T'z Beez

I got started in beekeeping four years ago by taking an introductory course at Southeastern Community College. I have been hooked every since. The bees have taught me to reconnect with the natural cycle of the seasons and enjoy the rhythm of nature. Honeybees have been bombarded with pests and diseases, the latest and most concerning is colony collapse disorder. Varroa mites were found in the United States in 1987, tracheal mites entered the US in 1984, and the small hive beetle showed up in 1998, all of which are devastating pests. These are a few of the newer pests that have an impact on honeybees and beekeeping. Treatments can consist of hard chemicals; my philosophy is if it requires a pesticide liscense to apply it, I do not use it. I do use a more natural approach for treatment of honeybee pests. Menthol based products can reduce the mite population along with mechanical controls such as powdered sugar dusting and using a screened bottom board for pests to fall through and away from the hive. This method does not eliminate all of the mites, but keeps the pests at a level that the colony can tolerate.

Each jar of honey is unique in flavor and color depending on the nectar source and the season; it is the result of a lot of hard work, both from the bees and the beekeeper. Honey is an agricultural crop dependent on weather conditions, too much or too little rain affects the nectar source needed to produce honey. Location is critical, hive management and experience of the beekeeper also determines each year's honey crop. However, when all the elements come together there is no greater reward than harvesting the beekeepers share of an all-natural product. I prefer to leave the bees enough honey to sustain themselves through the winter months rather than feed them sugar syrup. I feel that this practice makes for healthier, happier bees.

My honey is extracted in the spring and late summer to achieve the distinct floral flavors rather than blending the two seasons together. The honey is then filtererd and bottled; honey that is pasteurized loses its wonderful health properties. Raw honey has small particles of pollen that remain in the honey allowing your body to build up an immunity to allergies in your local region. I take pride in providing raw natural honey that is managed and collected with great care for my customers and the honeybees. 

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