While the phrase ‘busy as a bee’ is a common idiom, have you ever stopped to think about just how industrious these tiny creatures really are? As beekeeping gains popularity, many people are discovering the fascinating world of apiculture. Not only can it be an engaging hobby, but it also offers numerous benefits. In this post, we’ll delve into the reasons why you might want to consider taking up beekeeping.
But before we get started, I encourage you to read our previous article on the potential risks involved in keeping bees. We believe that being informed is crucial before making any decisions, and we want to ensure you have all the facts at your fingertips.
The Gold
While many people keep bees for the honey, I was initially unaware of the significant difference in taste until my husband and I started beekeeping ourselves. The natural honey we produce far surpasses the store-bought variety in terms of flavor. Other beekeepers can attest to this; just ask them! But local raw honey does more than simply tantalize your taste buds – it also offers health benefits, particularly for those who suffer from seasonal allergies.
If you’re still unsure about taking the leap into beekeeping, try tasting some natural honey and you’ll quickly realize how wonderful it is to have a steady supply of high-quality honey produced right in your own backyard.
This Is Your Bees’ Wax
Beyond the sweetness of harvested honey, backyard beehives also yield a treasure trove of bee’s wax. This versatile natural resource offers endless possibilities for creative expression. With bee’s wax at your disposal, you can craft everything from luxurious lip gloss to soothing candles and even playful gummy bears. For those seeking inspiration beyond these ideas, there are numerous resources available to fuel your imagination.
Don’t discard the wax after extracting the honey – instead, unlock a whole new world of artistic possibilities waiting to be explored.
They Give Your Flowers A Boost
The notion that bees would bring a significant boost to our garden was no exaggeration. In reality, the impact was almost immediate. With the arrival of these busy pollinators, we noticed a marked change in the way our vegetables and flowers thrived. As they foraged for nectar and pollen, our plants responded with increased vitality and vibrancy. For those who cultivate their own gardens, whether as a hobby or profession, the benefits of bees are undeniable.
Even casual gardeners can appreciate the beauty and bounty that these tiny creatures bring to our outdoor spaces.
They are I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T
While it’s understandable to question the value of increasing your workload for the sake of honey and beeswax, there are several benefits to consider. One significant advantage is the relative independence of bees. Left to their own devices, they tend to thrive on their own, requiring minimal intervention from beekeepers. In fact, bees often prefer to be left alone, only necessitating human interaction during specific circumstances, such as hive splitting for overcrowding purposes.
For instance, this helpful resource provides valuable insights on the process of splitting hives. Furthermore, bees are capable of feeding themselves for most of the year, although open feeding can certainly make their lives easier. Raising bees is not akin to managing livestock; rather, it’s a unique opportunity to coexist with intelligent, industrious creatures that work tirelessly and efficiently to sustain themselves.
They Pay You Back And Then Some
Beekeeping has the potential to evolve from a leisurely activity into a lucrative venture. One of the most significant advantages is the sale of honey and beeswax, both byproducts of your bees’ labor. However, it’s not just these sweet and waxy products that can generate income. Your bees themselves can become a valuable commodity. As they multiply rapidly, you may need to split their hives, creating additional colonies in the process.
This influx of new hives presents an opportunity to sell them, yielding a significant profit without any upfront costs. When compared to other hobbies that drain your wallet, beekeeping stands out as an exceptional example of how a hobby can actually put money back in your pocket.
Beekeeping Is For Everyone
Regardless of age or occupation, beekeeping can be a fulfilling hobby that brings people together. For retirees, having more free time allows them to delve into the world of apiculture and even share their passion with grandchildren or great-grandchildren. Working professionals can also participate, finding creative ways to balance their busy schedules around their new hobby.
The beauty of beekeeping lies in its ability to unite families, providing a unique bonding experience that’s both educational and entertaining.
Bees Are Happy Anywhere
Regardless of whether you reside on a farm, in the suburbs, or even in an apartment in the city, keeping bees is a feasible option – as long as local ordinances permit it, that is. In reality, there’s no geographical limit to beekeeping. You’ll find backyard beekeepers thriving in suburban areas, while others who live in spaces with more acreage may take on a more traditional approach. Then there are apartment beekeepers who cleverly utilize rooftops for their bees.
Cities often welcome these urban apiarists as they struggle to ensure sufficient pollination. As long as your area boasts flowering shrubs, trees, or plants, you can raise bees – and don’t worry about the temperature, either, as these hardy creatures are surprisingly resilient.
They Give You Medicine
Propolis is often overlooked, yet it’s a crucial component in beekeeping. As the natural adhesive used by bees to construct their hives, propolis plays a vital role in maintaining the structure and integrity of their colonies. When inspecting your hive, you’ll notice frames suspended within, teeming with bees busy producing honey and nurturing young. To access these areas, you’ll need a trusty hive tool to carefully pry apart the frames.
But beyond its practical applications, propolis has been touted for its impressive array of health benefits. Research suggests it can aid in cancer treatment, prevent tooth decay, accelerate burn healing, and even more. As an added bonus, raising bees provides not only a sweet reward but also access to this potent natural remedy.
You Are Helping To Save The Bees
The world is facing a significant decline in bee populations due to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), a mysterious phenomenon that has left scientists baffled. CCD occurs when worker bees abruptly abandon their hives, leaving behind the queen, immature bees, and nurse bees responsible for caring for the brood. This abandonment creates an opening for parasites to infest the hive, ultimately leading to its demise.
The absence of worker bees also imperils the survival of the queen, further exacerbating the crisis. What’s particularly perplexing is that this behavior defies the natural instincts of worker bees, which would normally prioritize the well-being and safety of their queen and colony. The alarming frequency of CCD events has resulted in a substantial decline in bee populations, with devastating consequences for our food supply chain.
Without bees, pollination comes to a grinding halt, putting our very food security at risk. It’s crucial that we take collective action to address this crisis. By supporting beekeeping efforts and nurturing these vital insects, we can work towards increasing their numbers and ultimately save the bees.
They Don’t Cost That Much
While it may seem like a daunting task to purchase a cow or even goats, the reality is that bees can be a relatively affordable option. To get started with beekeeping, you’ll need to invest in a few essential items, including a high-quality bee suit, a beehive, a smoker, and a startup nuc. Alternatively, you could opt for DIY bee hives or even learn how to obtain bees for free. Even when factoring in the cost of these necessities, the total expense should come out to $500 or less.
In the grand scheme of things, this is a relatively small price to pay for the opportunity to raise a living creature that provides multiple products, requires minimal feed, and largely takes care of itself.
Bees Are Like A Day At The Spa
My initial encounter with bees was marked by terror. The fear of being stung was overwhelming, and the first few minutes were a nightmare. However, as time passed, I began to appreciate their gentle humming noise. The bees’ curiosity-driven behavior, including bumping against my veil and landing on my beekeeping suit, soon won me over. I was astonished by their friendly nature, which is quite the opposite of what I had expected.
They were simply trying to understand who I was, and this non-aggressive demeanor struck a chord with me. As I continued to work with bees, I discovered the calming effects of being surrounded by their soothing sounds. Moving slowly and deliberately around the bees allowed me to fully immerse myself in their peaceful atmosphere. If you’re seeking a relaxing hobby, beekeeping might be an excellent choice.
The Beehives Add Character
When it comes to bees, most people wouldn’t think beyond their importance in pollination. But, what if I told you that these tiny creatures can also add a splash of personality to your property? That’s right, with bee hives, you have the freedom to get creative! You can leave them as is, or paint them vibrant colors that match your unique style. Imagine walking up to your home and being greeted by a bright yellow hive with intricate gray honeycomb patterns – it’s a game-changer!
If you’re an artistic soul looking for inspiration, there are plenty of fun and quirky ideas out there to get you started. And the best part? You can find all sorts of creative hive painting ideas online.
People Are Intrigued
I’ve found that introducing myself as a beekeeper is an excellent way to spark engaging conversations. When I share this tidbit, I’m often met with a mix of shock, curiosity, and interest from those around me. People are drawn in by the novelty of it all, eager to learn more about my experiences and the world of apiculture.
As a beekeeper, you’d be surprised at how many like-minded individuals you’ll encounter or how many people have fond memories of their grandparents tending to bees.
It’s not uncommon for folks to share stories of childhood summers spent learning from these tiny farmers. And then there are those who simply can’t get enough of the fascinating process behind harvesting honey and pollination.
In my experience, having a unique hobby like beekeeping has always led to lively conversations that never fail to leave me feeling energized and connected to others.
You Get To Wear A Cool Suit
When it comes to beekeeping, safety should always be top priority. While some beekeepers may venture out without protective gear, opting for short sleeves or even going bare-armed on YouTube videos, I highly recommend taking the extra precaution of wearing a full bee suit. Even the friendliest bees can become unpredictable at times, and accidental squishing is definitely possible. Moreover, hives can have their own mood swings, making it essential to prioritize caution.
The good news is that bee suits are surprisingly comfortable and provide an added bonus – you’ll get to feel like an intergalactic explorer for a little while!
You Become Intrigued By Nature
As you tend to your beehives, the harmonious collaboration of these tiny creatures creating a valuable product is nothing short of astonishing. It’s impossible not to become more mindful of your surroundings as you work alongside them. I’ve found myself caught up in moments of serenity while tending my garden this summer, only to be struck by the sight of my bees flitting from flower to flower, their industrious nature mirroring my own appreciation for the simple joys of life.
You Learn Fun Beekeeping Facts
As I’ve delved into the world of beekeeping, my curiosity has been piqued by these industrious insects. It’s astounding how tirelessly they work, and you can’t help but wonder what drives them. The more time I spend observing bees, the more fascinating facts I uncover. For instance, did you know that bees never truly rest? This reality not only intrigues me but also sheds light on their relatively short lifespan.
If you’re looking to spark your own curiosity or share a sense of awe with others, I highly recommend giving beekeeping a try. Not only do bees have much to offer, but they can also provide valuable insights into the natural world.
