In the wake of Hurricane Helene, many in our beekeeping community are grappling with devastating losses. The immediate relief of weathering the storm can be quickly tempered by concerns over keeping surviving bees alive and well. Here’s a practical guide for beekeepers navigating these challenging times.
We're in this together
Many of us think of bees as part of the family, weathering the many ups and downs in everyday life only to lose them through a devastating disaster can be heartbreaking. It’s important to acknowledge this loss and the emotional impact, and understand what comes next.
Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Whether through local beekeeping groups, mental health professionals, or support networks, talking about your feelings can be a crucial part of the healing process.
Start Small in Recovery: Begin by recovering any equipment that is salvageable. You might also consider donating equipment to fellow beekeepers who have surviving hives but are in distress. Connecting with your local beekeeping association can provide valuable support and resources.
Create a Mental Plan for Next Year: As you process the loss, begin thinking about your plans for next season. Write down your goals for rebuilding, and consider new strategies or practices that could help you move forward.
Recognize the Ripple Effects: Entire ecosystems, including the bees integral to them, have been turned upside down. This leads to exponential loss that extends to our crops and food production, which may be felt for some time. The emotional loss of losing colonies can be overwhelming, and the journey ahead testing, but it’s important to remember that we are in this together as a community.
Caring for surviving bees
If your bees survived, that's a reason to celebrate, but it’s crucial to take immediate action to ensure their continued health. With the storm's impact, available forage is likely greatly reduced. Here are some tips for caring for your surviving bees:
Reinforce Hive Structures: Inspect and secure your hives, checking for leaks, damage, or instability that may have resulted from strong winds and rain. Reinforce any damaged parts to ensure that your hives are stable for winter, as weakened structures may struggle with colder temperatures and wind.
Provide Adequate Food: Monitor your bees closely for signs of starvation, which can lead to robbing behavior. Look for indications of distress in the hive, such as aggressive behavior or bees clustering around the entrance. Make sure your bees have enough food, especially since natural forage may be scarce. You can provide a pollen substitute to supplement their nutrition. In desperate times, consider offering sugar water or corn syrup. While these options won't meet all nutritional needs, they can help your bees survive until forage is available again.
Be Mindful of Plant Health: The storm may have stressed local plants, affecting their ability to produce nectar and pollen. Keep an eye on your plants for signs of stress, such as yellowing leaves or wilted flowers. Stress blooms can be attractive but may not offer sufficient nutrition. Consider fertilizing plants to aid in their recovery from stress.
Recover, rebuild, and support
As we navigate the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, remember that you are not alone in this journey. Focus on the practical steps you can take for your surviving bees, acknowledge the emotional impact of loss, and explore available assistance options. Together, we can support one another as we recover and rebuild our beekeeping community.
Your journey as a beekeeper continues, and with resilience and support, you can emerge from this difficult time stronger than ever.
If you're struggling with loss and looking for support, our team is here for you. Feel free to reach out via email at support@hivetracks.com, and we'll be happy to help or point you in the right direction.
Look after each other,
HiveTracks
Additional Resources
Storm Safety Measures: Ready.gov
FEMA Assistance: For direct assistance and disaster recovery information, visit FEMA.gov
Helpful guide on how to apply for FEMA disaster relief assistance via the North Carolina Department of Public Safety
USDA Farm Service Agency Disaster Assistance Program: If you've faced significant losses, check for eligibility and find more info here: USDA Honeybee Disaster Assistance.
U.S. Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loans
Thinking of volunteering? Do so with a group, not alone. Check out the organizations listed in this database: NVOAD
Donate: HiveTracks is founded in North Carolina by James Wilkes of Faith Mountain Farms who lost bees, supplies and farm property due to the recent devastation alongside many others within the community. To support those affected, consider donating to the United Way NC or volunteering for the Samaritan's Purse Disaster Relief in Boone.
Disaster Distress Helpline: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a Disaster Distress Helpline, providing 24/7 crisis counseling for those affected by disasters. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text "TalkWithUs" to 66746.
Mental Health America (MHA): Offers resources and a toolkit for coping after natural disasters. Visit mhanational.org.
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