Bzzz: Backyard Beekeeping a Burgeoning Business

When I discovered bees in my backyard earlier this summer, I called an exterminator. 

But for many others in the Hudson Valley, the buzzing insects are placed there purposefully to meet the increasing demand for fresh and locally-produced honey, the New York Times reported.

According to Emily DeNitto's story in the weekend edition, Let it Bee Honey—a local producer of the sweet stuff—"started with one hive in Hastings-on-Hudson in 2005 and now has hives in Bedford, Irvington and Rye and at Lyndhurst.'

The honey is sold at stores like DeCicco Family Markets in Ardsley and Mint Premium Foods in Tarrytown, as well as at the Hastings farmers’ market."

There is even a business for teaching locals how to raise their own bees to produce honey. 

D. J. Haverkamp—"who runs Bedford Bee Honeybee Service, a consulting firm that provides beekeeping services similar to a pool service"—will bring bees to residences in May and come back every two weeks to check in. He "harvests the honey in August, guaranteeing 10 pounds in 12-ounce containers."

Though nobody knows for sure how many backyard beekeepers there are in Westchester, the article estimates about 500.

To see Haverkamp in action,  in which he appeared as part of the Bedford Garden Club's Veg Out event. You can learn more about his services by visiting his website.

Read the full New York Times article here.