Hobby During Pandemic | Why Beekeeping Is the Ideal Hobby During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, many people the world over find themselves with a lot of extra time on their hands. If you find yourself at home and sheltering in place or if you’re looking for a hobby to distract you from the news that is filled with doom and gloom, why not consider taking up the hobby of beekeeping?

Why Beekeeping Is the Ideal Hobby During Pandemic?

Beekeeping is a great hobby at any time but is especially ideal during the coronavirus pandemic for several reasons.

Beekeeping will keep you occupied. It’s a lot more relaxing than spending the day surfing the internet or watching TV to learn the latest concerning the coronavirus pandemic. Watching your bees as they go about their business gathering pollen can be very satisfying.

With the food shortages in the grocery stores, many people have started to plant gardens to make sure they have food to put on the table. Bees will help ensure your gardening success by pollinating the flowers on your fruits and vegetables. Your garden and orchard will produce better when worked by a nearby hive — yours.

As you enjoy the hobby of beekeeping, you won’t have to worry about social distancing. Beekeeping is an activity that you can enjoy all by yourself. There are no distancing rules when it comes to bees — not yet anyway — so you can enjoy them and get as close as you want.

Beekeeping also has its own sweet rewards — honey! Store-bought honey just can’t hold a candle to the honey you’re able to harvest from a beehive you've managed. Honey, especially raw honey, is a very healthy and high-energy food source. Remember, however, raw honey should never be given to a child less than a year old. Raw honey may contain a harmful bacterium such as Clostridium botulinum which can be especially harmful to a baby. Beehives also produce other products that are healthy and beneficial to humans, including propolis, royal jelly, beeswax and pollen.

As you see, beekeeping really is the ideal hobby to enjoy during the coronavirus pandemic. If you don’t already have your hives and beekeeping supplies, don’t fret. This just means you have lots of free time to learn the ins and outs of beekeeping. You’ll find lots of videos online and there’s no shortage of books on the subject. Take advantage of this free time to learn all you can about beekeeping so that you can reap all the sweet rewards in the future. Then when you’re ready, why not consider purchasing a 5 frame nucleus beehive, called a NUC, to get you started right?

General Question About Hobby During Pandemic

What is a 5-frame nucleus beehive (NUC), and why is it recommended for beginners?

A 5-frame nucleus beehive (NUC) is a smaller hive consisting of five frames of bees, including a queen, workers, and brood. It’s recommended for beginners because it’s easier to manage, allows you to start with an established colony, and can be transferred to a larger hive as it grows.

How much time does beekeeping typically require each week?

Beekeeping usually requires about 1-2 hours per week for regular inspections and maintenance. During busy seasons like spring and summer, the time commitment may increase, especially when harvesting honey or managing swarms.

Are there any initial costs associated with starting beekeeping, and what should I budget for?

Yes, there are initial costs for starting beekeeping, including purchasing a hive, protective gear, bees, and tools. Budgeting around $300-$500 is a good starting point, though costs can vary depending on the quality and quantity of equipment.

What are some common challenges new beekeepers face, and how can they overcome them?

Common challenges include managing pests like Varroa mites, dealing with swarming, and ensuring adequate food supply for the bees. Overcoming these challenges involves regular hive inspections, learning about pest control methods, and providing supplemental feeding during nectar dearths.

Can beekeeping be done in an urban environment, and what should urban beekeepers consider?

Yes, beekeeping can be done in an urban environment. Urban beekeepers should consider local regulations, ensure their neighbors are comfortable with bees, provide water sources, and select hive locations that get adequate sunlight and are protected from strong winds.

Here’s praying that you and yours stay safe and healthy during the coronavirus pandemic.