Bee Stings

• Bee stings are a negative aspect of beekeeping, as they do hurt; it is important to get the sting out as quickly as possible so the venom doesn't spread. Most beekeepers are philosophical about this, as they consider it part of the job and a few bee stings a year keeps them immune. Additionally, some believe bee sting venom helps arthritis and other inflammatory illnesses.
  
  

Allergies

• If a beekeeper is allergic to bee stings, this is another matter, as it can mean a hospital trip. Sometimes these can develop after someone has been beekeeping for some time. If a bee stings the neck of a person with an allergy, it can cause swelling, which restricts the windpipe, making it difficult to breathe. Another result of a bee sting allergy is anaphylactic shock, which basically shocks the organs in the body and needs emergency treatment.
  
  

Hives Not Producing

• It can be very disappointing when something goes wrong with beekeeping and either the bees leave the hive, or the queen bee dies, and no honey is produced. This can happen and can cause dejection in a beekeeper. Keeping bees is considered a stress reducer, since being out on a sunny day working with them and listening to their hum helps to calm. If this disappears, then stress returns, and means starting all over again with that hive.
  
  

Seasonal

• Bees only produce honey in warmer weather, so if a beekeeper uses his bees as a business, he must work year-round and hope enough honey is produced during the summer to keep his business afloat during the winter months. He may also have another business he can work on during that time.