Beginners mistakes

[Cazza]

What are the most common pitfalls for beginners?

At this time of year, I believe it is opening up too early for no really good reason. (including removal of mouseguards before the cold weather has gone.)

Cazza

 

[enrico]

Opening up and not checking food.

 

[susbees]

Well looking at the weather for those using the "15 degree" "rule" that means no opening til nearly the end of the month, as in no quick check for right-laying queens (which is not good after last season). Even with the 12 degree minimum it doesn't look likely....

 

[biglongdarren]

for me it was going by the books and not trusting in myself.
Darren

 

[scuttlefish]

Thinking we know it all!

 

[Dusty Rhodes]

Expecting consistent advice from the Forum.

Dusty

 

[Travelator]

My biggest mistake was tolarating badly-behaved bees. In retrospect I should have re-queened the offending colony sharpish.

Lucky I wasn't keeping the bees in my garden, because neighbours would likely have been stung.

 

[Tom Bick]

What are the most common pitfalls for beginners?

At this time of year, I believe it is opening up too early for no really good reason. (including removal of mouseguards before the cold weather has gone.)

Cazza

And at other times of the year keeping the hive open way to long
And and thinkin in ones 2nd year one knows it all

 

[MuswellMetro]

Designing you own beehive, always a tendency to think that there might be a better way if you just::::::::::::::::::::::

/then the bees tell you it ain't better

 

[IGPebble]

taking the advice of old beeks at face value without doing your own research.

 

[pargyle]

Dithering until it's too late ...then going ahead !

 

[domino]

Not keeping records.

 

[sarlyka]

Thinking you don't need to put your beesuit on if it's just a quick 'peek' to check food supply.

Taking the first response to your question, or waiting until you have so many different bits of advice that you don't know what to do.

Assuming advice which is correct for one part of the country can be applied to the whole of the UK.

Not reading any books about beekeeping.

 

[REDWOOD]

Not enough equipment to deal with swarming

 

[drumgerry]

Beginner big mistake - not joining this forum and taking advantage of all the fine information on offer.
Also - most of the beginners I come across seem to think the bees can fit into their lives with out them putting a lot of effort into finding out how best to care for them. Beekeeping is a pretty specialist thing in my opinion and rewards those who make the effort to become informed.

 

[For want of a better word]

Impatience.......

......... sometimes it is best to close up the hive walk away and dwell on a perceived problem

 

[pargyle]

Beginner big mistake - not joining this forum and taking advantage of all the fine information on offer.
Also - most of the beginners I come across seem to think the bees can fit into their lives with out them putting a lot of effort into finding out how best to care for them. Beekeeping is a pretty specialist thing in my opinion and rewards those who make the effort to become informed.

Yes ... good post ... never stop reading and listening - there's always more to find out.

 

[Finman]

.
Fond of humbug advices.

Shake and feed!

.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

What are the most common pitfalls for beginners?

At this time of year, I believe it is opening up too early for no really good reason. (including removal of mouseguards before the cold weather has gone.)

Cazza

Most definitely a few hours of warmth in a day doesn't mean it's spring

 

[VEG]

errrm

Dont sneeze into a hive