About Our Commitment to Responsible Urban Beekeeping

At Alvéole, we place the health and well-being of our honey bees, neighboring colonies, and the wild bees that share our urban spaces at the forefront of our mission. We believe that urban beekeeping transcends the simple act of harvesting honey; it is about nurturing vibrant and sustainable urban ecosystems where all pollinators can flourish.

We’re excited to share with you how we manage our hives responsibly and protect all local pollinators, ensuring a harmonious coexistence in our cities.

Do Urban Honey Bees Impact Wild Bees?

One of the most frequent questions we receive from property managers and residents is whether introducing honey bees into urban environments negatively affects local wild bee populations.

Scientific studies have shown that there is no conclusive evidence that honey bees negatively impact wild bees. These species can coexist without posing risks to each other.

The key to a thriving ecosystem is not about excluding honey bees but about restoring natural food sources and providing safe nesting habitats. By focusing on these actions, we can create an environment where all pollinator populations can thrive together.

Our 6-Step Approach to Responsible Beekeeping

To ensure a harmonious integration between honey bees and native bee species, Alvéole employs a mindful, data-driven approach to hive management. Here’s how we make it happen:

• 1. Installing Wild Bee Habitats: We care for more than just honey bees. By installing dedicated wild bee hotels at our partner buildings, we provide safe nesting spaces and raise awareness for native species.

• 2. Limiting Hive Density: Bigger isn't always better. We intentionally limit the number of hives at any single location to maximize safe interaction opportunities while maintaining a sustainable local bee footprint.

• 3. Rigorous Disease Prevention: Our expert beekeepers take strict precautions to prevent the spread of disease, safeguarding our managed colonies, neighboring apiaries, and wild bees alike.

• 4. Community Education: We empower local communities by teaching them what bees need to thrive, transforming urban spaces into centers of environmental advocacy.

• 5. Bee-Friendly Landscaping: We collaborate with property teams to implement sustainable landscaping practices, recommending impactful native plants to grow on-site.

• 6. Tracking Data with eDNA: We collect environmental DNA (eDNA) and other tracking data from our beehives and wild bee habitats. This provides a highly accurate picture of local bee health and floral diversity, allowing us to make targeted improvements to the landscape.

Why It Matters

By championing sustainable practices, we transform urban buildings into active hubs for biodiversity. We see ourselves as allies to all pollinators, as they rely on our cities for habitat, and we rely on them for a healthy planet.

If you’re eager to explore the science behind our practices further, feel free to visit our dedicated Responsible Beekeeping Page.