Frequently Asked Questions


Below are some answers to some of the questions we get asked. Please note that we are basing these answers on Apis Melifera Capensis, our Cape Honey Bee, and in our experience as beekeepers.

If you disagree with any of the answers please email us at info@barbenbees.co.za If have any questions that you think should be added to this list please email us at info@barbenbees.co.za

How do I start beekeeping? Barben Bees offer one-day beekeeping training/ workshops. We help you get to grips with some key terms. We help you understand what you are looking up when you open up a hive. Follow the above link now to sign up for our next course. The courses are held in Cape Town, South Africa, usually on the first Saturday of the month. Join us and allow us to share our knowledge with you.

Where do I get bees? In the Western Cape, we have the native, Apis Melifera Capensies. Also, known as the Cape Honey Bee. Often we have bees move into empty Langstroth boxes. There are various ways to get bees. You can buy a swarm from your local beekeeper. You can do a removal from a compost bin, or you can put an empty baited box out with the hopes of catching a swarm. To name a few!! We sell Langstroth bees hives that come prepared to catch, all you need to do is put the box outside and hope for the best. Or you can take part in bee removal services. If you do them correctly you will be able to keep them. You will be able to manage the colonies you removed and increase your colonies. Then hopefully harvest some HONEY! Or you can buy bees from a local beekeeper. Contact us today to see if we can put you in contact with someone who would be willing to assist.

What is the best hive to start with? The most common hive to work within South Africa is the Langstroth bee hive. These hives come complete with a brood and super chamber. They come with frames that have wax starter strips in them. The bees use these strips as a guide to starting their new colony.

What basic beekeeping equipment do I need? To start beekeeping all you need is an empty bee hive.






The above list will get you a long way to becoming a beekeeper.

What is the best time of the year to start beekeeping? Honestly, the best time to get started is the moment you decide beekeeping is something that you want to do. You can start by getting an empty beehive box. Then wait for your first swarm to move in, or put your name out there and do some removals.

What is the best time of the year to put out catch boxes? Bees commonly swarm because, they are congested. When there is not enough space in their current home part of the colony leaves. This usually happens when there are a lot of flowers out for the bees. They collect nectar from these flowers, for example during spring in the Cape we have the canola that flowers from July to September. The bees build up on the canola and often swarm off during this time and move into, hopefully, your empty boxes.

How do I catch bees? By putting out boxes with bees wax foundation sheets, or starter strips, in the frames. You are providing an ideal space for the bees. Our bees are part of the Western Honey bees family, they must a cavity. This is what you are giving them by providing them with an empty box.

How should I treat my hive?

How can I start a honey farm?

Where can I get training to become a beekeeper?


Questions from non Beekeepers


I have land and want to get in contact with a beekeeper. Who can put their hives on my land in exchange for honey, who do I contact? We are always looking for more space to keep our bees. Please get in touch with us today. We will come out and meet with you to see the space you have in mind and discuss the possibility.

I don't have land but want to be involved somehow. How can I help our precious bees? Where do you source your honey? Ideally, our honey comes from our own hives. We manage the bees to ensure there is enough space for them in the hive. We also want them to be strong enough to collect honey from the flowers that are in bloom. When we do not have enough to supply our demand. We source from our fellow beekeepers whom we trust to only supply us with the purest honey around.

Where do you sell your honey? We supply honey to health shops and pharmacies, you can buy our honey directly from FaithfulToNature. Our brand is Hoerikwaggo Honey.

Where can I find Bees Wax? We sell bees wax in various weights, contact us today to place your order.

What can one do with Bees Wax?


Questions from farmers


What experience do you guys have with what crops? What areas do you guys work in? I need bees to pollinate my crop, how can I get in touch with a service provider?