12/May/2008
Zachary Resident Wayne Robertson Has Unique Black And Yellow Friends
Wayne Robertson is a popular guy. In fact, he keeps over 100,000 friends right in his backyard.
While many may not consider honeybees good friends, Robertson admires his black and yellow companions. “It’s like a dance, the way these bees know where to go and how to work,” Robertson says.
With his “Beekeeper’s Bible” in hand and adorned in his “Adjusting to Retirement” t-shirt, Robertson spins the tale of how he came to love beekeeping.
Backyard Swarm
Robertson started beekeeping over 10 years ago after becoming fascinated by a swarm in his backyard. He soon started collecting bees of his own with supplies from older neighbors. “When I first started studying them and getting them, my wife told someone I was worse than a teenage boy with a new girlfriend,” he recalls.
He now builds the foundations and frames for his colonies by hand in his garage. The bees then build a home in Robertson’s creation.
Bees called “drones” leave the hive to collect pollen for honey from various flowers. The flower they choose depends on the season.
For example, white clovers attract drones during the spring. These abundant flowers grow in droves while the temperature is moderately warm, and this is exactly what Robertson wants. His large backyard is usually covered in white clovers. He simply mows around large patches and the rest he leaves for the bees.
But mowing a lawn full of bees is exactly as risky as it sounds. Robertson recalled a time when he riled up one of his hives. “They just came out and attacked me all up and down my arm. I had to run as fast as I could inside,” Robertson says.
He doesn’t usually take these risks when tending to his bees. He typically wears a full “bee suit” that covers his entire body, including the face.
Watching Them Work
Although Robertson has spent time serving in Saudi Arabia, he is now content with beekeeping. Sometimes he leaves his bees to their own devices for days at a time, but usually works with them more often. “My favorite thing about having bees is just watching them work,” he says. “And honey, of course.”
Robertson collects honey for more than just the taste. His wife swears by the honey’s healing remedies for her allergies.
Before Robertson started collecting bees, allergies plagued his wife. When she began eating a spoon of honey every day, her allergies disappeared like magic. “Now when the ragweed comes out, she calls over, ‘Go get me some honey!’” Robertson jokes.
Fifty Gallons of Honey
Surprisingly, Robertson does not sell most of his honey. Even though he collects up to 50 gallons per season, he usually gives it away to friends or keeps it for himself and his wife.
Although Robertson doesn’t use his honey for a profit, he does recommend that everyone find honey from a local source. “You lose out on enzymes and other healthy things when you get store-bought honey,” he stresses.
If you’re interested in beekeeping, contact the Capital Area Beekeeper’s Association President Brenda Brown at (225) 654-6192 or Secretary Jimmy Dunkley at (225) 665-2229.
Robertson makes a home for his bees by hand. Here he shows a handmade frame where bees will eventually collect their honey. Over 70,000 bees reside in just one hive.
While many may not consider honeybees good friends, Robertson admires his black and yellow companions. “It’s like a dance, the way these bees know where to go and how to work,” Robertson says.
With his “Beekeeper’s Bible” in hand and adorned in his “Adjusting to Retirement” t-shirt, Robertson spins the tale of how he came to love beekeeping.
Backyard Swarm
Robertson started beekeeping over 10 years ago after becoming fascinated by a swarm in his backyard. He soon started collecting bees of his own with supplies from older neighbors. “When I first started studying them and getting them, my wife told someone I was worse than a teenage boy with a new girlfriend,” he recalls.
He now builds the foundations and frames for his colonies by hand in his garage. The bees then build a home in Robertson’s creation.
Bees called “drones” leave the hive to collect pollen for honey from various flowers. The flower they choose depends on the season.
For example, white clovers attract drones during the spring. These abundant flowers grow in droves while the temperature is moderately warm, and this is exactly what Robertson wants. His large backyard is usually covered in white clovers. He simply mows around large patches and the rest he leaves for the bees.
But mowing a lawn full of bees is exactly as risky as it sounds. Robertson recalled a time when he riled up one of his hives. “They just came out and attacked me all up and down my arm. I had to run as fast as I could inside,” Robertson says.
He doesn’t usually take these risks when tending to his bees. He typically wears a full “bee suit” that covers his entire body, including the face.
Robertson holds up a frame covered in bees.
Watching Them Work
Although Robertson has spent time serving in Saudi Arabia, he is now content with beekeeping. Sometimes he leaves his bees to their own devices for days at a time, but usually works with them more often. “My favorite thing about having bees is just watching them work,” he says. “And honey, of course.”
Robertson collects honey for more than just the taste. His wife swears by the honey’s healing remedies for her allergies.
Before Robertson started collecting bees, allergies plagued his wife. When she began eating a spoon of honey every day, her allergies disappeared like magic. “Now when the ragweed comes out, she calls over, ‘Go get me some honey!’” Robertson jokes.
Fifty Gallons of Honey
The common white clover covers Wayne Robertson's backyard. These flowers provide nectar for honey during the summer months.
Although Robertson doesn’t use his honey for a profit, he does recommend that everyone find honey from a local source. “You lose out on enzymes and other healthy things when you get store-bought honey,” he stresses.
If you’re interested in beekeeping, contact the Capital Area Beekeeper’s Association President Brenda Brown at (225) 654-6192 or Secretary Jimmy Dunkley at (225) 665-2229.
