Advice for new bee keepers

[jupiter]

We are seriously considering getting a hive or two of bees. I have no clue where to start. Any ideas on books or websites or advice in general?

[indypartridge]

1. Find a local beekeeping club.

Google <your state> beekeeping association

There will likely be a State Association, which will usually have links to local clubs.

Clubs often offer beginning beekeeping classes, and are great places to find mentors and connect with nearby beekeepers.

Having a mentor is invaluable. If there’s not a local club near you, contact the State Association, and ask if they can connect you to a local beekeeper.



2. Websites I recommend:

Some excellent video lessons (3-10 minutes each) here from the Ohio State Beekeepers Association:
www.ohiostatebeekeepers.org/beekeeping_class/

Dr. Dave Tarpy at North Carolina State offers webinars on different topics:
entomology.ces.ncsu.edu/apiculture/beekeeping-webinars/

David & Sherri Burns, Illinois beekeepers, have over 150 online lessons: BasicBeekeeping

basicbeekeeping.blogspot.com/

Michael Bush has an excellent book on Practical Beekeeping, but he also offers the content free here:
www.bushfarms.com/bees.htm

The Mid-Atlantic Apiculture Research and Extension Consortium (MAAREC) has a wealth of information. (I particularly like the detailed pictures under the category of Parasites, Pests, Predators and Diseases.): 
agdev.anr.udel.edu/maarec/

Articles & Latest Research (there’s a lot of dubious info out there, here’s a source you can have some confidence in):
articles.extension.org/bee_health

[jupiter]

Thank you for sharing all that information! I really appreciate it!

[Deleted]

Beesource.com also,

I recommend An Idiots Guide to Beekeeping