Taking a look back at 2025 and having hope for 2026!!
In 2025 I became the Lazy Beekeeper. So much hysteria about why the bees died, splitting a hive or chemical-ing it to death. So much misinformation given out by those that have been beekeeping for maybe only a couple of years.
Y’all just will not admit that the reason bees get weak is because you chemical them to a point that they cannot live without it. They get WIMPY!! Just like a heroine addict, they cannot live unless you spray them, OA them….chemical them to death. Yes, beekeepers will have losses. This is a numbers game…if you haven’t figured it out yet. But all the chemicals in our air and all the chemicals in our crops that bees must forage on, are greatly reducing the population. All as intended by our “wonderful” agriculture department!!
I am no longer listening to MANY OF YOU!!
You can call me “A Lazy Beekeeper” if you want. I really do not care. All pollinators, including Honey Bees have existed without human intervention for a Very Long Time!!
Some examples…..
I never put any unnecessary chemicals in my hive. No mite stuff. If you have to wear a gas mask to protect yourself while administering……what do you think it does to the Bees?? I do put in hive beetle traps.
I have limited my “inspections” of the hive and when I do, they are short and sweet. No need to dig to find the queen just to see her. I look for eggs, brood and healthy looking bees. Every intrusion into a bee hive results in days for the bees to get stuff fixed that you messed up!!
I do not split hives. They know much better than I, how to split. I just have to have the right equipment to entice them into. That I have found in a specific Swarm Trap with specific measurements. The bees will check it out and they know how to measure! (See Dr. Thomas Seeley’s book – Honey Bee Democracy)
I do not feed much. I plant for my bees. True nectar and pollen from plant sources is a much better source of food for them. Sugar syrup has no nutrients, just carbohydrates. I will feed in an emergency or a new Nuc or package.
One thing that I do, that most clubs do not suggest, is that I wrap my hives in the winter. Here in North Carolina, with all the weather tactics, we have 75 degrees one day and 50 the next. Lows can be anywhere from 60 at night to 25 at night. A dark wrap gives the bees a bit more control on the temp inside the cluster and the darker the wrap, the more the hives absorbs the sun. The wrap also keeps out the wind, although their propolis does a very good job with that.
I have reduced the bee clubs that I go to and I have totally kicked some to the curb. I belong to several different bee clubs in my area. All within an hour drive. I pick and chose, according to the topic that month, where I want to go. If I’m not learning something, it is a waste of my time!!!
I spent a lot of time mentoring and teaching my friend and fellow beekeeper. He is 12 years old and has done quite well this year. He has 5 hives, mostly from catching swarms.
Oh, and last but not least…….I PUBLISHED MY BOOK in March 2025. “Honey Bees and Flowers Please”. A guide for anyone that wants to plant for their bees or just pollinators in general.
HAPPY 2026!!!
NAMASTE’
