What is a person who keeps bees called?

A person who keeps bees is called an apiarist or a beekeeper. An apiarist raises bees for agricultural or commercial purposes, primarily involving the collection of honey.

Apiarists are given this term because they keep the bees in an apiary, which may include one or several beehives. The primary responsibilities of apiarists include maintaining the beehives, protecting the bees and recapturing them if they swarm. When spring comes, beekeepers harvest the honey the bees produce. The honeycomb itself is often harvested and used for various purposes. While collecting the honey, an apiarist wears a long-sleeved suit with a mesh mask as protection from stings.