To survive and grow as a colony, honey bees need access to sufficient amounts of flowering plants and trees year round. This has been severely impacted by urbanization throughout the past few decades. Currently, over half of the world’s population reside in urban areas, and it is expected to rise to 70% between 2020 and…
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Although the honey industry may seem sweet, there’s something fishy going on. In the last 20 years since 2018, honey consumption has increased by over 40% as people search for healthier alternatives to sugar and are attracted by the benefits that honey offers. In 2016, 35% less honey was produced by American bees than 20…
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Although you can keep bees in urban, suburban, and rural areas, certain types of land and land factors create a more suitable environment for bees and beekeeping than others. Factors such as water, climate, forage, and predators determine how your bees live and produce honey. Climate and Temperature Honey bees have adapted to all types…
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When you first think about keeping bees in your backyard, you may initially start thinking about supplies, the bees themselves, hives, and space in your backyard. However, before you can even start assembling your beekeeping gear, one question must be answered: Am I even allowed to have bees on my property? Your city or town…
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Dearth is a difficult time for all bee colonies, and it occurs when there is a shortage of nectar-producing flowers in a colony’s foraging region. Flowers that normally produce nectar may not during times of stress, such as a drought. Dearth can be disastrous to colonies because a whole population can starve to death if…
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COVID-19 is a virus that has proven difficult to combat. One of the main defenses that the CDC has recommended is social distancing. This puts a wrench in beekeeping courses and club meetings that are usually hands-on and taught in person. To alleviate the stress of putting classes, hobbies, and future careers on hold, there…
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When you hear that 180+ mile-per-hour winds are heading towards your apiary, what do you do? While not guaranteed, there are some precautions you can take to mitigate damage to your beehives. If you have other suggestions/tips, please feel free to email us! Safety first. This is obvious, but we have to say it anyway:…
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A landowner has 233 acres of land available in the town of Midland, in Fauquier County, Virginia. If you are a beekeeper interested in learning more, please submit your information below and it will go to the landowner! Subscribe * indicates required First Name Last Name Email Address * Phone Number Zipcode How many hives…
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