Beekeeping is a popular past time that more and more people are turning to for personal enjoyment, or even small commercial gain. Today you will find hives in backyards, gardens, and on rooftops, benefiting both the bee and the keeper.

For those who have begun their beekeeping journey and need a go-to pocket guide on establishing and maintaining their hives, The Beekeeper’s Field Guide is the perfect book. Not only will readers learn about a wide range of bee species and their life cycle, behaviour, and preferred plants, but readers will also be informed about the practicalities of beekeeping, from personal safety and hygiene to record keeping and legal requirements.

With an extensive troubleshooting section that debunks myths, and includes explanations and solutions for “bad” bee behavior, diseases, and pests, The Beekeeper’s Field Guide is a handy-sized yet comprehensive tool for all keen and established beekeepers.

Contents:

Introduction – 6
A Guide to Honeybees and the Hive – 14
Beekeeping Tasks and Equipment – 64
Responsible Beekeeping – 144
Troubleshooting – 212
Resources and Suppliers – 278

Meredith May is a 5th-generation beekeeper, and author of the best-selling memoir THE HONEY BUS, published in 18 countries. Her debut illustrated children’s book MY HIVE is about learning the art of beekeeping from her grandfather. She is a former award-winning reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle where she kept several rooftop hives. She lives in Carmel Valley, California, where she tends her bees and volunteers as a scuba diver for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Find out more about her work at meredithamay.com