
03 Jun How to Adopt a Hive
How to support a Bee Rescue by Adopting a Hive
Relocating Bees in Problem areas
Honey bees are non-native to the United States, but they have adapted over the last 400 years. While feral honey bees have a reputation of being more ‘spicy’ than bees with cultivated genetics, they are often stronger because they are adapted to the local area.
There are two main ways to find wild bees – by catching a swarm, or doing a removal. On our farm, the bees removed from unwanted areas in our county are relocated to a rescue apiary at our property. Since 2000, we have provided a safe space for the bees with no use of chemical treatments. This means when anything is harvested from the colony that it is 100% safe for consumption or topical application.
When someone calls me for a removal, it’s bittersweet. I’m glad to rehome the colony to a safer location, but I know there will be a lot of destruction to the overall health of the hive. Brood and comb will be destroyed, and the bees will have to reorient their foraging sources overnight. However, it’s better than the alternative of the homeowner killing the bees.
With the help of volunteer beekeeping friends, we have rehomed colonies that were built in a doghouse, a large tin barrel, a well house, the awning of a house, and more. These survivor bees made it back to our rescue apiary and after a rebuilding period – began to thrive making honey and wax that is responsibly harvested. Simultaneously, the homeowners received some education on honey bees – a win win.
To support the honey bees in our rescue apiary, I created an adopt-a-hive program. When you support the rescue apiary, you’ll receive some fun perks while also doing a good thing for the bees. I know not everyone has the time to dive head first into beekeeping – and this rescue apiary is a way to build community and share the love of the bees.




Your support includes:
– monthly apiary update via newsletter
– 100% off all online bee classes
– a surprise gift from your hive
– a “telling of the bees” – please let me know anytime you have news with the bees (usually births, weddings, and deaths) and I will convey this to the bees. It’s an old folklore tradition that is a lot of fun and connects you to these little ‘messengers of God’.
You’ll also get first access to items from the apiary. When there is a surplus in a season of plenty, I’m able to generate more products to sell outside of the membership – but you always get first dibs!
Your membership also supports:
– rehoming bees in problem areas that would otherwise be poisoned
– hive equipment for volunteers rehoming the rescue colonies
– beekeeping education and mentorship to new and eager beekeepers
– rewilding farmlands and foodways
– pollination of crops and medicinal plants
– climate resilience
– sustainable agriculture
– support of other wildlife that is relying on pollination
– plant biodiversity – helps our food adapt to changing environments and disease
