"Introduces the prospective beekeeper to the basics of beekeeping through easy-to-understand text and numerous color photos on honey bee biology, beekeeping equipment, management, honey production and processing, as well as disease diagnosis and treatment"--Provided by publisher.

"In my years as a beekeeper, I have come to the conclusion that we can learn much from these insects. It's not that honeybees are so wise, although they have been around for 6 million years, and it's not sure we will achieve that longevity. Rather, I come to my conclusions from reflecting on both our worlds and seeing the way bees exist in harmony with nature. In this book, I present some of those lessons." -- from the Introduction.

Everything you need to 'bee' a successful backyard beekeeper If you've ever thought about becoming a backyard beekeeper—or have already tried a hand at it and want to be better one—then this is the book for you! In Beekeeping for Dummies, 4th Edition you'll find everything you need to know in order to start your own colony, including how to assemble and maintain beehives, handle every phase of honey production, purchase and use all the latest tools, and what to do beyond your first season. This hands-on guide provides all the tools, tips, tricks, and techniques needed to become a real backyard beekeeper. You'll learn to identify the queen from her workers and drones, properly open and close the hive, distinguish one type of honey from another, and preserve your colony if disaster should strike. Keep bees on a small urban rooftop or in a large country yard Assemble your own hive and sustain it for years to come Safely inspect and manage your colony Harvest and sell your own honey Becoming a backyard beekeeper isn't as hard as people think—and with this hands-on guide, you'll be able to create one honey of a colony that will have the neighbors buzzing.

"This book is a collection of 500 beekeeping tips, illustrated throughout with specially commissioned linocut prints, is an ideal companion for newcomers to beekeeping and experienced beekeepers"--