Efficient and Effective Inspections - Beekeeping Class

Take your beekeeping to the next level by becoming efficient and effective in your hive inspections. Join Peter for this hands-on class with only 4 beekeepers per instructor, learning how to quickly determine the health and needs of your hive. In order to allow lots of repetition and practice, the class will take place at our farm apiary in Carnation, WA.

This small hands-on field class gives you the opportunity to hone your skills at identifying what is important, and knowing when it's time to walk away and let the bees get back to work. The class is intended for 2+ year beekeepers who want to take their hive inspections to the next level.

About your instructor:

Peter has been keeping bees in Seattle backyards for over ten years. In that time, he has grown from 1 hive to 200 beehives, managing hives in 35+ backyards in King County and leading a team of beekeepers. A skilled educator, he has developed the Rainy Day Bees apprenticeship program, taught classes for the Puget Sound Beekeepers Association and schools around Seattle, as well as offer 1:1 coaching sessions. Peter loves the science, biology, and mechanics of beekeeping, and sharing everything he learns with others.

Classes include:

• One 3-4 hour field session in Carnation learning about inspections. Topics will cover:
• Evaluating hive health
• Evaluating queen health
• Evaluating food stores
• When to walk away
• When to dive deeper
• An experienced beekeeper you can call with questions, and a Facebook group for you and other students to talk bees on throughout the year (Rainy Day Bees will check in too!)
• 15% discount on consultations at your hives with Rainy Day Bees

Class Dates:

• Sunday, June 11th from 1-5pm. In case of weather cancellation, we will reschedule on the earliest date that works for all participants

Things to Know:

• You will need to provide your own protective equipment for beekeeping sessions. We have suits and gloves available to rent if necessary.
• Class will focus on beekeeping in Langstroth hives, but concepts can (and should) be applied to top bar and Warre hives as well.
• Cancellation Policy: Cancel up to two weeks ahead of your first class for a 50% refund.
• Have any questions? Email us!

• We do not recommend this class for first year beekeepers, as it is important to be in your hive(s) more than normal in your first year, as you learn how to work with and manage bees. While this may not be the best thing for the bees, it is critical for a first year beekeeper's growth, and for the long term health of their bees. And the bees will do just fine while you get acclimated, as long as you manage your flows, feeding, mites, and moisture!