Beekeeping can be a practical way to combat the effects of climate change. See these tips.

• Finding a mentor and local beekeeping club is recommended for beginners.
• Beekeeping requires time, resources, and ongoing learning, so consider the commitment involved.
• Start with two hives, and be prepared for potential hive failures.
• Seek reputable information sources, avoiding unreliable online content.

Symptoms of climate change are affecting the bee population, and beekeeping can help combat this decrease. Plus, beekeeping offers an array of benefits, including contributing to pollination.

Julia Mahood, president of the Georgia Beekeepers Association, said the time to start beekeeping is in the early spring if you want to be successful.

“If you try to start in the middle of summer, you’re going to have a hard time,” said Mahood. “There are many local clubs in Georgia that do one-day beekeeping courses. They should cover all the basics. I highly recommend it. I also recommend that anybody getting started in beekeeping join a local club. … It’s a great place to find mentors and to go get your questions answered.”

Mahood, who is also a master beekeepe,r said there are a few things to consider beforehand:

• Find a mentor.
• Make sure your neighbors are OK with beekeeping.
• Find a workshop or class to learn the basics.
• Expect an investment of time and money.
• Start with two hives instead of one.
• Hives can fail, no matter how well you do.
• There are multiple answers to every question in beekeeping.
• You will always be learning.

Mahood recommends getting information from a reputable source.

“It’s also not a bad idea to read books the year before,” she said. “I recommend being careful about watching YouTube videos. There’s a lot of bad information, especially on the internet. The last thing I would stress is that it takes a lot of time to be a beekeeper. You can’t just put the bees in your backyard and let them go. It takes time, attention, and resources.”

Mahood said beekeeping can be a rewarding experience.

“I love beekeeping,” she said. “I want to encourage people to do it. A lot of times, beekeepers are people who are interested in nature. It really does take a fair amount of time. If you don’t have the time, then you can still help the bees by planting flowers that bloom in the middle of summer.”

Tips on setting up your apiary:

• Choose a sunny spot with good air circulation, access to water, and protection from strong winds.
• You’ll need a hive, smoker, hive tool, protective clothing, and other essential tools. 
• Choose a reputable source for your bees, whether it’s a package, nucleus colony (nuc), or swarm. 
• Carefully introduce your bees to their new hive, ensuring the queen is healthy and safe. 
• Check your hive regularly for signs of disease, pests, and queen health. Perform routine maintenance like adding or removing honey supers as needed. 
• Provide supplemental feeding, especially during periods of nectar dearth or when establishing a new hive. 

This reporting content is supported by a partnership with several funders and Journalism Funding Partners.

Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@gannett.com or on X: @EricaVanBuren32.