The Basics of Beekeeping

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Also referred to as Apiculture, beekeeping is the process of maintaining bee colonies in structures known as hives, for the primary purpose of collecting the honey that they produce. Honey is harvested from a hive by using a machine called an extractor, which uses centrifugal force by spinning one of the hive’s frames – which is a human-made object in which the bees construct their cells. When spun, the honeycomb will stay intact (so it can be reused by the bees) and the honey will flow out the side so it can be collected.

Honey is just one benefit of beekeeping. Another major benefit is pollination. Pollination is the transfer of pollen from flower to flower, which results in the production of fertile seeds. This is necessary for gardeners, farmers, and for many of the plants that we know and love to thrive and reproduce. Honey bees are one of the most important pollinators, and are especially important for agriculture throughout the United States. As they collect pollen from flowers, they can provide pollination for a wide variety of crops.

Another major benefit of keeping honey bees is access to beeswax, which can be used in candles, soaps, and a variety of other self-care products.

For more information on beekeeping, please contact John Lyttle at:
(252) 583-5161 (Halifax office), (252) 534-2831 (Northampton office), or John_Lyttle@ncsu.edu