The Buzz on Bees
(Photo credit: Sara Phillips)
Local mom and beekeeper, Sara Phillips, has learned a thing or two about bees since her beekeeping journey began in the fall of 2020. After taking an online beekeeping lecture series at Hallockville Museum Farm taught by master beekeeper Chris Kelly, Sara began caring for bees on her own property the following spring. She went on to serve as a beekeeper for Jamesport Farmstead, Garden of Eve, Johanna’s Hope, and McCall Winery, and this year, she is also working alongside Rachel Stephens at Sweet Woodland Farm.
Whether you’re interested in backyard beekeeping with your own family or would just simply like to become less fearful, Sara shares her knowledge and expertise on all things bees in this Petite Institute feature.
BEE 101
What are three things you wish families knew about bees?
1. Bees only sting when they feel threatened. What you think is a bee is probably a yellow jacket!
2. Honeybees are not native, but are important livestock, pollinating a large percentage of the different crops we eat.
3. There are more than 20,000 species of bees described globally, and more than 4,000 of them are native to North America.
Why are bees important to our ecosystem?
Bees support the growth of trees, flowers, and other plants, which serve as food and shelter for many different animals and insects.
How can we best support bees in our own yards?
Buy not using pesticides, removing invasive plants, reducing lawn, and adding native plants. Some of the best plants for native bees include Sunflowers, Asters, Goldenrods, Evening primrose, Willows, Prairie clover, False indigo, and Black-eyed Susan.
If someone is afraid of bees, is there anything they should know that may make them less afraid?
Bees are able to differentiate pheromones. When someone becomes afraid around bees, they smell the release of these hormones and may detect these "signals" as a threat. Bees have one of the most sophisticated senses of smell in the animal kingdom. They use it to communicate with each other and protect their environment. If you are feeling afraid, take a deep breath and slowly move away.
What should someone do if their child is stung by a bee?
Scrape the stinger out immediately. The longer it stays in the skin, the longer it continues to pump venom. If the child has a known allergy, use an EpiPen as soon as possible.
If a child has swelling of the mouth or throat, shortness of breath, or breaks out in hives, seek medical attention immediately.
Anecdotally, for mild reactions, I have used plantain leaf (chew up and rub on), lavender oil, and Sting Kill topically. I have also used the homeopathic Apis Mellifica.
BACKYARD BEEKEEPING
What is your favorite thing about backyard beekeeping?
It is a truly meditative practice that forces you to slow down and be present in the moment.
What about backyard beekeeping is family-friendly?
Beekeeping is a wonderful opportunity to engage children in nature in a hands-on and personal way. Close supervision and common sense precautions are necessary, most importantly: a bee suit and gloves. Kids can learn how to find a queen, find eggs and larvae, watch bees bring in different shades of pollen, and of course, make honey!
What advice would you share with Petite North Fork readers who are interested in keeping bees?
Reading about and attending lectures on beekeeping is a wonderful introduction, but there is nothing like hands-on experience. I currently serve as Vice President of the Board and Chair of the beekeeping program at Hallockville Museum Farm, where we offer various standalone workshops, annual memberships for our hands-on Bee Lab, as well as opportunities to sponsor a beehive and participate in harvesting and bottling honey. This unique, fun, and extremely supportive community includes families with young children as well as local teachers who have started beekeeping programs in their schools. Both programs are led by master beekeeper Chris Kelly of Promise Land Apiaries, who brings 50 years of experience tending hives across Long Island and is passionate about nurturing learners in the art and science of beekeeping.
How can someone get started with backyard beekeeping?
1. Read "Beekeeping for Dummies."
2. Register for a beekeeping workshop and/or a series of classes.
3. Find a mentor.
If someone wants to learn more about bees but doesn't want to start their own hive, how can they get involved?
Join us for Hallockville's Honey Harvest Gathering on Thursday, July 31, at 5:30 p.m.
Also, a good book to read with children is the Young Readers Edition of "Nature's Best Hope: How You Can Save the World in Your Own Yard" by New York Times bestselling author Douglas Tallamy.