Outlook 2022-23 • 9 Summer Stevens photo
9. Is this a good area for beekeeping? Why or why not? Yes, I believe it is. We enjoy a rather rural landscape here in NE NC, with a lush natural landscape and small-scale agriculture surrounding our small towns. Hosting hives in the vicinity of agriculture can be dangerous though, due to the chemicals and pesticides used… take steps to protect yourself and your hives from these dangers. NC weather and climate are mild (besides the storms!) compared to many other states, and bees can enjoy the bevy of flora offering a wide variety of nutrition for your bees along with a longer growing season. 10. What do you enjoy the most about the hobby? What about the least? Witnessing nature in all its glory. Observing the power of time and evolution on a species that seems almost as adaptable as our own species. As far as what I like least, that would be what we call a dead-out. That’s when a hive has passed for one reason or another – winter freeze, starvation, pests/ disease – and you have to get in and perform a sort of autopsy. Whether it’s seeing them all huddled together in their last moments or dealing with a big mess from wax moths it can be a very frustrating and discouraging part of the hobby. 11. Tell me about the Outer Banks Beekeepers Guild, how do you support one another? Joining a local beekeepers guild/ group is probably one of the best things someone can do for themselves whether they are new and interested in getting started or a longtime keeper of bees. The resources/support provided by a gathering of local beekeepers is incalcu-
lable. It’s always a blast gathering together to exchange stories, tips, advice, or equipment! We try to pair people in similar areas or interests with a mentor who is willing to show them the ropes and/or provide assistance with issues that arise. We support each other in other ways too, like donating educational books into the library system for all to share, sharing/lending expensive equipment, networking to answer swarm calls or cutouts, notification of equipment sales or picking up orders from suppliers sometimes located too far, locating emergency queens, etc. At the end of the day, we are all just friends who enjoy beekeeping and want to share in that with each other and others. 12. Any other important information you’d like to share? If interested in learning about beekeeping or joining the Outer Banks Beekeepers Guild please visit our website – outerbanksbeekeepers.com, where you can subscribe to our email newsletter, our main method of communication. Anyone is allowed to attend our meetings whether you’re seeking to get started, need assistance, or looking to become a paid member. Join our FB group called “OBX Beekeepers” and/or shoot us an email at outerbanksbeekeepers@gmail.com. We aim to meet on the second Wednesday of every month, in the Meeting Room of the Kill Devil Hills Public Library, at approximately 7 p.m. The library is usually closed by this time and the room is located in the back, so use the sidewalk to the left side of the building. We communicate meeting details, etc., through our email newsletter, so please ensure you’re added if looking to attend.
Beekeeper Dalton Hyde inspects the comb on his hives.
