Hurricanes and Honey Bees

    There is a bond of propolis between beekeepers that is rarely broken and though nature tries its best to upset the many colonies of beeks across North Carolina.  In September 2024, Hurricane Helene became a testament of what honey bees mean to beekeepers (beeks).  Beeks understand the impact that bees have on the environment and on our society, because honey bees pollinate crops that are responsible for one out of every three bites (33%) of food that people consume. From a national perspective, this represents a fruit, vegetable, and crop industry totaling more than $14 billion dollars that allows local communities to grow food.

    Additionally, honeybees pollinate many plants in the natural landscape, And, there is always lots of honey to go around. Below are a few of the annual activities and services that the Haywood County Beekeepers Association provides to its members and the community. In cooperation with the Haywood County Extension Center, the club hosted two bee schools every year; a Beginning Beekeeping School and an Advanced Beekeeping School, usually beginning in January or February. These courses can teach you everything you need to know to get started as a beekeeper.  Every April, at the request of area beekeepers, a bee inspector will visit your bee apiary to address any concerns you may have. These inspections are arranged in cooperation with the Haywood County Cooperative Extension service and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture.

    The club also participates in many of the local seasonal festivals where volunteers share their knowledge of the honey bee with the use of an observation hive and educational materials. On school days, you can find our willing beekeeper volunteers at some of the local fairs displaying educational bee materials and answering questions by interested visitors. An experienced club member will gladly assist you in removing a swarm of unwelcome bees from your property, contact one of our swarm removal members.