By Olivia DeSmit
Jon and Rosa Adams are new to the neighborhood, but have a collective decade of experience beekeeping between them. Their two bee hives, which are within a block of Park 581, provide beneficial pollinators for the park and neighborhood.
Urban beekeeping is gaining popularity as the importance of pollinators gains attention amid climate woes. The Adamses say though it may seem intimidating, beekeeping is a peaceful hobby. “We need bees to pollinate,” the couple said. “And the honey is a bonus.”
Although most people know that bees are beneficial for not only our flowers, but our food as well, pesticide use is still prevalent. Sometimes it seems as though it’s black-and-white — let all bugs run rampant in the name of saving bees or accidentally annihilate everything.
Even all-natural pest solutions, such as diatomaceous earth, can kill bees. The couple recommends using cedar oil, neem oil or vinegar as bee-friendly pest-repellants. But, be sure to never apply directly to blossoms or flowers.
The couple first jumped into beekeeping after Jon read about bee populations declining. “With bees, it’s always a deep dive,” they said. “When you first start off with a hive, you’re working with several thousands of bees all at once.”
Thankfully, the main job of a beekeeper is simply maintaining, including checking the hives once per month. While in the beginning the couple learned from YouTube, now they’ve learned through experience, too.
Honey is harvested once per year, typically in the fall. The Adamses sell honey and lip balm locally — place an order by contacting them at adamshoneycompany@yahoo.com
