Bee in Your Community
BACKYARD BEEKEEPING SERVICES
Bee in Your Community
The number of managed beehives in the U.S. has declined by more than 60% over the past 75 years. This is significant considering that 1/3 of all the food we eat is available due to the pollination work of honeybees. That's every third bite! Without honeybees, a large percentage of our food production would be lost. In fact, many fruits and vegetables would no longer be available. That is why Hive 5 Apiaries focuses each day on protecting the honeybee and encouraging community involvement, while fostering a resurgence of the honeybee population through partnerships within our community.
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Our Backyard Beekeeping Services program is also a great way to learn about beekeeping, get valuable hands-on experience (if desired), and determine if beekeeping is right for you before making the significant financial investment in your own equipment and honeybees.
Ready to learn about beekeeping, get involved and make a difference?
WHAT YOU PROVIDE
Create Neighborhood Buzz
A willingness to support the environment and community where you live, work and play.
Provide adequate space for your beehive at your residence, business, school or church.
Reap the benefits of pollination in your garden and within your neighborhood.
Enjoy watching your colony thrive and flourish throughout the year!
Learn about beekeeping and participate in inspections (if desired). Protective gear required to participate in inspections.
WHAT WE PROVIDE
Leave the Management to Us!
All beehive equipment, hardware, accessories, incl. setup (early spring).
Colony of honeybees.
Supplemental feeding as needed.
Natural pest treatments.
Swarm management.
Hive Inspections (at least monthly)
Status reports incl. photos & videos.
Equipment replacement as needed.
Winterizing and winter feeding.
Replacement queens if necessary.
Honey harvesting and packaging (gift packaging/labeling available at additional cost).
You keep a share of the honey!!
Hive equipment remains property of Hive 5 Apiaries
OUR PARTNERSHIP
Let's Get Started!
One (1) Beehive
A 12-month contract is required.
One-time setup fee: $100
$45/month thereafter, billed annually.
Client keeps 6 lbs of honey
Cancel anytime with 30-days notice
Hive installed in April
Two (2) Beehives
A 12-month contract is required.
One-time startup/setup fee: $150
$65/month thereafter, billed annually.
Client keeps 12 lbs of honey
Cancel anytime with 30-days notice
Hives installed in April
FAQ
Helpful Information
HOW MUCH IS THE CONSULTATION?
The consultation is FREE! We love to visit with folks to support their interest in pollinators and answer any questions related to honeybees or beekeeping. While onsite, we will find just the right spot for your hive(s)!!
HOW MUCH SPACE DO I NEED FOR A BEEHIVE?
Great question! Contrary to what you might think, beehives do not need a lot of space. Primary concerns include having an area that allows the bees a "straight shot" flight path in and out of the hive. Secondly, beehives thrive in sunlight...so having an area that gets plenty of sun is ideal. It's also a good idea to locate the hive in a quiet area of low traffic and activity. Other than that, hives can be located almost anywhere, including building rooftops...as long as there is beekeeper access!
DO I NEED TO BE PRESENTÂ FOR ALL OF THE INSPECTIONS?
You are welcome to watch inspections or participate any time we are onsite! However, you do not need to be present each time. As long as we have access to the hives, we can provide pictures and short videos of what's going on inside! Also, we always text you with 24-48 hour notice of when we plan to inspect.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY BEES DIE?
Unfortunately, sometimes colonies don't make it for various reasons, regardless of the amount of care we provide. Although this is uncommon, it does happen. As part of our backyard beekeeping services contract, should this happen, we will replace the colony as soon as we have bees available to do so.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE BEES IN THE WINTER?
The bees can easily survive the cold as long as they have food and proper shelter. We always make sure the colonies have plenty of honey stored for the winter, and we supplement that with winter feed in many cases. We usually "winterize" each hive around December 1st and prepare the bees for the winter months ahead.