FAQ
We've posted some of the frequently asked questions and provided detailed answers. If you don't see your answer, scroll below to submit a question to us.
Hosting a beehive has numerous benefits. However, beekeeping has a hefty upfront investment, approximately $800 for one beehive, bees and associated equipment. If the hive suddenly dies due to Colony Collapse Disorder, we will replace the hive at no additional cost to you. For the more intimidated person, this offers a means to have bees without the duty of hive inspections. Come honey harvest time, we take care of the harvest and the packaging too. You get to enjoy the most local of honey possible–straight from your yard. However, if you would still like to take on beekeeping on your own, we're always up for more folks to join the cause!
Not at all. All of our bees are from local swarms or registered apiaries and are not Africanized. Furthermore, Africanized bees are extremely rare in Louisiana, unlike areas such as California and Arizona.
We avoid it unless absolutely necessary. Beekeeping varies by hive, location, and many other variables. Some hives are able to survive for years with no treatments ever. Other hives die within weeks. Our primary concern are the bees. We believe that healthy bees (and alive ones) are more important than buckets of honey. So with inspections and a natural approach, we try to support the hive with minimal interference. But at the risk of losing a colony to a problem that can be treated, we choose to do what's necessary to save them.
This is one of the many advantages of hosting a hive. As you may know, the bee population is struggling. Colony Collapse Disorder occurs when the entire hive dies spontaneously. Researchers are still trying to figure out what causes Colony Collapse Disorder, but the probable cause is pesticides and/or mites. In any event, if the hosted hive dies due to reasons other than Host interference, we will replace your hive.
Beehive production can vary significantly from hive to hive. As such, we cannot guarantee a specific delivery of wax or honey from your hive. In the event that your hive does not thrive, we will do our best to substitute with honey and wax from a neighboring hive. You will also be given the opportunity to purchase surplus honey and wax from your hive at a discounted rate.
If you live outside of Orleans Parish, we may still be able to offer our services. Please contact us to discuss things further.
Beehives can be placed almost anywhere- in a backyard, on a rooftop, downtown shopping center, etc. With any location, you'll want to meet local and state restrictions to be in compliance. Additionally, picking an environment that helps bees thrives is always best. If you're interested in whether you have good place to host a hive, we can inspect a location for the basic necessities.
Each hive has a footprint of about 2 square feet. We like to place hives about 10 square feet from regular traffic and activity, but each location is unique. We offer free, no obligation consultations so don’t hesitate to contact us if you are interested in hosting a hive.
Yes, absolutely! We will evaluate your location and determine the best location for your hive(s). Bees are typically quite passive. If you have a small area, there are provisions that can be made to alter the bees flight patterns. Additionally, bees are an excellent educational opportunity for children.
Oftentimes bees will seek out water sources they find attractive (they actually can smell water!). Keeping a water source intended for the bees will help direct them to a constant supply (so they won't keep looking for your neighbor's pool). If you have a hive, make sure your waterer is kept full or give us a shout to come refill it, especially when it's hot. As far as the porch bees go, sometimes bees are attracted to porch lights and nearby landing spots when they're headed in for the evening. These ladies are usually just tired and little distracted. Time your lights to come on after sunset and that should help.
It depends on the time of the year, and what's going on with your hive. When temps are below 50F, the hives are typically left closed. During the spring and fall, nectar flows are in and hoves need to be checked regularly (possibly 2x or more each month). Think of your grass maintenance schedule. It's similar to that ;)
Only if the hive is located somewhere that we can't access without the hosts help. Some of our hives are in community gardens, open yards or lots, etc. Only restricted access hives (where the keeper doesn't have a code or the ability to get to the hive unassisted) does the host need to be present. Hive inspections can be scheduled with the hosts to best suit their individual needs. Hosts are certainly welcome at all hive visits, but it's not mandatory that they attend inspections.
Inspections can be booked through a few different options. Hive hosts that opt to be auto scheduled will receive a notification about their upcoming hive inspections. If they need to change their appointment they are able to do so by contacting us. Other hive hosts that opt for non-autmated scheduling will receive a link to our Calendly so that they can book their next appointment to fit their schedule.
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