Farmed to Perfection

05/06/2026

05/06/2026

Are free bees "freebees"?

No, "free bees" are definitely not free bees. 🐝

Once a colony has been removed from a structure and relocated, the real work begins. The beekeeper must provide space in the apiary and continue caring for the colony to give it the best chance of survival.

Each rescued hive receives a complete setup from our beekeeping stock, including a hive box, bottom board, top cover, frames, wax foundation and other important living pieces from other existing colonies in our apiary. We monitor the colony, provide supplemental feeding when needed, administer vitamins, and treat for pests and diseases that can quickly weaken or destroy a hive.

The bees are free to leave at any time—and sometimes they do. Swarming and absconding are natural behaviors, especially after the stress of relocation. Even so, we continue investing time and resources to help them establish themselves and become productive members of the apiary.

In Belize, our main nectar flow typically begins around February, builds through March and April, and can/maybe extend into May or June, depending on rainfall and local forage conditions. This is when bees have the best opportunity to gather nectar and store honey.

Once the major nectar flow ends, beekeepers enter a period where colonies often need more support. From the rainy season through the slower months, bees may face shortages of nectar and pollen. Colonies must also contend with ants, wax moths, hive beetles, toads, mice, mites, predators, flooding, drought, tree falling on a hive, and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.

During these periods, we may provide supplemental feed ( for atleast 7-8 months), continue hive inspections, replace damaged equipment, and monitor colony health until the next nectar flow arrives.

A rescued colony may take months before it becomes strong enough to produce surplus honey. During that time, the beekeeper continues investing in equipment, transportation, inspections, treatments, feed, repairs, and countless hours of labor.

So while the bees may arrive at no cost, keeping them healthy, productive, and alive is far from free.

Every thriving hive represents a significant investment of time, knowledge, equipment, and care. 🐝🍯

The next time you hear someone say "those bees were free," remember that the bees may have been rescued, but turning them into a healthy, productive colony requires a year-round commitment and investment IF they stay in the box.

04/06/2026

What happens if the stinger stays in?

A honey bee's stinger is barbed and is attached to a tiny venom sac. After the bee flies away, the venom sac can continue pumping venom into the skin for a short period.

If the stinger remains:

More venom may enter the body.
Pain can become more intense.
Swelling may increase.
Redness and itching may last longer.

The stinger itself doesn't usually keep injecting venom indefinitely, but leaving it in longer generally means more venom gets delivered during those first moments after the sting.

When to seek urgent medical help

Call emergency services immediately if the person develops:

Difficulty breathing
Wheezing
Swelling of the tongue, lips, or throat
Dizziness or fainting
Widespread hives

These can be signs of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

04/06/2026

If you're stung by a honey bee, the most important thing is to remove the stinger as soon as possible.
What to do after a bee sting
1. Remove the stinger immediately
o Use a fingernail, credit card, or similar object to scrape it out.
o Don't worry too much about how you remove it—speed matters more than technique.
2. Wash the area
o Use soap and water.
3. Reduce swelling and pain
o Apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth for 10–15 minutes at a time.
o Elevate the area if possible.
4. For itching or discomfort
o An antihistamine may help.
o Hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion can reduce itching.

03/06/2026

Dear Desmond Leslie ,

I hope this letter finds you well and in good spirits.

First, we would like to extend our sincere thanks for your tireless dedication to feeding our pigs, day and night, seven days a week. Your commitment has not gone unnoticed, and we are certain these pigs has appreciated every meal (and probably expected a few extras).

We are pleased to inform you that, effective immediately, you are being partially relieved of your pig-feeding duties. Our newest team member, Jazmine, has become quite attached to them and has spent much of this week delivering snacks and making social visits. It appears a strong friendship has formed.

As a result, Jazmine has enthusiastically volunteered to take over feeding responsibilities from Monday through Friday. This means that your official pig-feeding schedule has been reduced to weekends only.

Please note that this decision was made in the best interests of both staff efficiency and the pig's apparent desire for more time with Jazmine.

Thank you again for your patience, dedication, and outstanding service to Farmed to Perfection pig industry. Madam SirLoin, Bacon, Pibil, Pork and Chops have appreciated all that you do for Farmed to Perfection and trust that you will enjoy your newly granted weekdays of pig-feeding freedom.

With gratitude,

Management
Farmed to Perfection

P.S. Pigs were consulted regarding this change but declined to comment while eating. 🐷

02/06/2026

My entire family can soooo relate to this video. Come check my vehicle at any given time, and it'll be the same surprise. Bee, bee equipment and bee p**p everywhere!

01/06/2026

🌿🐝 As hurricane season begins in Belize (June 1 to November 30), our plants are entering a season of change too.

The early rains of June and July encourage fresh growth, while the wetter months of August through October bring an explosion of blooms that help feed bees and other pollinators. By November, many plants begin preparing for the drier season ahead.

Whether it's a simple flower pot on your porch or a garden in your yard, every plant helps. Indoor plants bring beauty and cleaner air to our homes, while flowering plants provide valuable food for our hardworking bees.

🌱 Plant something.
🐝 Feed a bee.
💚 Grow a little peace.

🌿🐝🌼

01/06/2026

Here's something you may not know about me... 🪵💡

I love working with wood.

This was one of my very first creations—a lamp made from simple wooden parts, transformed into something both functional and unique.

I've always enjoyed creating things with my hands. It's rewarding. rewarding. Looking back at this project reminds me that every success, starts with a first attempt, and every creation teaches you something new.

Whether it's beekeeping, farming, baking, or woodworking, I've always enjoyed learning, building, and finding ways to create.

This is what satisfaction of making something from scratch looks like.

What's a hobby or skill that people might be surprised to learn about you?

🪵✨💡

01/06/2026

Look closely at that entrance. 🐝

That tube has a specific purpose. Stingless bees build these special entrances for a reason. It acts like a doorway, a guard post, and a defense system all in one.

By making the entrance narrow and extended, the colony can better control who comes in and out. It helps protect the hive from predators, robber bees, ants, and unwanted visitors. The guard bees can stand watch and defend a smaller opening much more effectively.

Nature thought this through long before engineers did. Tiny architects using wax, resin, and instinct to build a home designed for survival.

Inside that little entrance is an entire world of workers, honey storage, brood, communication, and a colony working together every day.

Small bees. Ancient wisdom. Big purpose. 🍯🌿