Syllabus 2021
2021 Beginner Beekeeping Course
January Course
Thursday evenings, 6:00 pm – 7:30pm
University of Maine Cooperative Extension
75 Clearwater Drive, Suite 104
Falmouth, ME 04105 207.781.6099
Instructor: Master Beekeeper Erin MacGregor-Forbes
Textbook: “The Beekeeper’s Handbook” 4th Edition, Diana Sammataro & Alphonse Avitabile
Week One- January 14, 2021
The Beekeeper’s Handbook- Chapters 1-4
Subjects:
- Introduction to the Course
- Why Beekeeping?
- Understanding Bees Colony Activities
- Beekeeping Equipment
- Obtaining and Preparing for Bees
Week Two- January 21, 2021
The Beekeeper’s Handbook- Chapters 5, 6, & 7
Subjects:
- Beekeeping Equipment
- Obtaining and Preparing for Bees; Working Bees
- Package Bees and Nucleus Hives
- Feeding Bees
Week Three- January 28, 2021
The Beekeeper’s Handbook- Chapters 8 & 9
Subjects:
- Your Growing Colonies
- Summer/Fall Management
- Getting Ready for Winter Winter/Spring Management
- Next Spring- your overwintered colonies!
Week Four- February 4, 2020
The Beekeeper’s Handbook, Chapters 13 & 14
Subjects:
- Pathogens and Parasites of Honey Bees
- Pests of Honey Bees
- Varroa Mites and their treatment
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Varroa and Tracheal Mite
Week Five- February 11, 2020
The Beekeeper’s Handbook, Chapters 10, 11, 12, & 15
Subjects:
- Queens and Queen Rearing
- Special Management Problems
- Swarming and Swarm Control
- Pollination Products of the Hive
- Questions / Review