What's the Buzz About Backyard Beekeeping?

In the Heartland Highlands County

- DAVID AUSTIN

EVERYONE IS WORRIED ABOUT THE BEES. Since colony collapse started being recognized as an issue in 2007, the word is out that bees may be in trouble. Possibly because of these concerns, there are more beekeepers than ever. Florida has more than 5,000 registered beekeepers. That has steadily increased over the past few years. Three out of four beekeepers are considered backyard beekeepers with less than 10 colonies. The news is good but longtime beekeepers will tell you the rules have changed. The pest Varroa destructor, a mite that feeds on honey bees and their larvae and often weakens the whole hive, has increased the difficulty of beekeeping. Still, backyard beekeeping, with the allure of harvesting golden honey, keeps the dream alive.