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Save the Bees with Natural Backyard Hives: The Easy and Treatment-Free Way to Attract and Keep Healthy Bees
Save the Bees with Natural, Chemical-Free Beekeeping
Rob and Chelsea McFarland first started caring for bees, then founded the nonprofit HoneyLove, to meet a need often heard today - we've got to save the bees. For more than two decades, honeybee colonies have steadily declined around the world. Bees and other pollinators are one of the most critical components of our food supply - if they disappear, so do we. You can make a difference by becoming a natural, treatment-free beekeeper right in your backyard. Save the Bees offers different, easy and healthier ways to keep your own hive!
Rob and Chelsea share all the wisdom from this ancient practice in a way that is fresh, modern and easy for anyone to do. Along the way, they bust up some common bee myths:
- You don't need to spend thousands of dollars on equipment. They tell you the most essential tools you need to get started and what you can make yourself.
- You don't need any chemicals, pesticides or supplements to keep your bees healthy. Rob and Chelsea tell you how to recognize and maintain a healthy hive and how to save a failing one. The treatment-free way is not just a way to keep bees; it's the best way - good for you, the bees and the world.
Save the Bees breaks down the complexity of beekeeping so you can learn step-by-step how to acquire a colony, care for it and reap the reward - that incredibly delicious, all-natural, chemical-free, unprocessed, sweet, sweet honey. Not to mention you'll be welcomed into the quirky, amazing and fun family of beekeepers around the world. So get on board and let's save some bees.
Rob and Chelsea McFarland first started caring for bees, then founded the nonprofit HoneyLove, to meet a need often heard today - we've got to save the bees. For more than two decades, honeybee colonies have steadily declined around the world. Bees and other pollinators are one of the most critical components of our food supply - if they disappear, so do we. You can make a difference by becoming a natural, treatment-free beekeeper right in your backyard. Save the Bees offers different, easy and healthier ways to keep your own hive!
Rob and Chelsea share all the wisdom from this ancient practice in a way that is fresh, modern and easy for anyone to do. Along the way, they bust up some common bee myths:
- You don't need to spend thousands of dollars on equipment. They tell you the most essential tools you need to get started and what you can make yourself.
- You don't need any chemicals, pesticides or supplements to keep your bees healthy. Rob and Chelsea tell you how to recognize and maintain a healthy hive and how to save a failing one. The treatment-free way is not just a way to keep bees; it's the best way - good for you, the bees and the world.
Save the Bees breaks down the complexity of beekeeping so you can learn step-by-step how to acquire a colony, care for it and reap the reward - that incredibly delicious, all-natural, chemical-free, unprocessed, sweet, sweet honey. Not to mention you'll be welcomed into the quirky, amazing and fun family of beekeepers around the world. So get on board and let's save some bees.
- GenresNonfictionReference
192 pages, Paperback
First published November 10, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 22, 2016
Very educational book on bee keeping at home. Information on the bee die off that is happening at a frightening pace. Backyard gardeners can so so much, for themselves, their communities and the world. The books is a simple guide with lists of items needed , how to use them, average prices and helpful hints. There is a large resource list to help to collect everything you need.
I am not ready to start a hive but I have planted flowers just for the bees in my organic chemical free yard.
It all starts with a ripple. We can change this decline and save ourselves.
I am not ready to start a hive but I have planted flowers just for the bees in my organic chemical free yard.
It all starts with a ripple. We can change this decline and save ourselves.
June 9, 2016
Rob and Chelsea really present natural beekeeping as a kinder, gentler way to steward bees in our world. I found it informative without being preachy. The photos are fantastic and I love that the book opens flat (to prevent honey-laden fingers from having to hold the page down). The humor takes the sting out of overly-serious beekeeping instructional books. I hope more people adopt this way of tending bees.
January 15, 2020
As a non-beekeeper with an interest in natural history, this was the perfect introductory primer on beekeeping. Well written, comprehensive without bogging down with endless details and dove-tailing well into the world of urban homesteaders (which I aspire to be). It also fits well into the world of organic agriculture with which I’m familiar.
Honeybees are fascinating creatures as is their complex social lives and by learning more, the ancient art of coaxing honey from them becomes all the more interesting. The McFarlands go one step further by focusing on “treatment-free” beekeeping, that is eschewing the use of chemicals to treat mite infestations and other common problems.
By looking at the beehive as the complex system which it is, interacting with species of bacteria and fungi and their surrounding environment, beekeeping becomes the work of an ecologist requiring systemic thinking and an open mind. I can imagine more than one person reading this book winding up tending bees.
Honeybees are fascinating creatures as is their complex social lives and by learning more, the ancient art of coaxing honey from them becomes all the more interesting. The McFarlands go one step further by focusing on “treatment-free” beekeeping, that is eschewing the use of chemicals to treat mite infestations and other common problems.
By looking at the beehive as the complex system which it is, interacting with species of bacteria and fungi and their surrounding environment, beekeeping becomes the work of an ecologist requiring systemic thinking and an open mind. I can imagine more than one person reading this book winding up tending bees.
September 24, 2018
Wonderful book for those thinking about beekeeping or just wanting to know more about bees in general - probably too simplistic for those already into it. Authors err on the side of "backwards beekeeping" or organically keeping bees using no pesticides or chemicals. Written in a friendly tone with many personal anecdotes, lots of photographs, beautiful typography (perfectly chosen script typeface!), and a well organized format.
May 14, 2018
Good primer with absolutely beautiful photography. I picked it up thinking it would have more info on treatment-free beekeeping, but the in-depth info I was looking for was not there. It would be a great resource for someone thinking about beekeeping but as a hobbyist it was all info I already knew. Beautifully presented and good info overall.
January 20, 2020
Good read. If you are familiar with permaculture this authors philosophy is basically permaculture for bees. With all the good and bad that comes with it. That said it was an easy read and lots of good ideas for treatment free bee keeping for both newcomers and experienced bee keepers. I plan to implement some of these ideas with my own hives.
August 25, 2017
Very informative and easy to read for a non-beekeeper. Beautiful photos.
November 13, 2019
Enjoyed the honey crushing in 5 gallon buckets technique.
August 10, 2020
A must own for bee freaks-practical and concise, funny and inspiring.
October 11, 2023
"Save the Bees with Natural Backyard Hives: The Easy and Treatment-Free Way to Attract and Keep Healthy Bees" is a book that, regrettably, didn't quite meet my expectations. While the intention behind the book is commendable and important, I found that the information presented fell short, and the writing style left much to be desired.
One of the primary issues I encountered was the lack of substantial and valuable information. When seeking guidance on a topic as critical as beekeeping and promoting the health of these vital pollinators, readers expect a wealth of knowledge, tips, and actionable advice. Unfortunately, this book didn't provide the depth and breadth of information I had hoped for. It felt like a missed opportunity to educate and inspire readers to take meaningful action.
Furthermore, the writing style in the book struck me as peculiar and, at times, challenging to follow. The lack of clarity and coherence in the presentation of information hindered the effectiveness of the content. The writing style is a critical aspect of non-fiction books, especially when conveying practical knowledge, and in this case, it appeared to detract from the book's overall impact.
In conclusion, "Save the Bees with Natural Backyard Hives" appears to have noble intentions but falls short in delivering the necessary depth of information and struggles with an unconventional writing style. When tackling a subject as vital as bee conservation and natural backyard beekeeping, readers need a well-organized and informative resource. Regrettably, this book left me feeling that there was more to be desired in both content and writing quality.
One of the primary issues I encountered was the lack of substantial and valuable information. When seeking guidance on a topic as critical as beekeeping and promoting the health of these vital pollinators, readers expect a wealth of knowledge, tips, and actionable advice. Unfortunately, this book didn't provide the depth and breadth of information I had hoped for. It felt like a missed opportunity to educate and inspire readers to take meaningful action.
Furthermore, the writing style in the book struck me as peculiar and, at times, challenging to follow. The lack of clarity and coherence in the presentation of information hindered the effectiveness of the content. The writing style is a critical aspect of non-fiction books, especially when conveying practical knowledge, and in this case, it appeared to detract from the book's overall impact.
In conclusion, "Save the Bees with Natural Backyard Hives" appears to have noble intentions but falls short in delivering the necessary depth of information and struggles with an unconventional writing style. When tackling a subject as vital as bee conservation and natural backyard beekeeping, readers need a well-organized and informative resource. Regrettably, this book left me feeling that there was more to be desired in both content and writing quality.
July 7, 2016
This is a great introduction to beekeeping written by a couple who recently got into beekeeping as a hobby and who have set out to make it easy and accessible to others who are just beginning and intend to keep a small amount of hives. They recommend putting the bees first before all other considerations (what will make the bees happy and healthy?) and stress the importance of these small pollinating powerhouses. While all beekeepers eventually find their own way – their own practice of beekeeping, the equipment they deem essential, etc. – the McFarlands present options in a way that isn’t overwhelming to the newbie (or wannabe) keeper. Beautiful close-up photos of bees and hive life will have potential beekeepers chomping at the bit to have their own hives. Practical and inviting.
May 28, 2016
Yes, I am one of those toying with the idea of starting my own backyard bee hive. It just seems like it could be fun. After reading this, I have a much better feel for how much work it might also entail. There is a whole lot of research I need to do before starting a hive (and now I know just how ignorant of the process I am), I have a long way to go before (or if) I really do start one.
This was a great primer for me. Just enough information to make me pause to do a reality check. And a reality check is called for before taking the first step to responsible bee keeping. I think the budding beekeeper would benefit from reading this book.
Have a GoodReads.
This was a great primer for me. Just enough information to make me pause to do a reality check. And a reality check is called for before taking the first step to responsible bee keeping. I think the budding beekeeper would benefit from reading this book.
Have a GoodReads.
July 6, 2016
This is a great book for the backyard or small homestead beekeeper who wants to provide a healthy bee environment as well as provide pollination and honey. Beautifully illustrated, it covers the how and why of healthy beekeeping, diseases, predators and other factors related to the decline in bee populations.
May 7, 2016
This is a great book for new beekeepers living in urban areas.
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June 12, 2016I learned a lot about bees that I did not know.
August 27, 2016
Engaging and informative. Maybe I should ask for beekeeping supplies for Christmas!
December 23, 2016
This book is great. Beautiful and easy to follow!
September 26, 2022
Loved reading about planting gardens to attract bees.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews