As the buzz surrounding the nation’s dwindling honeybee population increases, more people are becoming interested in beekeeping as a hobby. Southwest Austinites can comb through local events listings and resources in this Bee Guide to learn about local honey, beekeeping basics and training opportunities.

Safety

Bees can establish hives in the sides of homes and in trees. Bee rescue expert Jim Hogg recommends staying away from such hives and calling an expert to remove them. Some bee-removal experts offer services for free, but pricing can vary depending on the location, size of the hive and other factors, he said.

Hogg said his hive removal services start at $150. He removes the honeycomb, uses a special vacuum to safely extract bees and transports them to a new hive elsewhere. More information is at www.daddysbees.com.

The benefits of beekeeping include:

  • Produces honey
  • Encourages pollination of plants including fruits and vegetables
  • Helps with conservation of the bee population, which is decreasing in size as a result of colony collapse disorder and other factors
  • Inspires deeper relationship with nature

Source: Jayne Clark, beekeeper and instructor of informal classes at The University of Texas

Events to Attend

Sept. 15

Austin Area Beekeepers meeting

The social group meets monthly to discuss honeybees and other pollinators, share books and ideas on the subject, and establish cooperatively managed honeybee colonies around town. 

7 p.m. Free. Old Quarry Library, 7051 Village Center Drive. www.meetup.com/austin-urban-beekeeping

Sept. 20

Second Annual Austin Tour de Hives

Participants take self-guided tours to see bee yards after signing an event waiver. Long pants, long-sleeved shirts, closed-toed shoes and light-colored clothing are recommended.

9 a.m.–2 p.m. $5 (one carload or family of five or fewer). Locations vary. Event begins at Bee Friendly Austin Apiary, 9874 Weir Loop Circle. 512-560-3732. https://austintourdehives.weebly.com

Oct. 25–26

Get started in beekeeping

Jayne Clark, beekeeper and instructor of informal classes at The University of Texas, explains basics such as where to purchase equipment, where to set up a colony, how to obtain bees and what to expect in the first year. The class also outlines a detailed strategy for the fall season to help attendees get ready for setting up a colony in the spring.

10 a.m.–2 p.m. $120 (enrollment), $18 (book). 5926 Balcones Drive, Ste. 212. www.consciousbeekeeping.com

This list is not comprehensive.