You can start beekeeping in your backyard (check to see if you need a permit) with just a single hive of bees, but beekeeping has it's own language that wee will call "BeeSpeak". Here are some definitions for some of the more confusing terms.

#1. Apiarist

Sounds like a position in the ape section fo the zoo doesn't it?  An apiarist is another name for a beekeeper.  Fancy, Huh?

#2. Honey Bee

Bees that produce honey.  What you probably didn't know though is that most bees do not produce honey and that the honey bee is in the vast minority of bee species.

#3. Hive Tool

This is the nifty tool that beekeepers use to pry frames out of bee hives.  If you are finding that they seem overpriced, just buy a paint scraper - it's the same thing.

#4. Super

When I first started beekeeping this one really, really confused me.  The super is the part of the hive that the bees put the honey in.  It contains frames.  In beekeeping guides you will see instructions to add supers in the spring and fall.  (And I was wondering Super what?)

#5. Smoker

Absolutely one of the most important tools in beekeeping.  Usually a metal pot with bellows attached to it.  It dispenses cool smoke that calms the bees.  You must get a smoker.  There is nothing worse than a hive of extra bees.

If you are feeling a wee bit overwhelmed at the stuff you have to learn to start understanding honey bees and beekeeping, don't worry... it's really not too complicated (I promise).

Recommended Resource For Beginning Beekeepers