Vegas Bees Goes Natural in 2024: A New Era of Beekeeping
Key Takeaways:
We're adopting a hands-off approach to beekeeping in 2024 to deepen our connection with the bees and the environment.
Our practices include reducing hive inspections, letting bees build their own natural comb, allowing swarming, and limiting hive treatments to only when necessary.
This approach fosters healthier hives, stronger immunity, and minimally harvested honey that captures the wild essence of our landscape.
As guardians of our buzzing companions under the vast Vegas skies, we, Betsy and Pete from Vegas Bees, are embarking on an exciting journey in 2024—one where nature takes the lead, and we follow with reverence and awe.
Yes, you heard it right—we're going natural! This shift isn't just a decision; it's a heartfelt commitment to our bees and the environment that sustains us all.
Why Natural Beekeeping?
The beauty of natural beekeeping lies in simplicity. It’s about stepping back, letting bees do what they’ve been doing for millions of years, and trusting their instincts. Our goal? To foster a healthier, more resilient bee population by reducing interventions and giving them the space to thrive on their terms.
Our Natural Beekeeping Practices
Reduced Interventions:
Minimal Hive Inspections: We'll only check in on the bees when absolutely necessary—no more bi-weekly disruptions. Instead, we'll observe from afar, intervening only when vital.
Natural Comb Building: We’re letting the bees construct their own comb on bars inside the hive. This natural process mimics what they would do in the wild.
No Unnecessary Splitting: Instead of artificial colony splitting, we’ll allow natural swarming, encouraging the bees to expand at their own pace.
Minimal Treatments:
Focus on Prevention: By providing strong hives and adequate winter nutrition, we’re allowing the bees to build up their own immunity.
Helping Only When Needed: We’ll prioritize observation and let the bees handle minor issues, stepping in only when absolutely essential.
Bee-Centric Harmony: Trusting Nature’s Wisdom
At the core of this shift is our belief in the innate wisdom of the honeybee. These incredible creatures have evolved to navigate challenges with remarkable resilience.
By stepping back, we’re creating space for their natural instincts to shine. This isn’t just better for the bees; it’s a humbling reminder for us to listen, observe, and respect the natural world.
A Taste of the Wild: Honey with Heart
This natural approach extends to the honey we’ll harvest—less quantity but more quality. The honey will capture the wildness of the landscape, distilled through the bees’ foraging choices.
Imagine tasting honey that’s not just sweet, but a true reflection of the untamed, vibrant desert flora.
Join Us on This Journey
This new chapter in our beekeeping journey isn’t one we’re taking alone. We invite you—our community, friends, and fellow bee lovers—to come along. We’ll share regular updates, insights, and stories from the hives, celebrating the highs and learning from the lows.
As we look toward 2024, we’re filled with excitement for the discoveries ahead. Join us, Betsy and Pete, as we listen, learn, and love, guided by the gentle hum of our bees and the wisdom of nature itself.
Betsy and Pete
Las Vegas, Nevada
About Us: The Authors
We're Betsy and Pete, passionate Las Vegas beekeepers trained by a master in the field. With hundreds of successful bee and bee swarm removals under our belts, we're not just experts; we're enthusiasts committed to the well-being of these incredible pollinators.
We manage dozens of beehives, both natural and honey-bearing at our Joshua Tree Preserve.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Education is an ongoing journey, especially in a dynamic field such as beekeeping. That's why we continually update our knowledge base, collaborate with other experts, and stay up to date with the latest advancements in bee control methods and beekeeping practices.
We also provide top-tier beekeeping supplies, offering everything a beekeeper needs, from beginners to experts.