As World Bee Day approaches on 20 May, content creator, author, and beekeeper Catherine Carton reflects on her journey into beekeeping.
Having spent just over a year tending to her hive and earning her stripes as a beginner beekeeper, Catherine hopes to highlight the importance of native Irish honey bees.
"My friend’s dad is a beekeeper, and he was telling me all about his hives and where he did his beekeeping course," Catherine recalls.
"I was fascinated; I’d never met a beekeeper before, and I’d never considered keeping bees myself until I got chatting to him."
Catherine signed up for a beginner’s beekeeping course with the Fingal Beekeepers’ Association in the spring. After six weeks of theory, she visited the association’s apiary and got hands-on experience.
"I initially just wanted to learn about bees and the native Irish honey bee, Apis mellifera mellifera, the black bee," she says. "I didn’t know if I’d ever get my own hive, but I knew I could help as a hive assistant."
She says that working with bees was "strangely soothing" and decided to acquire a small colony (known as a nuc) of native Irish honey bees from a local beekeeper.
"It's an outdoor, routine-based hobby that encourages mindfulness and patience. Spending time with the bees is calming and grounding, and it's one of the things I love most about it."
One of the most pressing concerns for Irish beekeepers today is the serious threat facing the native Irish honey bee. The Apis mellifera mellifera has a unique genetic makeup, distinct to Ireland, yet its survival is at risk due to hybridisation with imported non-native strains.
"Through my beekeeping course and involvement with the association, I learned just how vital it is to protect our native honey bee," Catherine explains. "Its DNA is unique to Ireland, and preserving its genetics is crucial for the future of our bee populations. That’s why many of us are advocating for a ban on importing non-native honey bees."
Where can you keep bees?
While it is possible to keep a hive in a garden, it is not always the ideal long-term solution. Space is a key factor, as one hive might be manageable, but as the colony grows, there needs to be room to expand.
"It is important to think ahead," says Catherine. "You might start with one small hive, but bees multiply, and you need a plan for where they will go next."
She recommends teaming up with other local beekeepers or reaching out to farmers and landowners who may be open to hosting hives. It is also wise to have a backup plan in case issues arise with the location and the bees need to be moved.
Security is another crucial consideration, as vandalism and theft of hives can be a problem. "Keeping them in a secure spot away from curious eyes is key," she advises.
What is involved?
"Honey bees need to be checked once a week from late spring to autumn, before they hibernate for winter," Catherine explains.
A hive inspection involves checking for fresh eggs, monitoring for signs of swarming, ensuring there is enough space for the colony to expand, and assessing the bees’ food supply and overall health.
What to do if you spot a swarm?
"A swarm of bees is a large group that has left their hive to start a new colony," she says. "It can look intimidating, but swarming is a natural process that happens when a hive becomes overcrowded or the queen is ageing."
She advises people not to panic if they spot a swarm. "When bees are swarming, they’re less likely to sting. If you see one, report it at swarms.ie so a local beekeeper can collect it. Never spray them with water or insecticide, as that can make them aggressive."
Why bees matter
As we enter the warmer months, it’s more important than ever to protect our pollinators. Bees play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and supporting food production. Honey bees pollinate crops and wild plants, ensuring the growth of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. However, pesticides, habitat loss, and disease continue to threaten their populations.
"Many people don’t realise that common insect sprays, like ant and wasp killers, can harm honey bees, as well as solitary and bumblebees," Catherine warns. "Being mindful of the chemicals we use in our gardens can make a real difference."
For those eager to learn more or start their beekeeping journey, visit The Federation of Irish Beekeepers’ Associations to find local courses and resources.
