How much does it cost to start Beekeeping?

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Jim,

  My husband is thinking of starting beekeeping in our back yard.  How much would it cost for a basic set-up?  Thanks!

                                                    ~Sarah

Sarah,

   The startup costs can vary tremendously.  If you pay someone like me to assemble all of your frames and boxes that adds to the cost.  If you need the full bee suit to be comfortable working bees that also adds to the cost.  Buying a package to fill your new hive costs about $100.00 whereas hiving a swarm is just the cost of your gas and time. 

   Assuming you buy everything assembled and fill the hive with a package,  I would guess it will cost about $350.00 per hive, plus basic equipment and protective gear.  A full bee suit, smoker, hive tool, gloves will run about $200.00 more.  On the other hand, I worked bees quite happily for a number of years with just a tie on veil and gloves.  The good news is that this stuff generally lasts for quite a few years so the costs are mostly at the front end.  However, once your husband gets the hang of beekeeping there is a good possibility that you'll actually reap some economic benefit from his hobby in the form of local raw honey, beeswax candles, etc.  We teach beginning beekeeping classes in our store starting in late February.  Taking a class first is a great way to find out all that is involved before you make the financial investment.

                                                        ~Jim