Acquiring basic knowledge

Beekeeping associations offer basic courses that are open to anyone interested in beekeeping. These courses, conducted under the guidance of beekeeping advisors, comprise 18 half-days spread over two years. For Valais, further information can be found at: http://www.favr.ch/cours-debutants

 

Beekeeping work in the first half of the year

 

Spring

Summer

Autumn

 

► See also the ApiService factsheets

 

Finding a location

Finding a suitable location for bee colonies is crucial for their prosperity and for successful beekeeping. The site should be chosen according to the needs:

1. of the bees
2. of the beekeeper
3. and of the neighbours

The needs of the bees

Bees must find sufficient nectar and pollen within a radius of approximately 1.5 km, especially in spring and late summer.

The apiary site should be located where snow melts first, protected from cold northerly and easterly winds, not in cold-air pockets or on north-facing slopes, but oriented towards the south or south-east, benefiting from midday sun in winter and morning sun in summer, while being protected from intense midday heat by vegetation. The safest option is to use a site that has already proven suitable. For a new site, advice from experienced local beekeepers is recommended.

The needs of the beekeeper

In addition to the apiary location, beekeeping requires space for storing tools, empty hives, and empty frames. The closer the beekeeper’s home and storage facilities are to the colonies, the more time-efficient and environmentally friendly the operation will be. Access to the apiary should be possible by car or at least with a handcart or bicycle trailer.

The needs of the neighbours

Neighbourhood regulations must be respected when selecting a site. In principle, no one can prohibit the keeping of bees, as beekeeping is considered a freedom. However, authorities may limit the number of colonies and the distances to property boundaries. Neighbours may therefore require that prescribed distances be respected and that the flight entrance not be oriented towards their property. They may also ask the beekeeper to ensure that the bees are calm and gentle. Bees should not cause excessive disturbance. Special precautions are required when neighbours have visitors or when hives are opened. As a rule, the beekeeper cannot be held liable for bee stings, as it is not possible to control a wild animal.

Acquiring colonies

It is possible to purchase a swarm (= a colony without frames), a nucleus colony (= a small colony on 4 to 5 combs with a laying queen), or a full colony (= a colony on 8 combs with a queen). Before any acquisition, it is essential to consult the regional apiary inspector to ensure that the bees offered are free from disease. It is recommended to acquire the locally adapted strain and to start with two to five colonies.

Joining a beekeeping association

Registering with a local beekeeping association offers numerous advantages. Experienced beekeepers readily share their knowledge, and often a “mentor” will offer to accompany you during the first inspections of your hives.

During the beekeeping season, several apiary visits are organised. These provide an opportunity to learn more about specific topics and to exchange views on different methods with colleagues. Group purchases of jars, treatment products, and feeding syrup also allow access to competitive prices.

Finally, the subscription to the journal of the Société romande d'apiculture (SAR), included in the membership fee, provides month-by-month information on upcoming tasks and the latest developments in scientific research. Classified advertisements also help put you in contact with breeders from whom you can purchase your first bees or queens.