FAQ
Q. Is it safe?
A. Honeybees are docile by nature and they die after they sting so they will only do so as a last-ditch effort to defend themselves or their colony. We take take necessary precautions to ensure that everyone is safe.
Q. How often do beekeepers visit my hive?
A. We check on the hive every two to four weeks from early spring to late fall. In the winter, we will check on your hive once every 4-8 weeks. If your bees are distressed and need extra support, supplemental visits are included. We coordinate each visit in advance and send a summary report afterward.
Q. When do you install the hives?
A. Typically in April and May. Installations after June are accommodated on a case-by-case basis, depending on our inventory levels. Deposits for new hives are accepted at any time for installation the following season.
Q. What happens if my bees die?
A. We fully guarantee the health of our bees and queens. If a colony dies, we will replace it with a healthy one from our own stock at no additional cost.
Of course, we hope each beehive will thrive for years to come. The reality is that pollinators are dying at an unprecedented rate. Should your hive succumb to the fates of up to 40% of beehives in the US each year, and not survive due to disease, poor habitat, weather, or pests, your emotional and financial investment is not for naught.
Q. What does the equipment look like?
A. We work exclusively with Langstroth beehive equipment. It consists of hand-crafted all-natural pine supers that contain 8 frames per box. At the beginning of the season, an individual beehive stands at one box tall and will grow to 3-5 boxes by the height of the season.
q. How many honeybees are in a colony?
A. Honeybee colonies start at 10,000 bees and will grow up to 50,000 at the height of the season. A beehive population consists of 90% female workers, 10% male drones, and 1 queen.
Q. What happens to the honeybees in the winter?
A. Honeybees remain alive in their hive during the winter. They survive off of honey stored from the warmer months, enter a metabolic state where they reserve their energy, and cuddle around the queen to keep warm.
Q. Should I worry about pesticide use in my area?
A. There are many factors to why bees are dying. Pesticides are certainly a key contributor. We encourage our clients to do their part by using environmentally friendly alternatives and leading by example.