Buzzing into the World of Bees: A Dynamic Dive into Florida’s Beekeeping Culture

- By Sentel 

When you think of bees, your first instinct might be to flinch and swat. But if you’re chatting with one of Florida's 5,000 registered beekeepers, you’re in for a different kind of buzz. These passionate apiarists aren’t just bee enthusiasts; they’re backyard heroes managing over 24,000 hives across Palm Beach County, with 85% of these hives nestled in residential gardens. Yes, you read that right—backyards! These beekeepers are the unsung heroes of our ecosystem, ensuring that these tiny workers thrive despite the challenges they face.

The Unlikely Love Affair with Bees

Take Brendan Horne, for example, who stumbled into beekeeping when a neighbor needed help removing a hive from a boat. What started as a favor turned into a full-blown love affair with these industrious insects. Armed with nothing but curiosity and an over-padded bee suit (think Michelin man meets Ghostbusters), Horne fumbled through his first hive relocation to his herb garden. Despite a few rookie mistakes, the experience left him buzzing with excitement.

But Horne didn’t stop there. His curiosity grew into a side gig, moving invasive hives from porches and sheds, often for free. He connected with the Palm Beach County Beekeepers Association, where he found a mentor in the legendary Leonard Kahn. Soon, Horne traded his electrician’s tools for a beekeeper’s veil, turning his passion into a full-time gig. He now works with the South Florida Water Management District, removing bees from water meters—a job that keeps both the bees and meter readers safe.

A Day in the Life of a Beekeeper: Not for the Faint of Heart

If you think beekeeping is all about honey and flowers, think again. Horne’s daily adventures range from escorting fast-food diners away from a surprise bee swarm to dealing with stings that would make even the toughest chef wince. His wife has felt the sting too—literally. But ever the romantic, Horne made up for it by sending her flowers with a note from “the bees,” apologizing for the incident.

Despite the challenges, Horne and his fellow beekeepers share an unshakable commitment to these creatures that are vital to our survival. Bees aren’t just honey-makers; they’re pollinators, responsible for fertilizing one-third of the world’s food. Without them, fruits, nuts, and vegetables would be scarce commodities.

The Secret Life of Bees: A Peek Inside the Hive

Inside a beehive, you’ll find a bustling community of around 20,000 bees, each with a specific role. The queen, who can live for several years, is the matriarch, laying thousands of eggs. The workers, all female, handle everything from foraging to cleaning, while the drones (males) have one job: to mate with the queen.

But it’s not just their work ethic that’s impressive. Bees are meticulous housekeepers. They even have a special dance—the “grooming invitation dance”—to signal when they need a helping hand (or wing) to clean off any unwanted debris. This behavior is crucial for the hive’s health, helping to ward off pests like the dreaded varroa destructor mite.

The Growing Threats to Bee Populations

While bees are essential to our ecosystem, they’re facing a host of threats—from parasites like the varroa mite to the mysterious colony collapse disorder, where entire colonies disappear, leaving only a queen and a few young bees behind. The situation is alarming, with winter hive loss rates in the U.S. soaring to nearly 40% in recent years. Researchers at the University of Florida’s Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory are working tirelessly to find solutions, but the battle is far from over.

More Than Just Honey: The Many Gifts of the Hive

Bees give us more than just honey. They also produce bee pollen, beeswax, royal jelly, and even venom—each with its own unique benefits. Joey McCoy, a third-generation apiarist from Sunny South Apiary in Loxahatchee, Florida, knows this well. His family’s bees don’t just produce honey; they also play a crucial role in pollinating crops like almonds, melons, and cucumbers. Without bees, these crops—and many others—would be in jeopardy.

Celebrate National Honey Month: Three Sweet Ways to Participate

September is National Honey Month, a time to celebrate bees and the bounty they provide. Here are three ways you can join in the festivities:

1. Try a New Honey Flavor: Ever tasted Tupelo honey? Now’s your chance!
2. Substitute Honey for Sugar: It’s a healthier, tastier option for your tea or toast.
3. Plant Bee-Friendly Flowers: Help support your local bee population by adding nectar-rich plants to your garden.

A Call to Action: Get Involved with Your Local Beekeeping Community

If you’re intrigued by the world of bees, why not get involved? The Palm Beach County Beekeepers Association hosts regular meetings, including a lecture by Eric Malcolm from the University of Maryland’s Bee Lab. Whether you’re a seasoned beekeeper or a curious beginner, there’s always more to learn about these fascinating creatures.

Conclusion: The Future of Beekeeping in Florida

The future of beekeeping in Florida is both challenging and promising. With increasing threats to bee populations, the work of dedicated beekeepers like Horne, McCoy, and many others is more critical than ever. But with education, innovation, and community support, there’s hope that we can protect these vital pollinators for generations to come.