SumOfUs.org

Recently, a Facebook friend of mine posted an article about why Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) is occurring. This article attributes this disorder to “pesticides called “neonics.”” With companies like Lowes and Home Depot still selling these pesticides, the increase of CCD is the only likely response.

A group called SumOfUs.org are banding together to make a difference and are raising money to put an end to the production and distribution of these harmful pesticides. If this does not occur the bee collapse will go on to affect our resources to a massive effect. Bee’s are necessary to continue pollination and growth of our existing agriculture.

If you don’t know how you can get involved, it’s simple. Two ways are the most fruitful for the continuation and livelihood of bees. You can make a donation to groups like SumOfUs or you can make your own bee hive and help to create a thriving colony in your back yard! (literally!)

If you would like to know more about CCD watch this video from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Or this clip from some Princeton students: 

My First DIY Bee Hive

Recently, I decided to get into the world of bees and become an apiarist. The beehive that most people would be accustomed to would be the Langstroth Hive.

Langstroth Hive

 

The other is the Top Bar Hive:

 

Top Bar Hive

But recently I discovered the Warre garden hive.

The Warre hive (After Abbé Émile Warré) was developed utilizing over 50 years of research. It is today known as, what he liked to call, “The People’s Hive” in the early 1950s. In a comparative study of bee hives, including the Langstroth hive, he focused on each hives simplicity, ease of management and natural qualities including the building of natural comb (rather than unnatural framing like the Langstroth) and the bee’s retention heat and scent.

Warre disliked the invasive procedures of other beehives common to his day and time, and wished to build something that was both natural and simple for upkeep. Making for healthier and happier bees. Utilizing this philosophy Warre developed the Warre Hive that we now know today.

Warre would typically add a couple empty boxes to the bottom of the hive in the Spring and remove the top boxes from the hive (full of honey) in the Fall. This allows for something few other hives offer: The continual cycle of new comb into and old comb out of the hive without the destruction of the precious brood chamber, as each year prior to Winter the bees move the excess honey stores to the top of the hive. This removes the pesticide-laden comb from the hive every couple years, making for a healthier, happier colony.

Warre Hive

With the increase of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) now is definitely the time to invest into Bee Keeping. Most people seem to be afraid of bee’s not realizing that the honey bee is not like the aggressive bumblebee. Honey bee’s mild nature make an excellent benefit to your home. Whether you have a small or large property, owning your own hive is definitely easy. Plus you get to have all your own honey (for free!). Since I am a DIY kinda guy I suggest the DIY Bees Garden Hive. Let me know how your hive is going!

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