-
Tim McCoy explaining the changes in the honeycomb. Photo by Brooklynn Peek -
Beacon reporter Brooklynn Peek dons a protective suit and gloves in order to get right into the action at Lee Park. Photo by Heather Flores -
A section of honeycomb covered in bees lies on the ground in Lee Park. Photo by Brooklynn Peek -
Beekeeper Tim McCoy lifts a section of honeycomb from the trunk of the fallen tree and points out the difference in color on various parts as he explains that the darker areas are the oldest. Photos by Brooklynn Peek -
Thousands of bees had to be relocated when they swarmed the home of Chris and Misty Gossen east of Cordell. Photo by Misty Gossen -
Bees hang from the porch rafters at the Gossen home. Photo by Misty Gossen
Thursday, June 16, the City of Cordell called in the assistance of Tim McCoy of Hydro, OK to help in the removal of honey bees in Lee Park.
The bees had taken residence in an old tree that alas had fallen, causing damage and ultimately destroying their hive.
McCoy, Veteran owner of Second Wind Farms LLC, took to the situation with the proper precautions and calmness.
McCoy took the time to not only conserve the bees and their home, but also to educate and demonstrate how to properly approach, secure and handle the bees and their hive.
“The bees can smell the certain pheromones your body puts out when you’re scared, which they will detect as a threat,” stated McCoy. “If you start to get scared or nervous around them, simply take a few steps back and walk away. Do not run.”
Second Wind Farms LLC specializes in apiculture – the science and art of raising honey bees. From their bee yard they are able to manufacture and produce raw, unfiltered pure honey and beeswax bars.
Honey lovers can find Second Wind Farms LLC at the Weatherford Farmer’s Market every Saturday morning and on most Tuesday afternoons from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.
In addition to the Lee Park bee removal, another buzzworthy bee fiasco happened just east of Cordell at the home of Chris and Misty Gossen.
As several saw on social media, over 70,000 bees swarmed the Gossen’s back porch along the top beam Saturday morning, June 18.
“It was crazy to see how quickly they appeared and so many of them,” expressed Gossen.
She stated that after returning home that afternoon from their daughter’s softball game the bees had set up shop and taken over.
“It was amazing to watch the different formations of the hive. Chris, Ella, and I watched from a distance at the process. It was fascinating!”
Bee’s role as crop pollinators make them an important aspect and factor in agriculture. They pollinate crops, increase yields, and give rise to a lucrative honey industry.
“We chose to call a beekeeper because we had never had an issue with bees previously and to be honest had no idea where to even start. After this all started, we did a lot of research and realized the importance of bees and the incredible distance they travel to pollinate food crops,” said Gossen.
As reported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), bees and other pollinators affect 35% of global agricultural land, supporting the production of 87 of the leading food crops worldwide.
Bees also help to pollinate the majority of the planet’s wild plants, which support healthy ecosystems.