Student Beekeepers Are Quietly Building Buzzworthy Businesses

Dr. Anya Sharma · 2026-10-09

When you think of beekeeping, you might picture a lone beekeeper in a white suit tending hives in a rural field. But a student club at Glenvar High School is flipping that image on its head. They're combining beekeeping with entrepreneurship, and in the process, they're showing us something important about pest control. Because let's face it: keeping bees healthy is as much about managing pests as it is about harvesting honey. ### The Unexpected Link Between Student Startups and Pest Control These students aren't just learning how to keep bees; they're running a small business. They sell honey, beeswax products, and even offer pollination services. But here's the thing: none of that works if pests take over the hive. Varroa mites, hive beetles, and wax moths can wipe out a colony faster than you can say "honey harvest." So the students had to become experts in pest control, too. And that's where the real lessons come in. ### What Beekeepers (and Students) Need to Know About Pest Control If you're a beekeeper, you know the struggle. Pests are relentless. But the good news is that there are effective products out there. Let's break down the essentials: - **Varroa Mites**: These tiny parasites are public enemy number one. Products like Apivar or Oxalic Acid Vaporizers can help keep them in check. The key is to monitor mite levels regularly—using a sugar shake or alcohol wash—and treat when thresholds are exceeded. - **Hive Beetles**: Small hive beetles can slime up a hive in no time. Beetle traps, like the Beetle Blaster, and beneficial nematodes applied to the soil around the hive can reduce their numbers. - **Wax Moths**: These moths lay eggs in weak hives, and the larvae destroy comb. Keep hives strong and use moth traps or Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) products to prevent infestations. - **Ants**: Ants are a nuisance and can steal honey. Use ant guards or barriers like diatomaceous earth around hive stands. ### The Entrepreneurship Angle: Why It Matters What's cool about the Glenvar club is that it's not just about beekeeping—it's about building a business. And that means understanding costs, marketing, and customer needs. For beekeepers, pest control is a line item in the budget. But it's also an investment in healthy hives and better yields. The students learn that quickly. They also learn that choosing the right product isn't just about efficacy; it's about safety for the bees and the environment. > "We want to produce the best honey possible, and that means keeping our bees healthy. Pest control is a big part of that," says one club member. "It's not just about spraying something; it's about understanding the life cycle of pests and using integrated pest management." ### Integrated Pest Management: The Smart Approach Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a fancy term for a simple idea: use the least aggressive method first. For beekeepers, that means: - **Monitoring**: Regularly inspect hives for signs of pests. - **Prevention**: Keep hives strong and clean. Remove debris and replace old comb. - **Biological Control**: Use natural predators or parasites that target pests. - **Chemical Control**: Use pesticides as a last resort, and choose products that are safe for bees. The students at Glenvar are learning this firsthand. They've had to deal with mites and beetles, and they've learned that quick fixes don't always work. Sometimes, you have to think long-term. ### What This Means for You Whether you're a seasoned beekeeper or just starting out, the lessons from this student club are universal. Pest control is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires knowledge, vigilance, and the right tools. And if a group of high school students can figure it out while running a business, so can you. So next time you see a beehive, think about the intricate balance between bees, pests, and the people who care for them. And maybe, just maybe, you'll be inspired to support your local beekeepers—or even start a hive of your own.