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My name is John Huhn, and I am the owner and founder of Pappy's Bees. I have been keeping bees for 10 years now, having started with 2 hives in April 2013. I currently manage ~25 hives spread over 3 beeyards within 10 miles of my home apiary in Salem, CT.
Update: August 15, 2023
The 2023 honey harvest is over, and we are currently getting our bees ready for the upcoming Winter. Hardly seems possible, since Winter won't be here for at least another 3-4 months. However, there are 3 things that must happen before the bees enter their Winter mode of living. (1) The bees must be treated for Varroa mites. (2) They must be fed heavily in order to build up food stores that will last them through the Winter. (3) They must produce an adequate population of bees that will help keep the hive warm during the Winter.
Varroa mites have become the number one challenge to honey beekeepers large and small. They were introduced into the United States in 2006-2008 from sources south of the border. Their presence gave rise to what was known as Colony Collapse disorder. US beekeepers came to experience colony losses that were far beyond anything that they had ever encountered. Huge commercial bee operations were nearly forced out of business. In fact, many commercial apiaries did go out of business at this time. Hobby beekeepers experienced extensive colony losses as well. It was finally determined that Varroa mites were the culprit. Not only did the Varroa mites parasitize the bees themselves, but they also carried viruses that weakened the bees. Since that time, treatment options have become available that reduce Varroa mite numbers. However, Varroa mites are never totally eliminated. Their populations are kept at numbers that the bees can fend off.
Most consumers don't understand the dynamics of honey production and honey consumption. Honey bees generally produce more honey than the colony needs to survive the Winter. Excess honey (surplus honey) is taken from bee colonies by the beekeeper. I harvest honey around July 4 every year. It is at this time that honey nectar and pollen stores start to subside in temperate climates like that of the New England states. This can pose a problem for the bee colonies, whose size has doubled or tripled since March. If supplemental feed (sugar syrup and pollen) is not given to the bees, they can starve. It is hard to believe, but I have witnessed it myself. As such, supplemental feeding is critical for the bees from about mid-July to mid-August. Additional feeding may needed depending on the Fall nectar and pollen flow. Good beekeepers are vigilant in keeping their bees healthy during this critical time.
It is very important that the bee hive has the correct number of bees to support its Winter survival. Northeastern winters are very tough on bees. I have wrapped hives with roofing paper and insulation some years and not in other years. I can honestly say that I saw no difference in their Winter survival. Keeping bees out of the wind seems to be an effective Winter strategy. I have had bee hives in wind-protected areas and they have done well.....without wrapping the hives. If a beekeeper is able to store bees in a well-ventilated barn, it can prove to be of great benefit.
I am still selling honey as regular liquid honey, regular creamed honey, cinnamon creamed honey, and Pappy's Atomic Honey. This product consists of honey infused with mild jalapeno peppers. It provides a sweet heat profile to pizza, pork, chicken, cheese, and even ice cream.
Buying options are listed when you add items to your cart and then checkout. Payment can be made via PayPal, credit card, or debit card by clicking on the PAY NOW button in the shopping cart window and filling out the requested information. Rest assured that the transaction is secure
Please note that shipping charges are $12 per order. An order consists of 1-3 bottles/jars of product. If you wish to purchase more than three bottles/jars of product, then a new order will have to bee placed. Shipping charges are added to the order upon checkout.
If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact me via the Contact Us link on the left side of this page.
Thanks again for visiting my site. I think you will love Pappy's Bees honey products (-;
