URBAN BEEKEEPING MODULE 3

Module 3 – Welcoming Your First Urban Colony

Understand, observe and secure your first steps in urban beekeeping.

1. How to get your first colony

Simplest options

  • Swarm bought from a local beekeeper: ideal for beginners, stable and selected colony.
  • Swarm on frames: quick installation, less stress for the bees.
  • Natural swarm: possible but only with guidance or experience.

What to avoid as a beginner

  • aggressive colonies;
  • very small or weak swarms;
  • purchases without health guarantees.

2. Preparing the hive before arrival

To do

  • check the stability of the stand;
  • set up the water source;
  • add a bit of wax or propolis;
  • prepare smoker and gloves;
  • check afternoon shade.

To avoid

  • moving the hive after installation;
  • opening the hive too early;
  • placing the hive in a busy passage.

3. Installation day: welcoming the colony

Steps

  1. Set the hive in place, open and ready;
  2. gently introduce the swarm;
  3. close the hive calmly;
  4. let the bees orient themselves;
  5. do not open the hive for 5–7 days.

Signs things are going well

  • orientation flights in front of the hive;
  • regular activity;
  • calm, non-aggressive bees.

4. Recognizing a healthy colony

Positive signs

  • queen visible or presence of eggs;
  • compact, homogeneous brood pattern;
  • active but calm bees;
  • pollen regularly entering the hive;
  • white wax being built.

Warning signs

  • excessive agitation;
  • no eggs;
  • unusual smell;
  • high mortality in front of the hive;
  • no wax construction.

5. Understanding bee behaviour

Normal behaviours

  • orientation flights;
  • guards at the entrance;
  • foragers’ dance;
  • ventilation in summer.

Behaviours to monitor

  • sudden aggressiveness;
  • queenless colony;
  • robbing by other colonies;
  • early swarming.

6. Safety for you and neighbours

Good practices

  • inform neighbours;
  • add a visual barrier;
  • avoid manipulations in strong wind;
  • work calmly, without sudden movements.

To avoid

  • opening the hive in extreme heat;
  • working without protection;
  • leaving honey or syrup exposed.

7. First inspections

When?

  • first inspection: day 7;
  • then every 2–3 weeks.

Goals

  • check for the queen’s presence;
  • inspect brood pattern;
  • observe food stores;
  • detect signs of disease.

Module goal

By the end of this module, you know how to obtain your first colony, prepare the hive, install the swarm, recognize a healthy colony and avoid common beginner mistakes.