A basic guide to some of the skills and practices of bee production. Easy to follow for those new to beekeeping, this book contains step-by-step instructions, diagrams and full-colour pictures. Includes how to maintain hives, use a bee smoker, catch a swarm, remove and extract honey, health and pests in the hive, buying equipment, and working safely with bees.

Table of contents:

• Introduction
• General safety precautions
• Quality Assurance
• Select bee site
• Assemble and maintain a hive
• Obtaining bees
• Light and extinguish a bee smoker
• Open, inspect and close a hive
• Move a hive
• Seasonal management
• Catch a swarm
• Requeen
• Identify flora for honey production
• Judging field conditions
• Remove honey
• Extract honey
• Legal considerations for an apiary
• Health problems and pests in the hive
• Reducing swarming behaviour
• Buying second-hand hives and equipment
• Industry structure and contacts
• Background knowledge
• Glossary
• Safe work method statements
• Check your skill