Mentors for 2025

The Role of a Mentor

Mentors should read and follow the Rhode Island Beekeepers Association's recommended “Best Practices For New Beekeepers.”
This will reduce the chances of the “ask 10 beekeepers, get 10 answers” issue that tends to be confusing for a new beekeeper.
If an issue is found in the hive, the mentor should explain what is seen, why it may be occurring, and what some basic remedies are.
This helps eliminate the “my mentor said I had mites, so I had to treat” or, “my mentor told me to do it, but I don’t know why.”
If a mentor is unable to decipher or diagnose a colony issue, they should guide the new beekeeper to an appropriate source.
The mentor can also aid the new beekeeper in collecting the information needed (photos and notes) to present to another beekeeper for assistance.
Mentors should not lead an inspection. They should observe the technique of the mentee and provide positive feedback and constructive criticism.
One thing that should be evaluated is how a mentee handles a frame from start to finish. For example: Were they slow, deliberate, and gentle? Did they fully assess the frame accurately?
The mentor should not be bringing their personal tools to a mentee’s hive, to reduce the chance of spreading disease. Gloves should be newly washed; disposable gloves are preferable.

Mentees should read and follow the Rhode Island Beekeepers Association recommended “Best Practices for New Beekeepers” in order to ensure they will be in agreement with the mentor.
Understand that your mentor is volunteering their time and is not a private tutor. Efforts and research should be made to try to solve your issue first.
Prior to the arrival of your mentor, you should have your hive notes available, all your equipment in order for the inspection, and a plan (what you need help with or are concerned about).
You should have your smoker and combustible materials ready to light when your mentor arrives. You should always have a lit smoker when opening a hive.
The mentee should be receptive to feedback from the mentor and ask for additional feedback if needed.
After the session, the mentee should spend additional time following up by doing additional research and reviewing sources regarding topics that were discussed in the meeting.