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By: Theresa J. Martin
Use the QR code to see this and the other tools in action. Photo Credit: Theresa Martin
I am a solo beekeeper by choice. Though I regularly assist other beekeepers, and they offer to return the favor, I prefer beekeeping alone. I enjoy the solitude, the challenge, and knowing that my successes and my failures are my own. I am also a woman of a certain age, standing just 5-foot 1-inches tall, and weighing 110 pounds on a fat day. Even though I’m strong for my size, tenacious, and enjoy problem solving, keeping 20-25 colonies by myself requires devising techniques to increase safety and success (Figure 1).
In this first of a three-part series, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of solo beekeeping and describe the first two tips: safety and tools. In future articles, we’ll delve into seven additional tips: lifting, inspection efficiency, documentation, swarm catching, honey processing, combines, and finally, the bane of all solo beekeeping challenges — moving hives.
Pros and Cons
Like everything in beekeeping, there are advantages and disadvantages of doing all your beekeeping alone. The upside is not having to negotiate with anyone. Collaboration is marvelous, but sometimes, we want to do things when and how we want them done. Another advantage is enjoying the quiet, the solitude of nature, and moving at our own individualized pace.
While others may disagree, I appreciate the physical challenge of lifting heavy boxes and hauling equipment by myself. Beekeeping builds muscle strength while accomplishing productive work and is far more enjoyable for me than “working out” at the gym. Beekeeping is also mentally challenging. There are hive manipulations to puzzle through, bee biology to explore, and endless opportunities to practice problem solving. Beekeeping is for people who get bored easily. The art and science of beekeeping constantly evolves, with the best beekeepers studying bee biology, ecology, botany, chemistry, physics, pathology, mechanical engineering, and operations management.
There are downsides to being a solo beekeeper. The two major drawbacks are that it is riskier and everything takes longer. Solo beekeepers tend to be more safety-minded and self-sufficient, as these tips will demonstrate (Figure 2).
Tip #1 – Safety First
Beekeeping is fraught with potential dangers. Being a solo beekeeper increases the risk of experiencing issues, so it is incumbent on the solo beekeeper to take safety precautions.1 First, being able to call for help if a catastrophe occurs is paramount. A charged cell phone is the obvious answer. However, many keep bees in remote locations with spotty cell signal. One solution is newer phones offer an emergency SOS feature that uses satellite (Figure 3).
Appropriate choices of protective gear, proper use of smoke, reading defensive behavior, and developing good inspection techniques are all important safety choices. Although I generally work gloveless, I always light my smoker and wear my veil. Performing manipulations with Zen movements and reading warning signals is a learned skill I strive to perfect. I try to be conscious of how tired I’m getting, and while it is my nature to push through to completion, I remind myself that my exhaustion is the most likely cause for making mistakes I will regret.
Finally, anaphylactic shock can occur out of seemingly nowhere, so knowing the symptoms and carrying an EpiPen is wise.2 When working at night, such as going out after dark to close up a hive to move it, a headlamp and backup flashlights are required gear. Finally, be proactive by letting loved ones know where you are going and when you expect to return.
Tip #2 – Tools for Solo Beekeepers
Scan this QR code using your phone camera app to watch a 2-minute video demonstrating the use of these tools and techniques.
Inspections take longer with just two hands and one set of eyes. The solo beekeeper benefits from tools that increase efficiency and reduce wasted movement. While these improvements may seem minor, the savings and ease accumulate over many hives, inspections, and years. In addition, performing inspections efficiently means the hive is open for the shortest time possible, which reduces stress and disruption for the bees.
I keep my most frequently used tools in a belt for easy access (Figure 4).3 While two hive tools may seem excessive, I use the standard bent version against my body to pry boxes apart. The walk-around two-tool pry method shown in the video ensures the box is loose on all four sides to facilitate lifting it off. The J-hook is my preferred tool for lifting out frames. I also keep a queen-marking pen, lighter, bee brush, and other essentials in my tool belt.
In addition, I modified my smoker so I could attach it to my tool belt, reducing wasted time searching for it on the ground and inevitably tripping over it (Figure 5). Using wall anchor screws allows the hook to be attached securely without disassembling the smoker.
As detailed in a four-part series in Bee Culture Magazine, I rely heavily on the actionable information BroodMinder T2SM temperature sensors provide, such as indicating the queenright status of the colony and where the brood nest will be located.4 Also in a prior issue, I described the use of a hanging scale to weigh hives to ensure they are Winter ready and before pulling honey.
Solo beekeeping is not for everyone, but for those who are adept at working alone, it is both joyful and fulfilling. Next month, we will cover lifting and weight management, inspection considerations, and documentation value.
REFERENCES
1There are several resources that describe the risks and mitigating factors for keeping bees. Carobere, D. (Sept. 2021). Module 3: Occupational Safety & Health in Beekeeping. University of Turin, Italy. https://iyanolaapiculture.org/training/module3/#elementor-toc__heading-anchor-1
2All beekeepers should recognize the symptoms and actions for anaphylactic shock, both for themselves and others. Consider discussing the implications with your doctor. Masterman, B. & Mendel, B. (2025). This Might Sting Part 1. Bee Culture Magazine, (August 2025). https://beeculture.com/minding-your-bees-and-cues-47/
3I bought my tool bag and belt from Lowes. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Polyester-Utility-Bag/5015724037 The belt is sold separately. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-General-Construction-Canvas-Tool-Belt/5015726117
4Martin (2025) describes her use of BroodMinder temperature sensors and hive scale in a 4-part series. Martin, T. (2025, April, May, June, July). Take the Temperature of Your Colony: Part 1-4. Bee Culture Magazine.
Theresa J. Martin is the author of Dead Bees Don’t Make Honey: 10 Tips for Healthy Productive Bees, which includes a Foreword by Dr. Thomas Seeley. Theresa has achieved 99% colony survival and honey production that is twice the local average in her eight years as a beekeeper, with 20–25 colonies in Kentucky. She can be reached at theresa@littlewolf.farm
