So You Want to Keep Bees... So you're thinking about becoming a
backyard beekeeper... What considerations are involved? Honey
bee guru Eric Mussen, Extension apiculturist and member of the
UC Davis Department of Entomology faculty, has just revised his
Bee Brief on "Getting Started in Beekeeping," posted on the
department's website. "One of your most important
considerations," Mussen says, "is the safety of family members
and neighbors." Indeed, someone might be allergic to bee stings
and require immediate medical attention. "The only way to find
out is to ask the neighbors, and this will allow you to find out
whether or not there is serious opposition to your keeping bees
in the neighborhood," Mussen says. Among the other
considerations: 1. Over how much of the year will nectar and
pollens be available to the bees? Will you have to feed the bees
to ensure their survival? 2. Over how much of the year will
water be available to the bees? They need it every day. 3. What
will the bees be flying over to get their