Why Bees Are Swarming Our Cities

Key Concepts

• Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD): The phenomenon of rapid decline in honeybee populations.
• Swarming: The natural process of bee colony reproduction and migration.
• Brood: Bee larvae and pupae, representing the developing bees within the hive.
• Apiary: A location where beehives are kept.
• Fanning Behavior: A method bees use to regulate hive temperature and communicate.
• Pollination: The transfer of pollen to enable fertilization and the production of fruits and seeds.
• Queen Bee: The central female bee responsible for laying eggs and maintaining the colony.
• Diversity in Beekeeping: The importance of representation and accessibility within the beekeeping community.

New Jersey’s Garden State Beekeeper: A Detailed Overview

This video profiles Nicole Rivera Hartery, a New Jersey-based beekeeper specializing in education and swarm rescue. The core message emphasizes the critical role of honeybees in our ecosystem, the importance of understanding their behavior, and the need for increased diversity within the beekeeping community.

The Importance of Pollination and Colony Health

Nicole highlights the vital role of honeybees in agriculture, particularly within New Jersey, often referred to as the “Garden State.” She emphasizes that many of the foods we consume rely on pollination, a process largely carried out by bees. The video directly addresses the concerning trend of colony die-offs, stating that “within the last year, you have a lot of colonies dying off,” and frames her work as a response to this crisis. She feels a “purpose to help change that” by observing hive behavior and educating the public.

Hive Inspection and Queen Bee Assessment

A significant portion of the video focuses on a rooftop hive inspection. Nicole meticulously examines the frames within the hive, looking for signs of a healthy colony. She explains that a hive can contain approximately 40,000 bees. Key indicators of a thriving hive include the presence of eggs (“brood”), honey stores being cleaned by worker bees, and the overall temperament of the bees.

Nicole specifically identifies “brood” as “babies,” differentiating between female and male larvae based on their size – female larvae are flat, while male larvae “pop out” due to their larger size. A calm disposition of the bees is a strong indicator of a successfully mated and laying queen. She notes that a “rough disposition” often signals the absence of a queen.

Swarming: A Natural Process & Public Safety

The video details the natural process of bee swarming. Swarming occurs when a colony becomes overcrowded, leading approximately half of the bees, including the old queen, to leave and establish a new hive. Nicole explains that swarming is essentially “migration.” Bees often seek locations similar to existing hives, preferring elevated positions.

She stresses the importance of contacting a beekeeper when encountering a swarm, advising against spraying them with pesticides. She acknowledges the fear swarms can evoke but emphasizes that a beekeeper can safely relocate the bees, saving these crucial pollinators. She states, “Do not spray. It is a very scary thing, it is. It can be terrifying to people.”

Honey Extraction and the “Gift” of Honey

Nicole demonstrates honey extraction in her kitchen, describing honey as a “gift” prepared by bees as food for the winter. She emphasizes the importance of leaving enough honey for the bees to survive. She also notes the health benefits associated with honey, attributing them to the bees’ foraging and processing of nectar.

Palmyra Nature Cove: A Sanctuary for Bees

Palmyra Nature Cove serves as Nicole’s base for swarm rescues and hive maintenance. She utilizes the location to re-home rescued swarms and conduct educational hive tours. She describes the Cove as a “dream come true,” providing a dedicated space for her work. The tours are presented as an extended classroom experience, offering a beginner-level introduction to beekeeping.

The Importance of Accessibility and Diversity in Beekeeping

Nicole addresses the lack of representation within the beekeeping community, specifically noting the scarcity of beekeepers of color in the US. She recounts her own experience feeling isolated in beekeeping classes and the limited number of Black beekeepers she found online. This realization motivated her to focus on education, aiming to “get the kids young and interested in it and normalize it.”

She articulates a desire to create a more inclusive environment, stating, “I want somebody who walks in who looks like their mom, their aunt, their sister. I want somebody who looks like me to be their normal.” She believes normalizing beekeeping among diverse communities is crucial for its future. Her message to young Black and Brown girls is empowering: “Anything and everything is for you. And if you love it, then go for it, you know?”

Bee Behavior: Fanning

During a hive tour, Nicole points out a bee exhibiting “fanning behavior,” where the bee rapidly flaps its wings. She explains this is a form of communication and temperature regulation within the hive, stating, “That’s like, ‘Hey, sister!’”

Logical Connections

The video flows logically from establishing the importance of bees and the threats they face, to demonstrating practical beekeeping techniques (hive inspection, swarm rescue, honey extraction), and finally, to addressing the broader issue of diversity and accessibility within the field. Each segment builds upon the previous one, reinforcing the central theme of bee conservation and education.

Conclusion

Nicole Rivera Hartery’s work exemplifies a holistic approach to beekeeping, combining practical skills with a passionate commitment to education and inclusivity. The video underscores the critical role of honeybees in our ecosystem, the importance of understanding their behavior, and the need to foster a more diverse and accessible beekeeping community. Her dedication serves as an inspiring example of how individual action can contribute to the preservation of these vital pollinators.