Bee Literature

There are many books on beekeeping and stinging insects in general. Dan The Bee Man has looked at many of them, and here is a brief summary of useful books, most of which Dan The Bee Man has read cover-to-cover and keeps on his bookshelf for constant reference.

Beekeeping For Dummies
by Howland Blackiston is probably the best beginner book for aspiring hobby Beekeepers! He walks the reader through the complete first year of Beekeeping, with step-by-step instructions, great tips, and lots of illustrations. Don’t let the “For Dummies” title throw you off, this is a great book.

The Backyard Beekeeper – Revised and Updated: An Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Keeping Bees in Your Yard and Garden by Kim Flottum is another great resource for the hobby beekeper who by now has a bit of experience, but still would like to learn more.

The Beeman
by Laurie Krebs is a great book about beekeeping for kids from Kindergarten to 4th grade, especially if their grandpa or dad is a hobby beekeeper.

The Bee Tree
by Patricia Polacco is a beautifully illustrated children’s book about wild honey bees. For kids from pre-school to 2nd grade.

Bees, Wasps, and Ants: The Indispensable Role of Hymenoptera in Gardens by Eric Grissell gives great insights into the beneficial qualities of Bees, Wasps and Ants in the garden.

The Social Biology of Wasps
by Robert W. Matthews
is a must-read for anybody studying wasps. It is a purely scientific book, but the essays are well-researched and contain great details.