Myrtle Beach Buzz: The Sweet World of Local Beekeeping
Hey Myrtle Beach! While we’re all enjoying the sun and surf, it’s time to dive into a topic that’s just buzzing with excitement—yes, we’re talking about honey and the hardworking folks behind it! Honey is one of those things we often take for granted, but when you start peeling back the layers (like that sticky, sweet goodness in a jar), you realize there’s much more to it than meets the eye.
The Life of a Beekeeper
We recently chatted with some local beekeepers who are passionate about their buzzing buddies. One of these enthusiasts is Mike Macri, who runs Macri Honey Bee Farms. Mike’s journey into beekeeping started 16 years ago when he stumbled upon a documentary that captured his heart. “I found bees so fascinating! So, I read everything I could on them,” he mused. After some serious study at the University of Connecticut, he became a full-fledged beekeeper.
These days, Mike manages 30 bee boxes, a far cry from the 200 he used to operate. He spends five days a week inspecting hives, dedicating about 15 minutes per box. But why all the fuss? Well, keeping bees healthy is crucial, and Mike is constantly on the lookout for pests like Varroa mites and hive beetles that can wreak havoc on bee colonies.
Bee Care is Just Like Pet Care!
Believe it or not, tending to bees is not that different from caring for pets! Mike pointed out, “It’s not easy. You have to care for them just like a pet.” An average day involves performing thorough inspections to make sure the queen is doing her job by laying eggs. “If I see eggs, that means she’s been there the last three days, and that’s a good sign,” he explained.
Oh, and let’s not forget the math involved; producing just one gallon of honey requires around 10,000 bees and takes Mike about 45 minutes of labor. Just imagine—what a team effort! And it’s all worth it when he witnesses the bees performing their amazing “waggle dance,” which is their way of communicating where to find flowers. “It’s like their GPS system—they literally waggled their way toward the goods!” he chuckled.
The Really Sweet Side of Beekeeping
Not everyone finds it easy to take the plunge into beekeeping. The setup cost can be a bit steep, with two hives costing around $500. But, as one beekeeper from Conway pointed out, learning the ropes is just like learning to drive a car—it takes some practice and patience. The best part? You’ll be doing your part to *save our pollinators,* and boy, do we need more beekeepers in Horry County!
“We’re losing habitat, which means fewer wildflowers and pollinators for our veggies,” another local bee advocate stated. This is especially concerning for many who’ve moved to our sunny shores, longing for flourishing gardens they had back home. It’s all connected, folks!
Join the Buzz!
If you’re thinking about getting your feet wet in beekeeping, we’ve got some great news! The Blackwater Beekeepers Association is hosting an event to help newbies get started, so mark your calendars for November 16th. It’s a perfect opportunity to learn about what it takes to care for those wonderful little pollinators while having fun in our lovely community.
So, next time you drizzle honey on your breakfast or sweeten up your tea, take a moment to think about the hard work and love that goes into each jar. Our local beekeepers are truly doing incredible things for the environment, and who knows? Maybe someday one of you Myrtle Beach locals will join the buzzing community of beekeepers!
