A little bit about Carolina Bee Spit:
Eddie Sechrest and his daughter, Crystal Sechrest, are the owners & operators of Carolina Bee Spit. Crystal’s daughter, Megan, helps when her school and work schedule allow. We also have a number of friends and family who lend a helping hand from time to time. Our hives are located in the community of Colfax in western Guilford County, North Carolina. This thr
ee acre strip of undeveloped land, owned by Michael Sechrest (Eddie’s brother), is the perfect setting for our honey bee hives… not too close to our neighbors but not so far out in the sticks either. There is a stand of trees, north of the hives, that provide a nice wind break during the colder seasons. There is also a stand of trees, east of the hives. The entrances to the hives are facing south/south-east so the bees can enjoy the morning sunrise. We currently are in our second year of beekeeping with four colonies of bees. While there are several different types of honey bee hives, we are currently using the traditional “American” version of the standard eight-frame Langstroth hive. Perhaps this is a good time to mention, “Don’t believe everything you read!” The internet is full of conflicting information when it comes to beekeeping. Some of the differences are because of the location of the bee hives. Tips and information from northern states may be different than suggestions coming out of the Deep South because weather and environmental conditions are different. At times, the information is completely wrong for you and your particular situation. At other times, the information is based on preferences rather than facts. Sometimes there may be several different ways to accomplish the same tasks. And, of course, what works for one person may not always work for everyone. So be careful when researching the internet, reading books, or blogging. Even if the information appears to come from a “reputable” website or “expert” in the field of beekeeping, there’s a possibility the information is outdated or incorrect. Also, it’s good to remember that environment plays an important part in determining what to do and what not to do. Weather conditions can change from year to year. Threats from disease or predator attacks may alter your beekeeping procedures. And… what works well for you this year may not work next year. With that being said, it’s important to remember that this page, presented by Carolina Bee Spit, is based on our preferences and experiences and may not work for you as a beekeeper. I would suggest that the beginner beekeeper join with their local and state beekeeping organizations where practical help and information can be provided. Crystal and Eddie are members of the Guilford County Beekeepers Association and also members of the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association.
