BC Bee Supply is thrilled to be part of your beekeeping journey, and we remain interested in what brings you to this fascinating hobby. Thank you for sharing any honey collection tales, sting stories and inspection wonders with your fellow beekeepers!
Top reasons to become a beekeeper:
Help the bees!
Honeybees are threatened by sweeping changes to the climate,
reduced foraging habitat, wide-spread pests and diseases, and chemical use in food crops. Starting a beehive is a small way to keep the bee population up.
Boost the environment!
2020 has been a banner year for planting a garden and improving landscapes and neighbourhoods. In the city, local environments can be very diverse and productive for food, vegetation and wildlife. Backyard blooming in suburban homes and acreages can be a source of bee-friendly flowers, vegetables and the best tasting honey.
Food sustainability!
Best estimates show that approximately 1/3 of food consumed by humans is reliant on insect pollination. Both domestic and imported fruits and vegetables are dependent on the honeybee and other pollinator species. One beehive can lead to better food and farming in your space and the surrounding area.
Honey and beeswax!
And pollen, and propolis, and royal jelly and bees themselves! There are lots of crops that benefit from the bees and that are produced by them. Most people love the taste of honey but versatile resources like beeswax can also be used in wood protection, cleaning and cosmetic products.
Healthy lifestyle!
Honey is also good for you. It is thought to help with everything from sore throats and digestive disorders to skin problems and hay fever. Honey has antiseptic properties and was historically used as a dressing for wounds and a first aid treatment for burns and cuts. The natural fruit sugars in honey – fructose and glucose – are quickly digested by the body. This is why sports enthusiasts and athletes use honey to give them a natural energy boost.
Model of Production!
A single hive can produce 50-100 pounds (22.5-45 kg) of honey a year. The average foraging bee brings home a total of about one-twelfth of a teaspoon of honey-producing nectar - and then she dies after only six weeks.
The moral is that every tiny contribution ensures the survival of the hive. What can we, as humans, learn from this? What could we do if we applied more effort and planning towards growing our own safe, sustainable food? Or support local suppliers of food and goods that have not been diluted, transported by distribution truck or container shipments?
Top reasons to become a beekeeper:
Help the bees!
Honeybees are threatened by sweeping changes to the climate,
reduced foraging habitat, wide-spread pests and diseases, and chemical use in food crops. Starting a beehive is a small way to keep the bee population up.
Boost the environment!
2020 has been a banner year for planting a garden and improving landscapes and neighbourhoods. In the city, local environments can be very diverse and productive for food, vegetation and wildlife. Backyard blooming in suburban homes and acreages can be a source of bee-friendly flowers, vegetables and the best tasting honey.
Food sustainability!
Best estimates show that approximately 1/3 of food consumed by humans is reliant on insect pollination. Both domestic and imported fruits and vegetables are dependent on the honeybee and other pollinator species. One beehive can lead to better food and farming in your space and the surrounding area.
Honey and beeswax!
And pollen, and propolis, and royal jelly and bees themselves! There are lots of crops that benefit from the bees and that are produced by them. Most people love the taste of honey but versatile resources like beeswax can also be used in wood protection, cleaning and cosmetic products.
Healthy lifestyle!
Honey is also good for you. It is thought to help with everything from sore throats and digestive disorders to skin problems and hay fever. Honey has antiseptic properties and was historically used as a dressing for wounds and a first aid treatment for burns and cuts. The natural fruit sugars in honey – fructose and glucose – are quickly digested by the body. This is why sports enthusiasts and athletes use honey to give them a natural energy boost.
Model of Production!
A single hive can produce 50-100 pounds (22.5-45 kg) of honey a year. The average foraging bee brings home a total of about one-twelfth of a teaspoon of honey-producing nectar - and then she dies after only six weeks.
The moral is that every tiny contribution ensures the survival of the hive. What can we, as humans, learn from this? What could we do if we applied more effort and planning towards growing our own safe, sustainable food? Or support local suppliers of food and goods that have not been diluted, transported by distribution truck or container shipments?
There are many more reasons to keep bees. Some folks are just fascinated by the workings of the hive mind, by the communal behaviours and the ability to withstand extreme conditions. Others are moved by the spiritual connection with these creatures that exhibit the highest forms of natural harmony and community.
What’s your reason for wanting to keep bees?
What’s your reason for wanting to keep bees?