Interested in beekeeping in Whatcom? Now’s the time to learn more
Spring and summer are the seasons for beekeeping in Whatcom County.
Backyard bees are permitted in Bellingham’s city code as long as the hives are inaccessible to the general public and bee movements to and from the hive do not interfere with regular movements of people on adjacent properties or the public right-of-way.
With 17 years of experience and a consulting business under his belt, Michael Jaross is gearing up to teach his annual class on Whatcom County beekeeping for beginners — and there are still a few spots left.
“Bees are a very alien critter. They aren’t anything like ordinary pets — cats and dogs or even livestock that people commonly keep,” Jaross told The Bellingham Herald in a telephone interview.
“They’re insects and mysterious. Most people have never done anything in their lives that would prepare them for dealing with a critter like that.”
Keeping bees in Whatcom County comes with its challenges, according to local beekeepers. But if you’re prepared, the hobby can be personally rewarding, helpful for the community and beneficial for the environment.
Challenges
▪ The weather is not ideal.
The weather in Whatcom County is particularly difficult for bees to adapt to, Jaross told The Herald. Wet, cold climates are challenging for honey bee survival because they are built for a more Mediterranean climate.
But honey bees can be resilient to Pacific Northwest weather. Bees in Whatcom County often die during the winter months but Jaross says he rarely loses a hive due to the specific techniques and equipment he uses.
▪ Whatcom County sees periods of low flower bloom.
There are three main periods of flower blooming locally, according to local beekeeper and shop owner Les Scott. This means bees can have a hard time pollinating and making honey when flowers aren’t blooming.
To combat bee starvation during these periods of low flowering, beekeepers have to spend extra time monitoring honey stores. Beekeepers can also supplement honey with sugar syrup if necessary, Scott told The Herald.
Benefits
▪ Bees make good pollinators.
Keeping backyard bees can be very beneficial for neighborhood gardens and supporting native plant growth.
▪ Beekeepers can eventually sell honey.
It takes time to get backyard bees to produce a honey crop and even longer to produce one that generates revenue, Jaross told The Herald. But it can eventually help pay for some of the expenses of beekeeping.
Tips for beginners
▪ Be ready for “sticker shock” when you start beekeeping.
The startup cost can be anywhere from $600 to $1,500 after purchasing equipment and bees.
A single colony of bees can be purchased locally from Les’s Bees for $185. These bees are meant to be able to withstand the winters in the Pacific Northwest, Scott told The Herald.
Les’s Bees also sells a beekeeping “starter kit” for $221.94. This can be picked up in-store at 2427 Vista Drive in Bellingham.
▪ Bees don’t take care of themselves.
Most beehives aren’t self-sufficient. They are dependent on beekeepers to keep them alive, according to Jaross and Scott.
“There are beekeepers and there are ‘bee-havers’,” Scott told The Herald in a telephone interview. Beekeepers need to spend time educating themselves about how to properly take care of bees if they want them to survive, according to Scott.
Beekeepers also likely need to dedicate a few hours each week to work with their bees, Scott said.
▪ Beekeeping takes knowledge and study.
If you’re interested in getting started with keeping bees, you can sign up for Jaross’ 8-week class, “Successful Beekeeping in Whatcom County.”
It starts March 7 and runs every Tuesday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Chuckanut Center in Bellingham.
The class costs $295 and teaches Jaross’ specific methods for keeping honeybees alive, healthy and productive in the conditions and challenges of Whatcom County.
Scott also offers advice and help to his customers. He can be reached at 360-303-0396.
The Mt. Baker Beekeeper’s Association is Whatcom County’s local bee club. It also provides local beekeeping resources, information and classes.
