INTRODUCING: THE BEE APIARY AT TERRAMOR OUTDOOR RESORT.

We recently asked our Beekeeper, Omar, a few fun questions about our resident bees on property. Here’s what we found out:

What is the most interesting learning aspect about the bees so far?

The most interesting learning aspect about bees is their ability to sense a person’s temperament. If a beekeeper is exuberating the sense of fear or anxiousness, the bees, in return, will react to those senses in a similar manner. Having a serene and peaceful demeaner while handling a beehive, the colony translates a beekeeper’s calm vibe as a sign of safety and protection.

 

What is the harvesting process timeline for the bees?

Many beekeepers find it best to harvest honey between July and September. The colder it gets the harder it becomes to extract the honey from the wax frames.

 

How many times a day do you check on the bees?

It is recommended to check on bees no more than once a week. Opening a beehive often could cause stress to the colony that could result in a slower production of honey and wax.

 

What kind of bees do you work with here at Terramor?

Russian honeybees.

 

Are there any bee facts you would like to share to people who do not have too much knowledge on them?

• The honeybee has an average life cycle of 15-38 days, while the queen bee can live up to 2 years.
• Bees can fly up to 15 miles per hour.
• A queen lays an estimated 2000 eggs per day.
• A typical hive can contain up to 80,000 bees.
• One pound of honey is produced by nectar from 2 million flowers.

 

What safety precautions are taken when working around or with the bees?

• Wear protective clothing including gloves and proper boots.
• Use a smoker if the bees are too aggressive.
• If the bees seem to be too agitated, consider stepping back and giving them some time and space before reopening their hive.
• A beekeeper should always consider the weather before opening a hive.
• Avoid wearing heavy scented colognes or perfumes.

 

Why shouldn’t people be afraid of the bees?

People who fear honeybees and destroy bee colonies as a result of that fear, contribute towards the fast decline of the bee population. Honeybees are the natural pollinators that are responsible for crop production that humans rely on for survival. Without bees, a wide variety of natural foods including fruits, vegetables, beans, and nuts will quickly diminish.

 

Are there any health benefits to keeping bees around?

The act of beekeeping has been proven to reduce stress levels and improve a person’s wellbeing. It has also been proven that the hive air contains ingredients that boosts the body’s healing capacity. This has given many researchers an answer to why beekeepers have one of the highest life expectancies in the world.

 

Do bees communicate, if so, how do they do it?

Bees communicate through movement and pheromones. A dance known as the “waggle” is used to communicate nearby food sources.

 

What do bees eat?

Bees feed on nectar and pollen. Nectar is used for energy, and pollen is used as a protein.

 

How many hives should you start with and what way should the hives be facing?

It is recommended to start with a minimum of two hives to increase the colony’s chance of survival. Ideally, hives that are in the northern hemisphere should face south, and hives that are in the southern hemisphere should face north.

 

How far apart should the hives be from each other?

To avoid any aggressive behavior between the hives, it is best to place 2 or more hives at least 1 foot apart.

 

How much honey will you harvest your first year of beekeeping?

Harvesting around 50 lbs. of honey from an established colony is possible within the first year of beekeeping. If the hive is new and is still building its colony, it is highly recommended to only start harvesting honey on the second year. That way, the honey that is produced in their first year is used as a survival tool to help them further build a healthy colony that would have a higher chance of surviving the winter season.

 

What happens to the bees over the cold winter?

During the winter season, honeybees cluster tightly to stay warm. Worker bees will vibrate their bodies to generate heat, while the queen will remain towards the center of the hive where temperatures reach up to 90 degrees.

 

Did you have to get registered to become a beekeeper?

There is no registration required in the state of Maine. However, having a beekeeper mentor during the first few months of beekeeping is highly recommended.

 

Is there anything to be aware of when creating your hives, diseases or other insects trying to infest?

Tiny parasites known as mites have been one of the leading causes of the decline of bee population. They are tiny external parasites that feed on the bee’s larvae and pupae causing malformation and weakening, that leads to transmitting numerous viruses. However, the biggest threat to the survival of the bee population on a wider scale, is simply the advancement of human society.

 

What sparked your interest in creating this bee project?

The idea of starting a bee farm originated from the roots of what Terramor is striving to achieve, and that is to remind us of what nature has to offer. Not only is beekeeping a way to create a sanctuary for our wildlife, it is also a way to connect us with the importance of preserving nature’s pollinators. Beekeeping gives us the opportunity to harmonize with nature in the same way a bee pollinates a flower. And when the true purpose of engaging with bees is revealed, the outcome will be sweeter than honey and greater than joy.

 

Want to learn more about the bees? Attend one of our weekly beekeeping events. See our events calendar for dates and times.

Book a private 90-minute bee experience as your make your reservation, or contact our front desk to schedule.