Why Beekeepers Quit
Beekeeping is an attractive hobby, with the promise of harvesting your own honey and helping the environment. However, a large percentage of new beekeepers quit beekeeping before the end of the 2nd year. The reasons are numerous, from time commitment and financial concerns, to frustration over losing hives. Let’s take a closer look into why beekeeping isn’t for everyone and why some people choose to walk about from the hobby.
As a Master Beekeeper with several years of experience, I have seen many beginning beekeepers quit the hobby. The rewards are great but the hard times can be crushing too.
Why Beekeeping Isn’t for Everyone
Beekeeping often gets romanticized. People envision peaceful days in the garden with busy bees collecting nectar and making honey to share with us. However, the reality is far more complex.
Beekeeping requires a lot of hard work, constant monitoring and many unexpected challenges.
While I always advocate education with good beekeeping books, bees don’t always behave as the books describe.
Dealing with honey bee pests, environmental challenges and colony failure can make beekeeping much more demanding than expected.
Common Reasons Beekeepers Quit
Many aspiring beekeepers start with high hopes. They envision thriving colonies and jars of golden honey. However, reality often sets in quickly, and the challenges they face can be difficult to overcome.
Let’s explore some of the most common reasons why beekeepers quit:
- required time commitment
- initial costs
- colony failure
- dealing with pests/predators
- stings & allergies
- lack of proper training
- becoming overwhelmed with hive management
- life changes
- aging out
Beehives Regular a Time Commitment
It is not necessary to spend time in your beehives every day. In fact, the bees would much prefer that you do not disturb them too much.
However, there will be seasonal issues that must be addressed to further your beekeeping goals. This may be requeening a hive that has an older failing queen.
Or, you may need to split a strong beehive into 2 in an attempt to prevent a swarm. Issues such as these can not always wait until next weekend. They may require immediate attention.
High Start Up Costs
The cost of beekeeping is often much higher than beginners expect. The equipment, supplies and tools needed to set up your apiary can require a serious investment.
Beyond set up, there are ongoing costs to keep your beehives buzzing. You may need to purchase package bees to replace colonies that fail.
Also, beekeeping equipment will need replaced after a few years. Parts of the beehive such as tops and bottoms tend to deteriorate over time.
Bee Losses and Colony Failure
Experiencing colony failure and bee losses is one of the most discouraging issues for beekeepers. Sometimes, it is not due to beekeeping mistakes made by the owner – but rather just pure bad luck.
Watching your bees disappear or die despite your best efforts can make even the most dedicated hobbyist reconsider their passion. This was supposed to be fun, right?
Varroa Mites & Pest Management
In the old days (about 30 years ago), beekeeping was so much easier. In my area, it consisted primarily of harvesting honey and catching bee swarms.
However, the influx of varroa mites changed beekeeping in America forever. In most regions, it is a constant battle to control mite populations in our hives.
Constant attention and adjustment in varroa mite treatments are a part of every season to keep healthy productive beehives.
Stings and Allergies
Everyone knows that bee stings hurt. But, you may not realize the level of physical discomfort you will experience if you get 5-10 stings at one time.
Honey bees only sting for defense – but they don’t understand our intentions. It is not uncommon for a beekeeper to decide that the stings just are not worth it. I understand.
Also, some humans are allergic to bees or become allergic to bee stings over time. This is certainly a good reason for someone to quit beekeeping.
Lack of Proper Training
Beekeeping requires a solid foundation of knowledge, and while there are plenty of resources available, not all of them are reliable.
Beginners who skip formal education or fail to seek guidance from experienced beekeepers often struggle.
They do not want to invest the time or money to learn from reliable sources and usually pay the price. The sad thing is that their honey bees pay the price too.
Overwhelmed by Hive Management
It is surprisingly easy to become overwhelmed in managing your hives. You only wanted 2 hives but now they swarmed and you have 4? That number can quickly grow.
Before you know it – your little hobby has grown into a monster that you may not have the time or funds to support.
Don’t keep more beehives than you can take care of. The bees will not be healthy and productive and you will not enjoy taking care of them.
Life Changes
Life is a road with many stops along the way. Sometimes, beekeepers quit beekeeping because they experience a life change.
This could be a job change with less time to work with bees. It could be a move to a new location that is not as suitable for beehives.
Physical conditions change too. At my age, I still love my bees but you will not find me managing 25 hives in the July heat. Beekeeping in hot weather can be very dangerous.
Aging Out
Perhaps, the saddest reason people quit beekeeping is due to age or poor health. Managing honey bees requires some lifting and you need to have decent eyesight.
It is sad to see a veteran beekeeping hang up his/her veil and smoker – but I am sure they have a lifetime of memories to sustain them. And, they have been a part of a world that most people never experience.
How to Evaluate If Beekeeping Is Right for You
There is truth in the mantra that sometimes you have to try something to see if you like it. I believe that is a fact for beekeeping.
Perhaps, you can find someone with hives who would let you watch them for a bit. Visiting local beekeeping club meetings is also good advice. If you decide you want to proceed – consider these tips.
- start small – 2 hives
- make a budget – do you have the funds to start a couple of hives
- educate yourself – read books, take classes
- learn about beekeeping safety to protect yourself and your family
FAQs
The most common reason beekeepers quit is colony loss. Many new beekeepers become discouraged after their hives die from pests like varroa mites, disease, or environmental factors, leading them to abandon the hobby.
Beekeeping can be expensive, especially in the first year. Keeping your hive numbers low will help prevent costs from getting out of hand.
Yes, time commitment is a significant factor. While bees don’t require daily care, timely hive inspections, pest management, and seasonal tasks demand consistent attention. Many beekeepers quit because they underestimate the time required, especially during busy seasons.
Hive failures can be emotionally and financially draining, especially for beginners. Repeated losses due to pests, disease, or harsh weather can make beekeepers feel like they’re constantly failing, which often leads to frustration and ultimately quitting.
Yes, for some beekeepers, frequent stings and the risk of developing an allergic reaction over time become overwhelming. While stings are a normal part of beekeeping, those who are sensitive to them may decide it’s not worth the discomfort or health risk.
Final Thoughts
Beekeeping is a rewarding and challenging adventure. The hobby requires time, dedication and resilience. For those who are willing to stick with it, the rewards can be sweet, but the journey is not without its trials. If your hive continue to die, year after year – something is wrong. Beekeeping should not be that hard.