1. Gather Local Information on Beekeeping.

Before placing your first hive in the backyard, you begin by learning the basics of beekeeping. Such as reading this book fully. There are plenty of online resources out there, such as YouTube videos and online forums. This initial inquiry helps clarify whether the hobby aligns with your lifestyle, available space, and time. Understanding your motivation—whether it’s your ecological interest, curiosity, or the appeal of producing your own honey—can guide your next steps meaningfully.

Next, check with your local council or municipality to find out what rules apply to keeping bees in your area. Some regions require registration of hives, have rules about hive placement, or limit the number of hives allowed in residential areas. Councils may also provide guidelines for safe beekeeping practices to prevent disturbances to neighbours. Getting official clarity early helps ensure your setup is legal, safe, and welcomed by your neighbours.

To gain practical knowledge, consider joining a local beekeeping club or association. These groups offer mentorship, hands-on demonstrations, and

seasonal advice tailored to your local climate. If there’s no such club nearby, reach out to a local beekeeper and ask if you can visit them, have a chat, and observe and help in their hive inspection activities. You could also gather a few like-minded individuals and form a small learning group. There may be formal introductory beekeeping courses offered through agricultural societies or community centers. Building this foundation not only boosts your confidence but also connects you with people who will support your beekeeping journey.

Selecting Your Bee Species

Select the bee species that matches:

• Your local climate

• The support network (clubs, suppliers)

• Your skill level

How close you are to neighbours, schools, or public spaces

In most cases, Apis mellifera (especially the Italian or Carniolan subspecies) is the safest and most productive option for new hobby beekeepers in temperate regions. In tropical Asia, Apis cerana might be more appropriate. Wild bees like Apis dorsata, also known as the giant honeybee, are native to South and Southeast Asia. They are known for building massive open-air combs, traditionally harvested by indigenous and tribal communities. They should be best left undisturbed by hobby beekeepers.

Top Four Honey-Producing Bee Species for Hobby Beekeepers.

Here are the main honeybee species with their subspecies (where applicable) noted in brackets:

• Apis mellifera (Western Honeybee) — (multiple subspecies, e.g., Apis mellifera ligustica – Italian bee, Apis mellifera carnica – Carniolan bee, Apis mellifera mellifera – European dark bee)

• Apis cerana (Asian Honeybee) — (subspecies include Apis cerana indica, Apis cerana japonica)

• Apis dorsata (Giant Honeybee) — (typically no widely accepted subspecies, but regional variants may exist)

• Apis mellifera scutellata (African Honeybee) — (a subspecies of Apis mellifera)

1. Apis mellifera (Western Honeybee)

• Native Region: Europe, Africa, the Middle East

• Colony Size: 40,000–60,000 bees

• Honey Production: 20–30 kg/year per hive (much higher in ideal conditions)

• Manageability: Extremely beginner-friendly; Langstroth hive is standard

• Disease Resistance: Moderate; prone to Varroa and foulbrood

• Temperament: Generally gentle (especially Italian or Carniolan strains)

• Cost & Availability: Widely available; strong global support network

Apis mellifera is the global standard for both commercial and backyard beekeepers. It adapts to a wide range of climates and is highly productive.

Lots of beginner resources and compatible hive equipment make it the first choice for most. In Australia, I have Apis mellifera in my hives.

2. Apis cerana (Asian Honeybee)

• Native Region: South and Southeast Asia

• Colony Size: 10,000–15,000 bees

• Honey Production: 3–10 kg/year

• Manageability: Best in traditional setups, quarter the size of a Langstroth-style hive

• Disease Resistance: Excellent natural resistance

• Temperament: Nervous and prone to absconding

• Cost & Availability: Widely available in Asia; affordable

If you're a hobbyist in a tropical area, these bees are ideal. They're low-maintenance, naturally resistant to pests, and a great fit for traditional setups.

3. Apis dorsata (Giant Honeybee)

• Native Region: South and Southeast Asia

• Colony Size: Up to 50,000 (wild, single comb)

• Honey Production: 20–30 kg/year (wild collection only)

• Manageability: Not manageable in hives; they live in the wild

• Disease Resistance: Very high

• Temperament: Extremely aggressive

• Cost & Availability: N/A; wild harvesting only

Apis dorsata is not suitable for hobby beekeeping. These bees build massive, exposed combs and are harvested via traditional honey hunting. Highly aggressive and cannot be kept in standard hives.

4. Apis mellifera scutellata (African Honeybee)

• Native Region: Sub-Saharan Africa

• Colony Size: 30,000–40,000 bees

• Honey Production: 10–30 kg/year

• Manageability: High skill required; suited to rural areas

• Disease Resistance: High; adapted to tough environments

• Temperament: Highly defensive, easily provoked

• Cost & Availability: Common in Africa

These bees are tough and hardworking, but they’re also quite defensive. They’re a better fit for seasoned beekeepers in remote or farm areas.

Variations by Bee Species

Different bee species have slightly different seasonal rhythms. For example:

• Apis cerana (Asian honeybee) is more prone to absconding in response to stress or overcrowding, so inspections should be gentler.

• Apis mellifera adapts well across climates, but subspecies like Carniolan or Italian bees may differ in swarming tendency or cold-hardiness.

• In hotter climates, bees may forage year-round, but the beekeeper must manage heat stress.