Natural Beekeeping Shows Outrageous Results

In a world where we are accosted with chemicals, Natural Beekeeping could possibly make a huge difference in the apiary community and your health. 

“As of 1987, the keeping of honey bees was the only widespread agricultural endeavor in the United States that had not become reliant on toxic chemicals to secure a harvest,” says Ross Conrad in Natural Beekeeping. That year the Varrao destructor AKA Varroa Jacobsoni, a parasitic mite appeared in hives. Hive loss became a problem, a remedy was needed. Beekeepers turned to chemicals, as that was the trend in agriculture, however the results were not what they hoped. 

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Chemical filled strips were put into hives to address the mite. “The approach to pest control is similar to using chemotherapy drugs in the treatment of cancer,” Conrad.

In Natural Beekeeping, his methods lay out the plan to make the hive strong, resistant to pests, parasitic mites, environmental and human threats and more. His start to finish layout and instruction is complete and easy to follow. Case in point, a larger predator, like a bear, can come to the hive and cause a scene comparable to a category 4 hurricane. Their strong stomachs allow them to consume honey with bees attached, comb, and even the hive frame without a problem. But these same hives, fully bound with ratchet straps, keep the hives together. The bear can push the hives over but nothing else. They fall as a single unit, like a skyscraper tipping over, as a single piece. 

The bear can’t get into the hive. He gets discouraged and leaves for easier food. The beekeeper returns to check on the hives, finds them knocked over, stands the hives back up and the bees are back to business as usual. End of story. 

Conrad’s explanation and photo documentation of case studies like this is astounding. 

His explanation of deterring skunks, mice, wax moths and the like are just as easy to follow. Conrad covers chemical pollution to hives saying, “The most well-publicized danger to the hive stemming from human activity is chemical poisoning.” 

He goes on to say, “Due to air pollution in some areas floral scents that bees could detect at over 800 meters away in the 1800s are now detectable at less than 200 meters from plants”

The bees are carriers. Conrad says, “Due to their efficiency as pollinators, the unsuspecting bees play a major role in the spread of genetically modified material.”

He uses essential oils, spike strips, straps and many more natural support methods which will keep the honey flowing. It’s a must have for the home library of any beekeeper. This leaves the true concern of the use of chemicals when natural support is so effective. Honey bees are purchased at the end of the year, up to the first couple of months of the year. They are shipped early spring. Now is the time to start a hive. Many easy starter hives are available. We have this one and this one.

*Nourishing Plot is written by Becky Plotner, ND, traditional naturopath, CGP, D.PSc. who sees clients in Rossville, Georgia. She works as a Certified GAPS Practitioner who sees clients in her office, Skype and phone. She has been published in Wise Traditions, spoken at two Weston A. Price Conferences, Certified GAPS Practitioner Trainings, has been on many radio shows, television shows and writes for Nourishing Plot. Since her son was delivered from the effects of autism (Asperger’s syndrome), ADHD, bipolar disorder/manic depression, hypoglycemia and dyslexia, through food, she continued her education specializing in Leaky Gut and parasitology through Duke University, finishing with distinction. She is a Chapter Leader for The Weston A. Price Foundation. becky.nourishingplot@hotmail.com

“GAPS™ and Gut and Psychology Syndrome™ are the trademark and copyright of Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride. The right of Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright, Patent and Designs Act 1988.