Stiletto Bee Queen Apiaries

My name is Michele Passarella, I am an active athlete and local beekeeper.  Since 2014 I was diagnosed twice with cancer I believe that the environment was partly responsible. This changed my perspective and gave me a new appreciation for my surroundings. The air, the water, the land around us and just how important these elements are to a healthy existence.

Being a beekeeper has opened my eyes helped me see how the use of chemicals such as fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides have been impacting our environment and fragile habitat in a negative way.  Avoiding harmful chemicals belonging to the neonicotinoid family at all costs, they are especially harmful to the bees!  Opt for organic pesticides and spray at night when the pollinators are least active. Use praying mantises and ladybugs in your garden.  Plant a bee friendly yard that keeps blooming by using indigenous plant material that are native to your area.

Native plants, which are adapted to local soils and climates, are usually the best sources of nectar and pollen for native pollinators. Incorporating native wildflowers, shrubs, and trees into any landscape promotes local biological diversity and provides shelter and food for a diversity of wildlife. Most natives require minimal irrigation, flourish without fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides.