Welcome to Heritage Hives
EXPERIENCE THE WORLD OF BEES AND HONEY PRODUCTION
Heritage Hives is your go-to source for all things related to beekeeping and honey production. Our mission is to bring the magic of bees into your life and urban spaces. Explore our website to learn about the fascinating world of bees, honey extraction, and the importance of bees in our ecosystem. Let us take you on a journey that will deepen your appreciation for nature and the incredible work of these tiny creatures.​
Beehives & Equipment
INTRODUCTION
Langstroth hives are the top choice for beekeepers in North America and Australia. These hives consist of stacking rectangular boxes with removable frames, allowing bees to build comb effectively. With options for deep, medium, and shallow boxes in both 8 and 10 frame widths, they offer great customization. For beginners, we recommend starting a hive with 2 deep boxes and 1 or 2 mediums for supers. Our preferred setup is all 10-frame hive boxes but 8-frame boxes could be suitable for certain locations.​
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QUEEN EXCLUDER
Queen excluders are a crucial tool for beekeepers, positioned between brood and honey boxes to prevent the queen from laying eggs in the honey supers. While they do require maintenance since bees can obstruct passageways, they play a significant role in hive management. Many beekeepers strategically utilize them for hive splits to regulate bee populations and maintain hive health.
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HONEY SUPER
The honey super plays a vital role in beekeeping, designed to hold the frames where bees deposit their honey. Choosing medium or shallow sizes is a smart decision, as they are easier to lift when full than deep supers. Many beekeepers prefer the medium super for its practicality. Be sure to fill your honey super with 8 or 9 frames—medium or shallow, depending on your choice— enabling your bees to effectively build wax and store honey.
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THE SMOKER
A bee smoker is an essential tool for beekeepers, designed to soothe honey bees during inspections. Made of sturdy stainless steel, its cylindrical shape allows efficient smoke release through a small opening when the bellows are pumped. Many models include a protective wire frame to prevent burns and a hook for easy hanging. This vital device enables beekeepers to manage their colonies safely and effectively.
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HIVE TOOL
The hive tool is an essential hand tool that every beekeeper must have. It effortlessly opens hives, loosens parts, lifts frames, and removes propolis and excess wax. A visit to the hive is incomplete without this indispensable tool.
Harvesting Honey
EXTRACTION
Honey extraction is an essential process in beekeeping, skillfully separating honey from the honeycomb to present it in its pure liquid form. Bees carefully store honey in beeswax honeycomb, arranged within wooden frames in their hives. Late summer is the ideal time for harvesting when the frames are full of honey, and each cell is capped with beeswax, indicating it’s perfectly ready for extraction.
The first step in extraction is to remove the cappings. This can be done using an automated uncapper or a manual uncapping knife, often used with a pronged cappings fork. Heating the knife helps cut through the wax, which is rich in honey and can be drained for use. Cappings wax is valuable, commonly used for making candles and other products. ​
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Once uncapped, frames are placed in a honey extractor that spins to remove most of the honey using centrifugal force. After extraction, the honey contains bits of wax and must be screened for clean liquid honey. Any unharvested honey, like crystallized or unripened honey, is usually returned to the colonies for the bees to clean.
The Benefits of
Honey & Propolis
HEALTH BENEFITS
Honey and propolis have long been celebrated for their remarkable health benefits. Honey is not only delicious but also packed with antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in the body. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties make it an excellent choice for soothing sore throats and promoting overall immune health. Incorporating honey into your diet can enhance your well-being while satisfying your sweet tooth.
Propolis, often referred to as bee glue, is a resinous substance that bees use to seal and protect their hives. This potent natural compound has powerful antimicrobial properties, making it a valuable ally in fighting infections. Rich in flavonoids, propolis supports the immune system and helps reduce inflammation, which can be beneficial for various health conditions. Using propolis as a supplement can contribute to a robust immune response and overall vitality.
Both honey and propolis are known for their skin-healing abilities. Honey's humectant properties help retain moisture, making it an excellent ingredient for skincare products. It can aid in wound healing and alleviate skin conditions such as eczema and acne. Meanwhile, propolis can promote skin regeneration and has been used in various topical treatments for its soothing and protective qualities. Together, they offer a natural approach to maintaining healthy, radiant skin.
Incorporating honey and propolis into your daily routine can lead to a healthier lifestyle. Whether enjoyed in beverages, used in cooking, or applied topically, these bee products provide a wealth of benefits. By choosing natural options like honey and propolis, you not only support your health but also embrace the wonders of nature.
BEE SAFE OUT THERE
When working on a hive, the safety of both bees and beekeepers is paramount. Using a smoker is an essential practice that helps calm the bees, making them less likely to become aggressive. The smoke masks alarm pheromones that bees release when they feel threatened, allowing beekeepers to perform their tasks with minimal disturbances. This is especially important as it reduces the chances of bee stings, ensuring a safer environment for both the bees and the beekeeper.
Additionally, beekeepers must handle equipment and bees gently to prevent squishing any bees during inspections. When bees are squished, they release pheromones that signal danger to the rest of the hive, potentially inciting a defensive response. By moving slowly and carefully, beekeepers can maintain a peaceful atmosphere and foster a healthy relationship with their bees, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being of the hive.
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Another important aspect of safety around bees is wearing appropriate protective gear. Beekeepers should invest in a quality beekeeping suit, gloves, and a veil to protect themselves from potential stings. Even experienced beekeepers can be caught off guard, so having this protective equipment is crucial for minimizing injuries. It’s also advisable to wear light-colored clothing, as bright colors can attract bees and provoke them. By prioritizing personal safety, beekeepers can work more confidently and efficiently around their hives.
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Moreover, maintaining a calm demeanor while working with bees is essential for ensuring safety. Bees are sensitive to vibrations and sudden movements, which can trigger defensive behavior. Speaking softly and moving slowly can help keep the bees relaxed and focused on their tasks rather than perceiving the beekeeper as a threat. Additionally, it’s important to be aware of the surroundings and avoid disturbing other insects or wildlife that may be present. By fostering a respectful and composed environment, beekeepers can enhance safety and promote harmonious interactions with their bees.
Safety for Bees
& Beekeepers
Our Services
OUR BEEKEEPING SERVICES INCLUDE PURE RAW HONEY EXTRACTION,
EXPERT HIVE MAINTENANCE, AND SAFE BEE SWARM RELOCATION!
HONEY
Discover the pure, natural sweetness of our limited supply honey, sourced directly from our hives to your home. Each drop is a testament to quality and care. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in this delightful treat—give our honey a try today!
BEE MAINTENANCE
At our apiary, we prioritize the well-being of our bees. Our mission is to keep them happy and healthy, ensuring they have enough honey for winter. We monitor their health and take measures to prevent diseases, allowing them to thrive. If you need help keeping bees, feel free to reach out for a quote.
SWARM REMOVAL
Bees typically swarm between February and May as they search for a new home. During this time, you might notice a ball of bees hanging around. If you see a swarm and need assistance in relocating them, please reach out to us for help. Rates start at $150.00