Frequently asked questions

Why Drowning Creek Apiary?

"Drowning Creek" is the original name of the Lumber River.  Growing up along the banks of the river and it having played a large part in our local history, it was only fitting to use the title in our name.

What is an apiary?

An apiary is a place where beehives are kept and maintained for the purpose of harvesting honey, beeswax, and other bee products. It is also known as a bee farm or bee yard.

Where are your bee yards (apiaries) located?

Our bee yards are located in the north western portion of Horry County, SC and southern most portion of Columbus County, NC.  While we may occassionally take a portion of our bees on road trips to gather pollen and nectar from other areas, the majority of our bee remain local.  

Keeping our bees local is inline with one of our objectives, improving the world around us.  We do this by providing increased pollination efforts for our neighbors, friends, and family.

What types of bees do you keep in your apiary?

Our apiary primarily keeps European honeybees (Apis mellifera), known for their efficiency in honey production, pollination, and bee products like beeswax.  In layman terms, we keep Italian and Carniolan honey bees in our bee yards.

Are your honey products organic?

Our honey is harvested from bees that have access to natural, pesticide-free environments.  However, bees may forage up to a 6 mile radius in lean times and we cannot gurantee what our bees have foraged.  We are not certified organic, but we source as many certified organic products as we can.

How do you ensure the health of your bees?

We practice sustainable beekeeping methods to maintain the health and well-being of our bees. This includes monitoring hive conditions, using natural treatments for pests, and ensuring a variety of flowers and plants are available for foraging.

Do you offer beekeeping supplies?

We are primarily a working apiary and have a few extra supplies on hand.  You may check with our sister company Drowning Creek mercantile for limited beeking supplies.

Why are bees important?

Bees are essential for pollination, which is vital for the growth of many plants, fruits, and vegetables. They help maintain biodiversity and play a critical role in food production. Without bees, many crops would fail, and our ecosystems would suffer.

What is raw honey?

Raw honey is honey that has not been heated or processed beyond its natural extraction from the hive. It retains all of its beneficial enzymes, antioxidants, and pollen. Raw honey may crystallize over time, which is a natural process.

May I hire you to manage bees on my property?

Yes, we offer beekeeping services, including hive management and maintenance for residential, agricultural, or commercial properties. Contact us for more details about our service offerings.

Contact

6419 OVERBROOK SHORTCUT RD

29581 NICHOLS


Opening Hours

 

Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm

Saturday: 8am - 5pm

Sunday: Closed

 

Contact

(843)902-0590

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