecting information to begin beekeeping (Pacific Northwest) and your video was both casual and totally informative, made the concepts understandable. Have a great Spring 2020!

[@SelfSufficientSarah]

Sole' Farr Thanks for the lovely comment! Glad the video helped, happy beekeeping!

[@chargingrhino5636]

Great suggestion using the ball cap underneath the hood! Mesh against the face isn't a lot of fun.

[@Beecreative247]

The mesh to your face isn't the problem, bees able to sting your face is

[@VanessaOoms]

This is such an awesome video!! I'm starting to research beekeeping and came across your videos :D Thanks for making these!

[@rebekahsmith2014]

YOU'RE SO COOL SARAH!!😄 definitely can't wait to get started I'm such a compulsive person but for this I want to take my time and do it right

[@RecentEras]

Thank you for the clear and concise information. Looking forward to getting setup with our first give at home 😁

[@FriendlyCleaningKC]

Thanks for making a BASICS video, the store I bought my bees, hive and suit and what not from had an online class... it was all WAY over my head

[@bgtrev]

Off to see someone who keeps bees tomorrow, good video to show us the basic requirements before looking and deciding if we want to give it a try. Thanks for keeping it simple.

[@kaylynylyak]

Ugh she’s so precious ❤️❤️❤️ love this video

[@kevinpete8995]

Thank you so much I was thinking about starting my own beehive for the honey and bees need our help to survive and we need their help to survive I didn't realize how much actually went into the whole process and everything you actually need and all the things to do before it even setting up a beehive I really appreciate how much time you put into the video to explain everything in detail and everything that is needed I would have had the hardest time in the world if I didn't see this video first

[@evasmojang]

I'm 13 and still trying to convince my parents to let me get bees.

[@SelfSufficientSarah]

Stranger Memes That’s awesome! Hopefully they say yes soon! 🐝🐝

[@evasmojang]

@@SelfSufficientSarah :D

[@evasmojang]

@@DixieDee Very PUNny lol

[@charitablemiraclebeekeeper1200]

@@evasmojang Only way i evwr got pets growing up was by asking after i already had them

[@KevinSmith-dx6xq]

I think bee keeping could be a good hobby for a thirteen year old. As a parent my biggest concern would be that you would lose interest after a year or when ever. It is a little expensive but not that different from a kid in band or a sport. Good luck. I hope you convince them.

[@sparrots1]

My bees are due to arrive (yep, I ordered them) the 2nd week of May. I ordered Italian bees as, from what I have read, they are thought to be the best for a newbie. I bought and built the hive last summer and took this winter to learn as much as I could. I'm still nervous, lol. I'm looking to increase the local pollinator population and eventually supply myself with a bit of honey. Not trying to sell or anything. Just want to improve the natural habitat around here and even though I'm over 60 this is my first hive. I FEEL ready, which I hope doesn't mean I've forgotten anything MAJOR. LOL Just wish I had someone close by to run ideas by and ask the odd question. Great video!

[@SelfSufficientSarah]

That’s so awesome! I’m sure you will do great. Post questions on local Facebook beekeeping pages! I also found that I learnt a lot as I went along. Good luck in your new adventure!!

[@Gord1812]

I'm starting up this May. Thanks for your info. I look forward to seeing more.

[@KingsDaughter.]

Gord1812 how are your bees going?

[@purandharkubanooraya493]

Thank you so much for a very good and useful information on bee keeping..you by showing all the equipment a made me recollect my childhood memories..I wanna start bee keeping again..after ages

[@privatebubba8876]

Excellent intro to beekeeping. I use nitril or leather gloves depnding on the task at hand, but I also go glove less for quick in and outs of the hive. Use a bit of liquid smoke on your hands and arms works well. The only time I've been stung bare handed is when I accidentally squish one the girls.

[@SelfSufficientSarah]

private bubba Liquid smoke! I haven’t tried that, thanks for the tip! 🐝🐝

[@amandac9294]

Thank you for your information and explanation, especially on catching your own swarm in the spring, that is so fascinating that it can be done!

[@davidkennybalenacagi392]

Just started this month...backyard beekeeping. Learning as I go along. Got stung couple of times already!

[@growsinhouseherbiculturali1100]

How’s it going with the bees?

[@vincentstanley6522]

Rubber boots are great, I've been stung in my ankles alot , even with multiple layers of protection.

[@kristinadenton5208]

I am looking to start beekeeping next year. I have wanted to do it for years but never had the chance. Now I think I might. Thank you so much for the information and tips.

[@Johndoe-ux8op]

This was pretty helpful. Thanks for the short and sweet info

[@7X2TT]

Fantastic your video made me smile. You made the Hobby very simple and just started a beekeeping course and can't wait to have a go at keeping bees 😊😊Bless you xxx

[@SelfSufficientSarah]

M0NPT So glad it helped! Happy beekeeping! :)

[@erinhudgins1135]

I’ve found a swarm on my property and have a local beekeepers coming to help me catch them. I have no idea what I’m doing, but ready to get started!

[@bobbibonner]

Great video for beginner bee people!! Am thinking about it and this video has many wonderful tips!! Thank you!

[@tazza1076]

I've been bee keeping for the last three year and I caught my first swarm in swarm trap ... Now I've got 10 hives ... I make my own 8 frame deep langstroth hives boxes , mini supers , 6 frame nuc boxes , swarm traps and I also make my own frames, my bottom board are made with a screen cause of the Australian conditions and it because it doesn't get as cold ... But it is very good during the summer cause they are alot cooler and good ventilation , the don't need to beard out side as much ... I going to try my hand on queen rearing ... I still hate getting stung but I don't puf up like when I first started or have the urge to scratch ... By the way ,you must have some supper bees to fill 3 deep super cause l am lucky to fill 3 mini supers and my bee are very close to residential and there's alot of nector .... So what of part of Australia are you at I'm in Victoria .... Liked your video thought of doing a few my self but never happen .... Keep up the good work ;)

[@SelfSufficientSarah]

Tazza 107 That sounds great! You should make some videos! I’m in Western Australia and yes my bees are very productive! I’m very lucky :)

[@crumbsfromthemasterstable7673]

Awesome videos. I’m learning so much because you’re really teaching at a level with great examples and explanations . Thank you so much. Please keep up the great work.

[@SelfSufficientSarah]

So glad you are finding it helpful!

[@r.h.9966]

Amazing video, thank you ! I want to beekeep ! This is my first beekeeping video ever, and I think you did great!

[@Bronyaur1711]

Thank you for the good tips. I have just received my starter kit and need these types of tips.

[@DarrenCharron]

Hi Sarah I am just starting my beekeeping well I started last year however my bees did not make it through the cold up here due to wind and food as I am a novice. I did work for a beekeeper for a season to gain knowledge. Great video too I just bought a 3 frame extractor from ebay it is expected to arrive tomorrow.

[@Jase-so2tm]

What do u have to do in cold climates?

[@slimpickens8211]

Thank you. This video is extremely informative and it is clear you have done your research, Thank you.

[@kellyeckstadt7426]

This is really informative and thorough! Thanks!

[@carlschleicher5516]

My 1st bee keeping video and I very much enjoyed it.

[@courtneyrichardson166]

Thanks for your video! It was so super helpful! We are in 4H and homeschool, and we were wanting to learn more about the process and maybe put up a few hives! This was extreme helpful! Thank you!

[@WeBeWrenchN]

This is by far my new favorite channel! I'm going to start bee keeping. I love your videos. Really good information and funny bits. Thanks for the awesome videos!

[@SelfSufficientSarah]

So glad you enjoy them :)

[@WeBeWrenchN]

I definitely do! I'll let you know how it goes. Guess I need to get stung 😭 lol

[@SelfSufficientSarah]

😂 happy beekeeping!!

[@WeBeWrenchN]

I'm trying to get my little boy involved. He's terrified of any kind of insect 🤣. He doesn't get that from me. I live in South Central Alabama. I have a few acquaintances here that raise Honey Bees. I'll post videos when I start. Keep up the good work!

[@JustMyjoy]

Thanks for sharing this is helpful for me as a beginner of being a beekeeper 💖

[@1LadyyBugg]

Thank you for passing on the knowledge!!

[@petertorpie962]

Very informative, thank you!

[@alantaylor3876]

Great video!! I'm looking to get started as a bee keeper this month.

[@lifeofbrian4543]

Great stuff! Thanks for posting! I'm just starting my bee research for my homestead and this video was very helpful!!! .......and by the way beer, and music are essential to everything I do on the homestead! :-)

[@ekawardhana405]

I am a novice in beekeeping. This is the kind of vid that suit me best.. Basic and simple. Thanks alot.

[@summermarsh4712]

Hi Sarah, I'm also a beekeeper, and I think you did an excellent job creating this video. I like how you talked about different methods to save money on bee suits and supplies. We also do the hat trick for the bee veils.

[@DuckPondsFarm]

Hello from a fellow Aussie! I thought you must have been overseas initially but the power points behind you in the shed gave it away 😄 Cool video 👍 I'm just getting started in my beekeeping journey and enjoying every minute.

[@amandashipman9937]

I am very interested in beekeeping. This video is a great introduction. Thanks! 🐝

[@jenniferjackwak7952]

Thank you so much! I am planning to be a new bee keeper. Your video was very helpful!

[@elbiafavi]

Such valuable info. Thanks so much for sharing. Super generous! 🙌

[@randomsaltyperson1148]

Awesome suggestions! Thanks!

[@Blakemore1]

I've begun a fascination with beekeeping. I am a stark beginner. I can clearly see it's quite a commitment longterm and a bit expensive to get set up properly. I enjoyed your presentation very much. Thank you.

[@406MountainMan]

Hello and thank you for the video. I've been asked to take over care of a colony at my local State park, and I can barely spell 'bee'. This is the first video I watched in my trying to educate myself. Wish me luck

[@roberthabib8289]

I am from Jamaica and I just get started with my first hive ,and I learn a few things from you

[@SelfSufficientSarah]

Robert Habib That’s awesome Robert! Happy beekeeping!

[@mikecraig5684]

That’s was great thank you so much don’t worry about the couple stumbles you had it was refreshing to me

[@dougkidd1561]

Your awesome, thank you for all the good information

[@jaredmcmahon9238]

I’d really like to start beekeeping. Thanks so much for the information.

[@squishy1324]

Thanks, for keeping it simple... I need all the help I can get... I’m very new to all this... was given a hive for Christmas ( What were they thinking? 66 yr old gramma Squishy Beers with bees🤪! Needless to say I’ve got the beer and music part down... Now, bring on the bees! Prior to 10 years ago I had a terrific fear of bees. Thank, again for your help... Keep up the good work!

[@SelfSufficientSarah]

Squishy Hahaha gramma squishy beers with bees! I love it! Good luck on your new beekeeping adventure! I always tell new people when they are with me, as I was told when I was new, if you are overwhelmed by the bees at any point just step away from the hives and take a few breaths. Thousands of stinging insects can be intimidating but once you learn they really don’t want to hurt you and you learn to read them and be gentle you will be fine!

[@dawnbourbon9687]

Looking into beekeeping!! Thanks for the information!!

[@barnacleluffy7796]

I have been beekeeping for over 10 years now in the desert. Keeping bees in the desert heat is a little different than most of the books teach. You being in Australia sounds like you made most of those adaptations. All the swarms I caught were Africanized. So, that was another big learning curve. But this year my last hive was taken over by the most wonderful queen and is the first year that I can work my bees without gloves and net. Now it is actually fun to work the bees. Will follow you to see what other tips you come up with for warm weather.

[@SelfSufficientSarah]

Barnacle Luffy Beekeeping in the heat is certainly a bit different than the cold climates! My bees produce really well but I’m not sure I would open the hives without a full suit!

[@barnacleluffy7796]

I had a small problem with ants. The fire ants were not to bad but the tiny ants came along this year and became a big problem. I tried the pans with oil. Lost bees and a big mess. Then water with dish soap. Lost more bees. Then emptied the pans and put in dry cinnamon and worked great! I don't know where this queen came from but she has a red diamond on the abdomen next to the thorax. I call them Red Diamond Bees. I think they have found a way to deal with the varroa mites because I don't have a single mite in both hives. I fond a young bee at the font of the second hive with a mite on her wing but she had been banned from the hive. Thanks for your reply. Nice to have a hot weather beekeeper who wants to share ideas. The ones around here want to keep knowledge as trade secrets. Can't really fault them because it is the way they make a living. A very good living by the way. I learned some tricks about keeping aggressive bees calmer from experience and by watching youtube videos from Mexico and Central America.

[@SelfSufficientSarah]

Always happy to share any tips I have to help people out! Thanks for the cinnamon idea but the way, I might try that next!

[@craigfenton1913]

What do you mean by the hive was taken over by a wonderful queen? Don't you requeen them yourself?

[@beeornottobee4507]

Great video, an excellent nature and demo of multiple ways to start. Hi from Belarus bee's forests! 👍👍👍✊🙏

[@TobysGoPro]

Thanks for the information. I'm thinking about getting my first hive. Just not sure how I'm going to like getting stung. lol. Take care!

[@SelfSufficientSarah]

Toby's GoPro It hurts for a couple of seconds and then it gets better! You do get used to it. That being said I haven’t been stung for years because I make sure to be gentle and only go into the hives when the weather is good!

[@jancovorster8154]

I have a few hives on my property, but they are serviced by someone else. I'm looking into it to do it myself. Very good beginners video. Thanks!

[@tomcat3949]

Good job, awesome video!!

[@PhoenixHereford]

Great video - thanks for the help

[@swbgaming4123]

I am planing on getting some honeybees so thank you for showing me how to keep bees.😁

[@parker8691]

Planning*

[@AtomicSaunders]

You all need to thumbs up this video. It is a very thoughtful. Very nice of her to share her passion.

[@SelfSufficientSarah]

Aww thanks Jason :)

[@Driverfriend2003]

Nice video, thanks for sharing and make others🙂. One of my goals is to keep bees. I’ll get there one day.

[@SelfSufficientSarah]

Aaron Hite Thanks for watching! Beekeeping is a great hobby, I hope you get into it! I will put up more videos soon to hopefully make it easier for you and others to start 😃

[@cleonrichards9103]

I am from jamaica just caught my first swarm about a week ago and found Your video helpful

[@brucesbees]

Nice job Sarah!

[@stevennoland3996]

Good Job Sarah, I also like the needle comb brush for uncapping better. I did use the hot knife for year though. I like a five frame Nuc for carrying honey to the extraction house, It is so much lighter than carrying 8 or 10 frames at a time. I also like all deeps, the other depths cause confusion and are not handy for rotating with other boxes. You covered it well. I am an Idaho bee keeper for over 30 years. I am addicted.

[@SelfSufficientSarah]

Thanks for the feedback Steven! Happy beekeeping!

[@garygallegos8202]

Wow their is alot to know about bee keeping. Very informative

[@edreynolds2819]

Thank you, that was awesome!

[@jiilka5aad5g95]

Thanks Sarah. You are so amazing person.

[@faithwillis1861]

Thanks this was inspiring. I'm hoping to learn to do this

[@khatpaufridaytalks2670]

I m listening all your beekeeping lecture.Very nice and clear easy to know .So big big thank you

[@cherrythegoat]

You know what else is as good and satisfying as beekeeping? ANT COLONY. HELL YEAH!

[@MyFeatheredNest]

Lol...."beer and unicorn tights!!!!" 🦄🍺 i am in the very beginning stage of the a beekeeper journey.....only researching right now! I appreciate this video and look forward to seeing more! Just subbed your channel!!!🐝

[@SelfSufficientSarah]

My Feathered Nest thanks for watching! Beekeeping is a very fun and rewarding hobby for me, I hope you love it as much as I do!

[@dramydc]

Thank you for this video! Every other one I watched was some guys trying to sell a bunch of bee stuff!

[@moranam2]

Hey Sarah! Thanks for taking the time to put this together. I’m a wanna-beekeeper :) and clearly the puns are endless.. and so are the questions: what would you say is (ballpark) start up costs/investment? Do you live in a cold/4-season climate, if so, what do you know about that/winterization? (I live in northern Michigan). What do you do with the honey you produce? How much yield for your two sets of boxes (and how many bees)? If there are any great resources you recommend I would love to hear! Thanks so much!!! P.S. love the unicorn leggins 🦄

[@SelfSufficientSarah]

Hey Mandy! I’ll try my best to answer... the cost really depends on how much you buy new and where you buy it. I think it cost me about $500 for basic start up for everything, some things I got second hand. It was so long ago it’s hard to remember! I currently live in Western Australia so while we technically have 4 seasons, it’s not anywhere near the cold you get where you are. I know this because I’m from just north of you in Canada. I was selling my honey at local stores and to my friends and a local brewery! There is a blog link on this video where I wrote out some resources. Keep watching videos like this though, that’s a good start! There are tons of American beekeepers on KZbin that will give you great info. Happy beekeeping!

[@dr.wesrich]

great content! Thanks a bunch!

[@edymtzg]

Congratulations from Monterrey Mexico!!

[@kamiedunnam5514]

I am so interested in beekeeping. But I don't even know the basics of bee behavior 😕. Your video was informative 👍🏼!!

[@McGamer444]

Great video! And I love your unicorn tights :)

[@mjanny6330]

The local beekeepers in my area consider anyone trying to start their own home bee hive as competition and will stonewall any attempt to ask for guidance. (They also get very angry lol) Luckily I found this channel.

[@thehturt5480]

Very nice presentation Sarah. Like it very much ,hope will help those who have an eye on beekeeping.🤗

[@jimeckert607]

Thanks for the 101 beekeeping vid! Very Helpful! :)

[@whoDatBeDare]

Very nice! Many thanks!

[@kelvindouglas5946]

Great infro you are great at putting out that information