Keeping Bees Alive

Keeping Bees Alive is a practical, experience-driven guide for beekeepers at every stage — from those considering their first hive to seasoned beekeepers focused on long-term colony success.

Written by renowned entomologist Dr. Larry Connor, this book draws on five decades of hands-on experience in bee breeding, university instruction and applied beekeeping research. Connor walks readers through how to gather reliable information about honey bees, what common pitfalls to avoid and how to select the right hive type and bee stock for your operation. He also covers apiary location, sustainable bee biology and management practices designed to support healthy, productive colonies year after year.

A key focus of Keeping Bees Alive is understanding the causes of colony loss and implementing practical strategies to maintain stable, growing hive populations. The book concludes with a detailed review of biodynamic beekeeping, outlining both its advantages and limitations to help you make informed management decisions.

Whether you manage a single backyard hive or operate a larger apiary, Keeping Bees Alive delivers research-based insight and real-world guidance you can put to work immediately.