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Gonna start keeping bees

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sleek:
I'm not interested in the honey,  though I may one day dab into it. I want bees to increase my grape and garden harvest. In my mind, I just set them up in a corner and forget they exist. I already spoke to my neighbors and nobody is allergic or has a problem with them. I live out in the country so I don't need to concern myself with too many people being bothered.

So, now that I have done the neighborly thing, and have need of the little ladies, is there anything I need to know or do for them? I live on the north eastern end of North Carolina if that makes a difference. We do have bear out here, and I need to keep an eye out for them.

I need to know the best way to get them, set them up, and everything else.  Anyone know a good resource for all that? I'm not wanting to spend lots on them, cheaply as possible would be best.

Outbackbob48:
Sleek, ya can't just set it and forget it with bees, They get to strong swarm and leave, get to weak just die, Like any livestock they need care. Good Luck  Bob

sleek:
Thanks. I didn't know the would swarm and leave. I thought swarming was good and that's the hive so strong the split in two.

Outbackbob48:
Sleek, your right about 1/2 of your investment staying and half leaving, My brother has 14 hives and with our cold spring he has been feeding  his bees sugar water until they can start gathering pollen and nectar , I know he buys sugar by the 50# bags, also he treats for mites each fall so they are strong going into winter, With so many new bee diseases it is hard to winter over bees. He was thrilled that this spring he only lost 4 hives over the winter, being in Carolinas your mileage may vary but bees are in trouble thru out the USA if not the world. Lots of spray drift from crops is hard on bees also. Not trying to deter you but do some homework before you invest. On the other hand my brother's honey is so good on a big stack of cakes. Bob

BowEd:
Good deal sleek.Bees are enjoyable.Nowadays it's quite the hobby for many.But Bob's right.Besides what Bob said they are plagued by mites too.They'll swarm in early spring.
Bees will adapt to the temperature.When cold they'll cluster in box.When hot they'll beard outside the hive box or while being treated for mites.In spring it can be a sign their ready to swarm too.You learn how to split hives too before they swarm.We only keep 4 hives.I help a fella who has around 60.

We use swarm traps I make to get free hives.Their vulnerable early spring many times for starving before things are in early bloom.Hard suger candy will need to be fed to them then.In fall they need mite treatment.
I'd get a book about them if you are serious.We've had bees here for quite a while and there's still things we learn.It's all about the queen.If your lucky 1 hive may last 3 to 4 years if it does'nt swarm or die.
Beekeeping for dummies or First Lessons in Beekeeping will get you started.I'm not even going to attempt to try to say all the things a person needs to know to have and keep bee hives around.
Swarm traps.....http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,67620.msg949680.html#msg949680
The honey/wax/and excess hives caught can add up to a fair amount of money.We sell right from our yard.

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