History of beekeeping

Abstract

Scope of Report: Bees are very ancient creatures. They were fully developed in their present form at least as early and probably earlier than modern mammals had evolved from their primitive beginnings, long before man had become man. Few, if any, other insects have had such a long and useful association with man. Men's natural appetite or craving for sweets has perpetuated this associated, and led to his semi-domestication of the honey bee. Naturally, this close association had produced a vast folk-lore and an even more thrilling history of the art or science of beekeeping. This report is designed to cover in a brief manner the history of the keeping of honey bees for pleasure or profit.

Findings and Conclusions: Early records indicate that man has used the products of the hive since about 15,000 B. C. and possibly much earlier. Honey and beeswax have been important items of commerce since about 3500 B. C. Man has been both intrigued and envious of the honey bee colony and much study, observation and experimentation with these fascinating little creatures has developed.

The practice of beekeeping has increased over the centuries and many thousands of individuals now keep honey bees for pleasure or profit. There are approximately five and one-half million colonies of honey bees in the United States at present and the value of honey and beeswax produced yearly is nearly forty-four million dollars. The value of the honey bee as a pollinating agent in virtually impossible to estimate but it undoubtedly runs into the millions and possibly billions of dollars annually.