There are many opinions about letting nature take its natural course. However, we are a meddling culture, and beekeepers are popping up across the nation. However, for those wholly dedicated to letting nature do its thing, is it possible for beekeepers to let bees be, or is it irresponsible to leave them to their fate, regardless of the outcome?
Meddling vs. Hands-Off Beekeeping
Some beekeepers believe that a hands-off approach allows nature to take a natural course. However, this beekeeper's camp captures and places hives where they want them, which clearly interferes with nature's course. When bees are captured and hived but otherwise ignored, there is a high risk of parasites and predators. Although this camp of beekeepers has a “survival of the fittest” approach to beekeeping, some argue that capturing interrupts nature's course and puts bees at greater risk. If beekeepers want to have a hands-off approach, why capture them at all? If we leave bees to their own devices, colonies will most likely die after a couple of years, but this is the only organic way to allow nature to take its course.
Once beekeepers capture hive bees, they are responsible for their health. So, when beekeepers claim to have a hands-off approach, maybe they should not. When beekeepers choose to control part of the bee's fate, they now take ownership of those bees. Once you begin taking care of a living thing, you have responsibilities. Some people claim that bees are not the same as other animals, but whether it is a cow, cat, or beehive, it is alive, and you must do what you can to protect them and keep them healthy. If your house pet gets sick, you don't just leave it to nature to work it out.
Capturing Bees Begins Responsibility
Once a colony is captured and moved to the location you want it to remain in, you have taken on the responsibility of living things. You are now the caretaker of those bees. Some beekeepers may begin the hobby and love parts of it, but it has its challenges and does require a commitment that some may not have time for in their busy lives. If you find yourself with hives that you can no longer care for, contact a local beekeeper to remove and relocate the hive. Bee removal companies with established relationships with local apiaries can find new homes and safely remove live bees if this occurs. There is no shame in rehoming your hives, but there is shame in allowing your bees to suffer once in your care.
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It does not matter the location of your hives, whether in the city or the countryside; bees still need to be cared for once they are moved to a location not of their choosing. Caring for bees includes monitoring the hive’s health, watching for pests and mites, and ensuring they have the necessary food, water, and room to grow. There is a fine line in beekeeping, and this is part of the lesson every beekeeper must learn – when to intervene and let them do it on their own. For example, it is not good to overcompensate bee food supplies because the sugar solution commonly used does not have sustainable nutrition and can make bees lazy in finding their own food. Beekeepers are responsible for ensuring hives are well-ventilated, have enough water, and have areas where they can collect nectar and pollinate. Several diseases can adversely affect hives; if mites show up, beekeepers are responsible for treating and protecting the hives.
Every Beekeeper Is Different
One of the draws of beekeeping is the individuality of the details of personal choices. As beekeepers know, bees have their personalities, and even hive to hive can vary in behaviors, which is part of the beauty of this hobby. Although the details of how you approach beekeeping are personal, such as whether to use chemicals to treat your hives, some choices must be made. You will find that most beekeepers prefer not to use chemicals, but alternative methods must be used to treat hives and ensure their health.
Remember that the environment we place bees in is not "natural" because, at this point, we have already begun the meddling process. The human footprint has altered what bees need to survive and thrive, including pollution. So, if you choose to become a beekeeper and capture bees to take to your property and keep hives, do the right thing, protect your hives, and care for them like any other living thing. If you want to let bees be and allow nature to take its course, just let them settle organically.
If you want to connect with an experienced local beekeeper in Southern California, D-Tek offers complete bee services, including live bee removal, hive relocation, and swarm management. Contact D-Tek today for a free inspection and quote!