Hacker News Reader

I've been wanting to get some beehives for a while. I am a bit concerned because when I was younger I used to have a minor allergy to bee stings. From what I understand, if I'm careful, I shouldn't have any problem.

Anyway- do you have any websites or other sources you would recommend to someone just getting started?

View on HN

I started with First Lessons in Beekeeping by Keith Delaplane: http://www.amazon.com/First-Lessons-Beekeeping-Keith-Delapla...

2 few things to know about beekeeping: * Beekeepers disagree on everything. * Bees have been surviving without humans for a long time.

So in general as long as you're not horrible and actively trying to kill your bees, they'll manage fine.

> * Bees have been surviving without humans for a long time.

While this is true, the point in the article about 'feral' hives and genetic diversity was pretty interesting.

You will eventually, no matter how careful you are, get a sting. Everyone does eventually when keeping bees. I'd get a checkup with a doctor to see how bad the reaction is. It'd be a good idea to keep an epipen around not just for yourself but also in case a visitor is allergic as well.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com