Buzzin! The Life and Times of the Honeybee in Mableton

Who thinks about honeybees now? Beekeepers do!  We worry.  Yes, that's right.  For those of us who are natural worriers it is just one more thing to worry about.  The bees are under attack right now!  Between, the diseases, the pests (varroa and african hive beetle), the pesticides, the lack of safe forage (food) and well, the beekeeper, all of these things are taking a toll on the bees.  

Right now the Fall foliage is starting and the bees are out in force collecting the last of the nectars and pollens available. I am getting my bee hives ready for winter and helping the bees to get all the food and pollen they can.  Most beekeepers are trying to decrease the amount of the pests the honeybee has to contend with right now.  Some beekeeepers are using chemicals, some are doing nothing and some are using more natural methods.

My apiary, Swarm Chasers Apiaries, is now Certified Naturally Grown.  It means that I do not use any chemicals in my hives and I try to limit my bees from pesticide, fungicide and herbicide exposure.  I only feed them when they need it.  I use sugar water with honey bee vitamins and I give them a pollen substitute.  

What can you do for the honey bees?  I recommend several things.  Plant plants that bees like.  Plant Asters now; they like this plant a lot.  It provides a good source of nectar and some pollen.  The other big thing is to STOP using chemicals in your yard.  It will help the bees to be more productive and beneficial to you and your garden!!!