Apiculture is the practice of keeping and maintaining bees and their hives. The beekeeper is also referred to as the apiarist and the entire colony set up is called the Apiary. Beekeeping has grown in popularity in recent years and the raw honey, beeswax, and royal jelly are much sought after products. Build or Buy the Hive When you purchase the hive or the component parts the wood is unfinished. You will need to stain or paint the wood in order to protect it from the winter.