Question 1

I am interested in becoming a beekeeper. How should I get started?

Accepted Answer

NMBKA hosts a Certified Beekeepers program. Consisting of 2 summer semesters that start in early spring and end in early fall. You can learn more about the Certified Beekeepers Program here.(https://www.nmbeekeepers.org/certified-beekeepers-program)

Additionally, we recommend becoming a member of your local beekeeping orgs, reading all the books that you possibly can, and seeking out a mentor.

Beekeeping requires much more time and knowledge than most people expect.

Question 2

Can someone from NMBKA come speak or host a table at my school or event?

Accepted Answer

We would love to be involved in your event, and we welcome opportunities to educate the community about beekeeping. We work with a wide range of volunteer beekeepers across many levels who are always looking for outreach opportunities.

Please include the following details in your request:
-The date, time, and location of the event
-Will a table or tent be provided
-How many volunteers would you like to have present
-Is there a presentation or talk you would like for us to give?

Please reach out through our contact form or email info@nmbeekeepers.org (info@nmbeekeepers.org)

Question 3

Help! There is a swarm of bees in my yard or neighborhood! What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Swarms might look scary, but they are very docile. When bees have no home or resources to protect, their focus is solely on finding a new home.  Stay calm, keep a safe distance, and keep an eye on where they land (usually in trees).

Please please please do not try to swat them away, or spray them with pesticides or water!

A few things to note:

• Swarming is a natural urge for bees. This is one way they ensure their genetics survive and they reproduce while still maintaining an appropriately sized hive.
 • Honey Bees are not wasps or hornets. Be sure you know for sure that you are dealing with Honey bees. 
 • When Bees swarm, they will sometimes hopscotch to their new home. The queen cannot fly very far and, therefor, they may land in one area for a few days, before moving on to the next location. 
 • If you are in the ABQ or Santa Fe areas, contact the local swarm hotline: 505-238-7022. Please be patient. The swarm hotline and beekeepers are all volunteers.
 • Any other areas: contact your local bee organization or reach out to a local beekeeping forum (NMBKA (https://www.facebook.com/groups/nmbka)has a large public forum that is great for requesting swarm help)

Question 4

Where can I find a beekeeper to help mentor me?

Accepted Answer

We recommend joining your local Beekeeper groups, attending their meeting, and becoming active in the NMBKA community. Beekeepers love to share their knowledge with folks who are learning.

Join your community, and the mentors will soon follow.

Question 5

How can I get a beekeeper to put hives on my property?

Accepted Answer

Beekeepers are often open to this arrangement. We encourage you to reach out to local forums to ask if anyone is interested. It is important to note that bees forage up to ~5 miles. While some beeks will be happy to utilize your space, mentorship typically will require a fee. Please utilize our NMBKA Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/nmbka)to reach out.

Albuquerque area residents may also want to reach out to ABQ Hive Rentals (https://abqhiverentals.com/hive-rentals/)to inquire about their service.

Question 6

Is there a local beekeeping organization in my area?

Accepted Answer

There are organizations all across the state. These are the local clubs we have been able to verify for 2025.

We know there are more! If you have contact details for other statewide beekeeping groups or forums, please let us know!

Albuquerque Beekeepers (ABQ Beeks) 
Website: https://abqbeeks.ning.com (https://abqbeeks.ning.com)  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1894495293914135 (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1894495293914135)
Point of Contact: Matt Strong, bearcanyonhoney@outlook.com

Four Corners Beekeepers Association (Farmington/Four Corners area) 
Website: https://4cornersbeekeepers.com (https://4cornersbeekeepers.com)
Point of Contact: Kristie Hinds, (505) 504-8524

High Plains Beekeepers (Clovis area)
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1670238479881226(https://www.facebook.com/groups/1670238479881226/)

Paseo Del Norte Beekeepers Association (El Paso, Santa Teresa, Las Cruces, T or C  area) 
Website: https://pdnbeekeepers.org/reportaswarm/(https://pdnbeekeepers.org/reportaswarm/)
Point of Contact: Josh Meier

Pecos Valley Beekeepers (Artesia, Roswell area)
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/143471613750030(https://www.facebook.com/groups/143471613750030/)

Sacramento Mountains Beekeepers (Alamogordo, Ruidoso area)
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/483236118374096/(https://www.facebook.com/groups/483236118374096/)

Sangre De Cristo Beekeepers (Santa Fe, Española area)
Website: https://sdcbeeks.org (https://sdcbeeks.org)
Point of Contact: Kate Whealan, katewhealen@earthlink.net(mailto:katewhealen@earthlink.net)

Southwest NM Beekeepers (NM Boot Heel area)
Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/2299960260060163/(https://www.facebook.com/groups/2299960260060163/)