Bees are an important part of the ecosystem and in recent years, interest in recreational beekeeping has increased, especially in Germany. Petra Friedrich, spokeswoman for the German Beekeeping Association, explains in an interview with the news agency spot on news what makes the trend and how you can become a leisure beekeeper yourself.
How many recreational beekeepers are there in Germany at the moment?
Petra Friedrich: There are currently around 150,000 beekeepers in Germany. 0.1 to 0.2 percent of these are professional beekeepers. All others practice beekeeping as a leisure activity or as a sideline.
How do you explain the trend?
Friedrich: There are several reasons: In 2003/2004 there were many media reports from America about bee death. This has also continued with us and has contributed to raising awareness among the population (although one must always bear in mind that wild bees and not honey bees are affected by bee death). In addition, there was the general trend that people deal more with natural issues and above all seek employment with and in nature. Women are particularly fond of nature. Therefore, the German Beekeeping Association launched a campaign "Women in beekeeping" in 2007, which ensured further growth.
In the cities, the "Germany buzzes" initiative also raised bee colonies on prominent buildings so that attention increased. In 2004 the first beekeeping association offered a so-called bee leasing, a beginner's concept that made school and has been successful to this day, and the urban beekeeping trend was particularly popular among young people. All of this has contributed to the fact that so many people want to keep bees.
How can you become a leisure beekeeper? What previous experience do I need?
Friedrich: You could just buy peoples and start beekeeping. The only rule: you have to register the colonies with the responsible animal epidemic fund or the responsible veterinary office. But that's it. However, we expressly warn against such a procedure, because a bee colony is a highly complex organism that needs expert care. A food is also produced. So it takes a lot of knowledge to keep bees. Therefore one should proceed as follows:
Step 1
Acquire theoretical knowledge (good for the winter months) – there is a wide range of beekeeping literature, online offers (www.die-honigmacher.de), beekeeping apps, beekeeping trade magazines (special beginners' books).
step 2
Clarify whether there is a bee venom allergy.
step 3
Take a course (almost every beekeeping association or bee institute offers this). In addition to theory, you will learn about practice and build connections with experienced beekeepers. The courses usually take place from spring to summer, so that you can get to know all the work in the bee year. In the beekeepers' association you also get a sponsored beekeeper, which you can always consult later if you don't know what to do.
Step 4
Inform the neighborhood about the project, because this way you can avoid any disputes before buying the bees. Make a good place for the placement of the bees (the "infrastructure" must also be right, i.e. sufficient food, water, storage facilities for equipment, rooms for honey filling and storage, etc.)
Step 5
Purchase good, peaceful bee colonies. You can get this from the breeder in the club or at the bee institute (not on the Internet!). In beginners' courses in clubs you usually get a spin-off for free. Of course, you also need some basic equipment beforehand.
What do I need for this?
Friedrich: The basic equipment should be as new as possible and not used, especially the hives. Because with used ones you never know whether they had a previous exposure to diseases. With prey you should first of all make sure that you can handle it yourself, but also look at the prey dimensions that are used in the area. Because when taking over or handing over peoples and offshoots, it is always an advantage not to have an exotic booty shape. The remaining, absolutely necessary equipment for beginners is within the scope, apart from the devices for honey processing, which can also be purchased later. At first there is no need for a slingshot, because many clubs have their own equipment that members can use together.
How many races do you start with?
Friedrich: You should definitely start with two races, but not with too many.
Should one buy an entire people or an offshoot (with or without a queen)?
Friedrich: Most newcomers get an offshoot from the club. Offshoots (young colonies) have the advantage that they contain fewer bees and therefore less honey is added, which is sufficient for the supply of the people. That means you don't have a honey harvest in the first year and you can concentrate on leading the people.
What challenges do you have to face with beekeeping?
Friedrich: You have to be familiar with bee biology, you need knowledge of plant science so that you can meet the needs of the people with regard to food. In addition, there is the knowledge of honey science. Craftsmanship is also an advantage. And you have to be aware that at certain times (e.g. swarm time or harvest time) no vacation is possible.
Do recreational beekeepers help prevent bee death?
Friedrich: Indirectly yes, because creating bees' food options also helps wild bees. Most beekeepers have also set up nesting aids for wild bees and pay attention to bee-friendliness in their environment. They are the experts and contact persons when it comes to questions about living and feeding conditions for all insects visiting flowers.