The Bees Are Here

Traditional hive

Several years ago, Bev had, what seemed to be a crazy idea, living in Newburyport, to raise bees. She enrolled in a course, first in Massachusetts, then in Springvale, to learn more about bees and hive management. She talked about and read several books. I was less passionate about it, although one of my best friends also had a fascination for bees and honey that rubbed off on me. It always seemed like a far off idea.

This hive was purchased at Bee Pride in Lebanon Maine this spring. Bev's son and ex built a different type of hive, called a top bar that appears on the left below. 

Bev met Brandon at the bee class early this spring. Brandon also raises goats at his family's farm, and started his first hive two weeks ago. We all suited up, and Brandon led the transfer of the bees from the transport box into their new home. Almost immediately, several bees positioned themselves at the entrance of the hive and began fanning with their wings. I was told this is done because the queen emits a pheromone that when dispersed by fanning will let the other members of the hive know that she is inside, and this is home!

The bees will spend the day recovering from their move from Vermont, arranging the hive to their liking, and be prepared to spread out into the dandelions and budding fruit trees nearby.

Who has the epipen?