This program is for residential customers. Breweries, Restaurants and other commercial clients click here.
How it works
What's Included
Full management of the honeybee colony installed at your garden or place of business. The pollination contract lasts 12 months and typically starts in April or May (ending the following April or May) depending on the winter survival rates.
You provide the land, we'll do the rest
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Interested in having backyard beehives, but don’t want to become a beekeeper yourself? Apply to host some hives on your property!
Our hosting program offers backyard beehive installations and maintenance to everyday people who wish to pollinate their gardens, gain access to honey and beeswax from their own backyards, help to save the bees and enjoy the wonder of bees!
All installations, maintenance and harvests will be done by Commonwealth Bee Company.
Hosts get a TON of benefits. Besides enjoying the pollination and excitement of backyard beekeeping, hosts get discounts on any marketable honey harvest from the hive they host.
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If you are on the fence about starting your own hive vs. participating in our hosting program, we recommend you sign up for a Intro to Beekeeping class! This will give you an idea of what is involved in becoming a beekeeper and you will be better equipped to decide what is the best option for you.
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Minimum Requirements for Hosting a Hive:
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Have ownership and complete control over the hosting property
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Obtain written confirmation to host bees if property is managed by an HOA/COA
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Have a PESTICIDE FREE property. Ideal areas will not be surrounded by other operations that commonly uses pesticides, insecticides, or herbicides. The property must remain spray-free during the entire hosting period. We are a Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) Urban Bee Farm and your property will be an extension of our operation! You're property must meet all CNG guidelines which can be found here.
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Allow access to property without exception to Commonwealth Bee Company for the purposes of managing the hives.
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If you meet the minimum requirements, then fill out an application!
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Ready to take the first step? Schedule a free site visit by clicking here!
What do I need to do?
Enjoy your garden! We will need access to the hives to inspect them and manage them throughout the year. Inspections typically happen every 1-3 weeks depending on the season. Inspections during winter months are much less frequent and usually involve checking the hives' food and clearing snow from the entrance.
Do I get the honey from these hives?
We offer discounts to our pollination customers but do not guarantee the products from the hives. If you are interested in purchasing all the products from the hives, pricing contracts can be developed and usually last 3 years. This is because it rare for a first year hive to produce enough honey for humans to harvest.
Can I learn about beekeeping from the beekeeper?
While we are very friendly and happy to answer questions, this service is designed as a primary pollination service. The idea is our beekeepers are able to get in and out of the property and move on to the next hive. If you are interested in full mentorship or learning more about bees, check out our educational opportunities!