Surge in demand for beehives during lockdown

With people spending more time at home, suburban gardens across Melbourne are turning into hives of activity. And there’s been a spike in interest for one hobby, which produces more than just a sweet treat.

Ben Moore and his Honey House.

As lockdown continues and people look for new ways to stay busy at home, an unusual hobby is creating a buzz.

Beekeeper Ben Moore, owner of Ben’s Bees, said his business was experiencing an increased demand for beehives as a result of coronavirus restrictions.

“People are in their gardens more as opposed to just being out there over the weekend,” he said. “I’ve had four phone calls today from people wanting to buy hives.”

Ben said budding beekeepers had time to do their research and were discovering the myriad of advantages of adding a hive to their garden.

“It’s great for the environment,” said Ben. “It’s good for people’s veggie gardens and, obviously, they produce honey.”

A Blackburn North business has seen an increased demand for beehives.

The member of the Doncaster Bee Keeping Club said the health benefits of raw honey were numerous. “It’s a natural medicine,” Ben said. “Honey from the local area is really good for those suffering from hay fever and it can also be applied on wounds to promote healing.”

Ben said honey was the only natural food for humans without a shelf life, making it perfect for delicious and nutritious lockdown baking.

“Honey’s such a versatile ingredient.,“ he said. “It’s nice on porridge and crumpets but also for cooking those fragrant, sweet dishes.”

Growing up in the Yarra Valley, Ben has had a lifelong passion for the tiny insects.

“When I was 14, I said to mum and dad ‘I don’t want a puppy or a kitten, I want a beehive.’”

Today customers are making a bee line for Ben’s Honey House, an eye-catching bright yellow mini honey store at the front of his Blackburn North home.

Ben Moore outside Ben’s Bees Honey House.

“There is a wealth of honey supplies inside, and you just leave the correct change in the honesty box,” he said.

Ben, who also sells honey and a large assortment of related products online, said he recently renovated the ’hive’ to give his business a boost.

“With COVID-19 I wanted to put some more colour out there and make it part of the community,” he said. “It’s tough times and people like something a bit quirky.”

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Ben said the feedback from the community had been overwhelmingly positive.

“There’s been a really good response,” he said. “It’s created interest, a bit of a spark.

“A lot of people are out walking, and now they’ve got something to walk to.”

Details: bensbees.com.au