PerfectBee's Essential Beekeeping Q&A Hub
Find answers to the most-asked beekeeper questions of 2025!
Earlier this year, we were contacted by a visitor with a good question about beekeeping. It wasn't a particularly complex question, but for a non-beekeeper, it was a very valid one.
We had a little chat internally and came to an interesting conclusion.
10 Years of Helping Beekeepers
Over the years, we’ve published hundreds of beekeeping articles through columns like A New Beekeeper’s Journal, Beekeeper Stories, our blog, and more. And that’s even before we mention the almost 100 detailed lessons in our popular Academy Beekeeping Syllabus.
All this adds up to a great resource for visitors, customers, and members alike and for new and experienced beekeepers. So, in the course of the nearly 10 years that PerfectBee has been helping and supporting beekeepers, we’ve answered a lot of questions.
But let’s think back to that visitor who contacted us with her question. It turns out the specific answer was, frankly, buried in a number of articles. So, we decided to kick off a little project.
We decided to answer a few questions.
A Beekeeping “Getting Started”
Up first, we created a new page to address some of the common questions we hear so often from those looking to start beekeeping.
Our Getting Started page includes the steps to follow to have a successful hobby, covering important questions that beekeepers may have along the way.
Step 1: You and Beekeeping
Step 2: What You Need
Step 3: Installing Your Beehives
Step 4: Keeping Healthy Bees
And There’s More…
But that was just the start. We decided to keep on going, and so far in 2025, we have published many new Q&As.
Below is the full list of our answered questions; just head to our Beekeeping Q&A page to find links to their answers, plus many more resources related to each.
Learn About Bees
What happens inside and outside the hive is captivating to beekeepers and, indeed, non-beekeepers.
Can I be a beekeeper if I’m allergic?
Should I join a beekeeping club?
Do honeybees hibernate?
Where do bees go to the bathroom?
How long does it take for a honeybee egg to hatch?
How long do honeybees live?
What is the role of the drone honeybee?
Do drone bees serve a purpose outside of mating?
What is the role of a queen honeybee?
What is the role of a worker honeybee?
Why is condensation in a beehive dangerous?
What are the biggest threats to honeybees in the winter?
Are bears a threat to my beehive(s)?
What are "Winter Bees"?
Why do bees buzz?
What temperature is too cold for honeybees?
How do honeybees reproduce?
Can I let a beekeeper use my land for their beehives?
Can I share beekeeping with my kids?
How and why do bees pollinate plants?
Why are honeybees such awesome creatures?
Why is bee anatomy so amazing?
How is honey created by bees?
Why do bees forage?
Why do honeybees swarm?
Why is beekeeping important?
Your Beehive
Kicking off a beekeeping passion is not just a time of great fascination, but, done well, it can be a TON of fun. Here are a few questions about this special time.
Do I need permission to start beekeeping?
What should I do to prepare for installing my bees?
Where can I find tips for completing a beehive installation?
What makes a bee yard location ideal for honeybees?
What is the most popular type of beehive?
Do my beehives need added insulation?
Where can I obtain bees for a beehive?
What is the best time of year to start beekeeping?
What is a "Candy Board"?
Where should I place my beehives?
Can I mow around my beehives?
Will I need to feed my bees?
Other than my beehives, what equipment will I need?
Do I need protective clothing when beekeeping?
How do I choose a feeder to use with my hive?
How do I use a smoker to keep bees calm?
What should be done during a beekeeping inspection?
What should new beekeepers know?
A Healthy Beehive
You’re now an “official” beekeeper, but keep in mind, the learning doesn’t end here! Keeping your bees healthy requires a wealth of knowledge and understanding. Check out some of the biggest questions about keeping bees healthy to start building that foundation.
What are the biggest threats to honeybees?
Can I check on my bees during cold weather?
Do bees need water in the winter?
Are dead bees at a beehive's entrance normal?
Can I tell if my colony is still alive in the winter?
How do honeybees make beeswax?
When can I harvest honey from my hives?
How often should I inspect my beehives?
What’s Next?
Consider this a catch-up post! We’ve only recently launched this PerfectBee Substack, so many of our subscribers may not be familiar with all we offer. And with so many Q&As this year, we thought you’d like to know.
With that done, we’re getting back to “regular programming” now and have plans for some great and seasonal beekeeping posts. So, watch this space - and if you have friends and family interested in beekeeping, be sure to let them know about the PerfectBee Substack.