FAQ

Q. Do you ever get stung?

A. Unfortunately, yes. When working with a large hive with hundreds of thousands of stinging insects, eventually you will get stung. Wearing the proper PPE and working methodically help to reduce my chances of being stung. Stings usually happen when I am moving too quickly or when my mind is somewhere else.

Q. Why did my honey crystalize?

A. Crystallization is a natural process for pure, non-heated honey. Crystallization is caused by the ratio of fructose to glucose in the honey, or in other words it depends on what the bees forage on. All honey will eventually crystallize if left long enough, some might do it sooner than others. As a mom the crystalized honey is one of my favorite products! It is so much easier (and cleaner) for the kids that want help.

Heating the honey will make the crystals dissolve and prevent re-crystallization, but you can lose some of the benefits of eating local raw honey.

Q. How much work is involved in keeping bees?

A. A lot. I normally check my hives 1-2 times per week depending on the season plus and hour or two per week of prepping and caring for equipment. From April-June I can work bees for as many hours as I have available and still have stuff to do. In the summer and fall it might be 2-5 hours a week, unless there is a problem (and there is always a problem!)

Q. Where is the best place in my yard to keep bees?

A. In a very sunny section of your yard without much traffic. Bees can take up to 20 feet to get up to a height that will be higher than your head as they leave the hive. Without enough space, they can bounce off you and increases your chances of getting stung accidentally.