Learn With Brother Bee

Your guide to understanding, protecting, and living in harmony with bees.

Welcome to Learn with Brother Bee, a space created to share the sweet knowledge behind every buzz.

Here, you’ll find simple, engaging articles and free resources to help you understand the world of bees — whether you’re a curious beginner, a home gardener, or someone thinking about starting your own hive.

From bee facts and beginner guides to safe swarm removal tips and eco-friendly gardening advice, everything here is written with one goal: to make beekeeping and bee awareness easy, fun, and accessible to everyone.

Because when you learn about bees, you learn about nature itself — and that’s how we protect both.

Explore our latest posts below, or download a free resource to start your beekeeping journey with confidence.

So you’ve been bitten by the beekeeping bug — welcome to the club! Whether it’s for the love of nature, the honey, or just pure curiosity, starting beekeeping can be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. But before you rush out to buy a suit and a smoker, let’s walk through the basics.

1. Start Small and Learn as You Go

Every beekeeper starts as a beginner, and that’s okay! Begin with one hive — it’s easier to manage and helps you learn bee behavior before expanding. You’ll soon realize that bees are teachers; they’ll show you when you’re rushing, calm, or missing something.

2. Choose the Right Location

Your bees need a calm, sunny spot with nearby flowers and water. Avoid placing hives near heavy foot traffic, livestock, or where people often pass. If you’re unsure, start by observing where wild bees seem to thrive in your area.

3. Get the Right Equipment

You don’t need to spend a fortune. A basic setup includes:

• A hive (Langstroth or Top Bar)

• Bee suit & gloves

• Smoker

• Hive tool

• Feeder (for dry seasons)

4. Find a Mentor or Local Beekeeper

No video or book beats real experience. Reach out to a local beekeeper (like us at Brother Bee SA!) for guidance. We often host beginners or offer advice on setting up safely and sustainably.

5. Learn, Be Patient, and Observe

Beekeeping is about rhythm — not control. Some days your bees will be calm, other days they’ll test your patience. The key? Stay curious and consistent.

Beekeeping is more than a hobby — it’s a connection to nature. Take it one step at a time and enjoy every buzz-filled moment.

Need help getting started? Reach out to Brother Bee SA for advice, setup assistance, or local bee removal done the right way.

This one comes up a lot. Someone spots a swarm on their roof and asks, “Can you come get them for free? You’re just taking the bees, right?”

Let’s bust this myth once and for all — because bee removal isn’t just about collecting bees, it’s about protecting them and keeping people safe.

1. Bee Removals Are Skilled Work

Bee removals take time, equipment, experience, and — sometimes — a few stings. Each job requires assessment, safety gear, and careful relocation so the bees aren’t harmed. It’s professional work, not just a quick pickup.

2. Fuel, Equipment & Safety Costs

We often travel long distances (sometimes across towns) to help people safely remove bees. Add fuel, gear maintenance, and protective suits — and you realize there are real costs behind every rescue.

3. Why Paying Helps the Bees

When you pay for a removal, you’re supporting ethical relocation. We ensure the bees are moved to a safe apiary where they can thrive — not destroyed by pest control companies. Your payment keeps more bees alive!

4. The Bigger Picture

Beekeeping isn’t a big-profit industry — it’s a passion that sustains ecosystems. Paying for services like removals ensures the beekeeper can keep doing the good work that helps both people and the planet.

Wrap-Up

Next time you see a swarm, remember: calling a beekeeper isn’t a luxury — it’s a responsible choice.

Contact Brother Bee SA to safely remove and relocate your bees while protecting the environment.

Want to help the bees but don’t have a hive? Easy — plant for them!

Bees rely on nectar and pollen from flowers to survive, and the good news is that many local plants can turn your garden into a buzzing paradise.

1. Lavender

Beautiful, fragrant, and full of nectar. Bees love it — and it’s great for stress relief, too!

2. Wild Basil (Ocimum gratissimum)

Native and tough, this plant blooms beautifully and provides bees with long-lasting nectar.

3. Sunflowers

They’re cheerful, bright, and offer both pollen and nectar. Bonus: you get seeds at the end of the season.

4. Spekboom

Known as a carbon sponge and excellent for pollinators — this succulent helps bees and the environment at the same time.

5. Rosemary

It’s a culinary favorite and a bee magnet. Its small blue flowers bloom for months.

6. Aloes

Perfect for dry areas and winter blooms — just when bees need extra food sources.

7. Marigolds

Easy to grow, colorful, and attract all kinds of pollinators, including butterflies.

8. Basil

Not just for your kitchen — basil flowers are an underrated bee treat.

9. Indigenous Wildflowers

South Africa has hundreds of native flowers bees adore. Try planting a mix like gazanias, daisies, and wild sage.

10. Lemon Trees

Their blossoms are heavenly for both you and your bees — sweet nectar, beautiful scent.

Wrap-Up

Even one bee-friendly plant can make a difference. The more people plant for bees, the healthier our ecosystems become.

Want to learn more? Visit Brother Bee SA for educational resources or to get your own honey straight from local hives.