When You Discover Your New Neighbors Are Beekeepers

Moving can be stressful and exciting, and it offers a new start. However, along with moving comes all the unknowns of the new location: the best local food, a dentist, and what your new neighbors are like.

We all hope for the knock at the door and open it to a plate of freshly baked cookies, a smile, and a warm welcome. However, more and more, people are not getting out to welcome their neighbors, building the mystery. Sadly, neighbors often do not interact unless there is an issue, but that topic is for another time and another blog. However, when a person moves into a new home, whether renting or purchasing, there are growing pains with new neighbors. Misdirected floodlights that shine into the bedroom window or a large barking dog are often minor enough that it isn’t necessary to mention them. However, learning your neighbors are beekeepers may trigger a different concern.

Addressing the Bee in the Room

Most people realize their neighbors are beekeepers when they bring a new beehive to the property. Otherwise, apiaries are typically set back and not in front of busy walkways for people and pets near properties. Although the typical response is intriguing when they realize their neighbor is a beekeeper, some may question the concept and how it impacts their day-to-day life and activities.

Responsible beekeepers never shy away from a conversation about their hobby and understand not everyone feels warm and fuzzy about the fuzzy bees. First, beekeepers want people to understand the importance of bees in pollination and how safe caregiving is a hands-on way to help the bee species survive. Second, beekeepers recognize they must be convincing enough that people believe that bees in movies and television that are nuisances are not typical.

Bees left alone will leave others alone.

Common Questions About Beekeeping Neighbors

People exposed to beekeeping in such proximity for the first time will have countless questions. Still, a few repeatedly come up that experienced beekeepers are ready to address.

Am I Safe?

The number one question of people discovering their new neighbors are beekeepers: are my family and I safe from the bees? Well, the answer is YES! Honeybees are safe, and although people think that honeybees so close to their properties will equate to increased bee activity, that is not the case. Honeybees fly to forage and may pass your yard to get where they are going, but they will only stop if you plant some purposeful food sources in your garden. Honeybees do not prefer to sting, so they will try to find what they need and return to the hive.

One warning beekeepers will give is to give space around beehives. Even if you are invited to visit your neighbor's hives, keep your distance and never stand at the entrance. Bees will sting if they feel threatened. So, imagine some giant person standing at your front door staring at you – the mere presence may trigger them to protect their queen and home.

Concerns About Bee Allergies

This is a valid concern for anyone allergic to bees! Doctors may recommend having an EpiPen on hand if anyone in your household is allergic to bees. Living next door to a beekeeper should not overwhelm you, and having this device can provide peace of mind.

If you are highly allergic to bees, this question can be presented before signing any rental or purchase contract, and it should be disclosed. If concerns are too high, consider finding another place to call home.

Is Beekeeping Legal?

The laws and responsibilities around beekeeping vary slightly from state to state. However, responsible beekeepers will follow the placement guidelines and requirements related to property lines so that neighbors are not in harm’s way. It wouldn’t be recommended to walk up to your neighbors and demand documentation supporting the location of their hives, but asking thoughtful questions is often well-received.

Benefits of Beekeeping Neighbors

Upon finding out their new neighbors are beekeepers, most people are excited to learn what side benefits this may mean for them. Experienced beekeepers will share how their bees may benefit their gardens because cross-pollination means more flowers. Beekeepers can also share local and native plants and flowers that their bees like, so if you want to contribute to their bees' food and water sources, you can do it with purpose and have maximum impact. The other benefit people are curious about is whether they get free honey as a beekeeper’s neighbor. This is your neighbor's personal choice, but honeybees DO produce honey, and local beekeepers sell their honey!