The Honeybee Farm at White Heron Retreat
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
100% Pure Wildflower Honey: Raw, unfiltered and extracted on site in glass jars. Our unheated and unadulterated honey comes directly from our hives within 25 miles of Wilmington, North Carolina.
Honey Bee Colony: Mature honey bee colonies contain 60,000 to 120,000 bees. These colonies produce a surplus of honey which can be extracted for human consumption and not starve the hive.
Nucleus Colony: “Nuc” colonies contain ~ 30,000 bees and initiate your honey bee adventure or should I say addiction. Nuc’s also contain 3 frames of brood (various stages), and 2 frames of food.
Queen Bees: Young queens lay over 2,000 eggs a day and choose to lay a male or female egg based on colony needs. A new queen can significantly alter the disposition and honey production of the colony.
Honey Bees: Over 90% of the colony consists of female worker bees and generally live 4-8 weeks during the nectar flow. Honey bees are an integral part of our ecosystem and pollinate 2/3 of our diet.
Propolis: “Bee glue” Aristotle coined this sticky, resinous substance to mean defender of the city. It protects the hive from invaders, diseases and maintains homeostasis. Highly medicinal for humans.
Bee Pollen & Bee Wax: Are available per request. Cleaned and unfiltered wax can be available.
Top & Bottom Boards: Ken personally constructs and offers assembled or un-assembled tops & bottoms made from treated lumber and AdvanTech sub-flooring for durability & decay resistance.
Initial Guidance / Future Instruction: Included in the purchase price for the items mentioned above. Text Ken: 910-443-2336 for more information, questions, ordering, and pricing.
Save the Swarm! If you see a swarm, call us immediately. We will rescue and re-home these wonderful little creatures free of charge. Swarming may be a nuisance but is a natural occurrence. The honey bee population is significantly declining, and every little honey bee makes a difference.
Am I Going To Get Stung? Yes…But, there are a multitude of ways to take precautions and ensure you have the best possible relationship with your honey bees. You can keep the honey flowing by wearing the proper equipment, altering your stress responses, and trusting your gentle hand.
Bee Keeper versus Bee Haver? Bees need love and attention. When Bee Keepers properly care for their honey bees, they are rewarded with a bountiful harvest of honey. Bee Havers experience more problems with loss, can spread disease, and cause honey robbing problems with nearby bee colonies.
Bee In The Know: If you are interested in learning more about bees or if you would like to become a bee keeper, [click here to register for upcoming classes]. Classes are for all levels of instruction and for various age groups. North Carolina Bee Keeper Certification assistance. Call for more information.
The Living Classrooms Immersive Bee Hive: Experience the sensation of what life would be like if you were actually a honey bee buzzing around in the hive. If you would like to contribute to the creation of unique healing and magical experience, [click here for more information].
Un – Bee – lievable: There is a tremendous amount of mis-information concerning honey bees and bee keeping. Do not believe everything you read no matter how many times it is repeated on social media. Ask an experienced bee keeper or explore bee research through educational institutions. Great place to start: The Department of Agriculture and The North Carolina Bee Keepers Association.