Close-up of a healthy bee on natural honeycomb, soft focus

For the Love of Bees.

Discover our treatment-free, sustainable, and bee-centric approach to urban beekeeping in Saint Petersburg.

Our Philosophy

Our Core Principles

Chemical-Free Hives

We never use synthetic miticides, fungicides, or antibiotics. We rely on integrated pest management and strong genetics to ensure the natural vitality of our bees.

Respect the Comb

We encourage bees to build their own natural-sized comb, allowing them to dictate cell dimensions and strengthening their innate defenses and overall colony health.

Minimal Intervention

Our approach means inspecting hives only when necessary, reducing stress on the colony and allowing the bees to thrive with minimal human disruption.

Honey for the Bees

We meticulously ensure our bees always have more than enough of their own honey and pollen to thrive, especially through the winter. We only ever harvest the true surplus.

Natural vs. Conventional Beekeeping

Our Natural Approach

  • Prioritizes long-term hive health and resilience: A truly bee-centric philosophy.

  • Chemical-free management: No synthetic treatments, antibiotics, or pesticides.

  • Natural comb: Bees build their own comb, essential for their well-being.

Conventional Approach

  • Focuses on maximizing honey production: Often at the expense of bee health.

  • Frequent chemical treatments: To combat pests and diseases, which can impact honey purity.

  • Artificial foundations: May prevent bees from building comb to their natural specifications.

At Deborah Diana Daugherty, we believe a holistic, natural approach leads to stronger bees, a healthier environment, and ultimately, superior quality, exceptionally pure honey.

Why It Matters for You and St. Pete

For You: Pure & Natural Honey

Our meticulous natural methods ensure the honey you enjoy is as pure and authentic as possible, completely free from synthetic residues or harsh chemicals.

For Bees: Resilient Populations

By respecting their natural instincts, we foster resilient, healthy bee populations better equipped to withstand environmental challenges and thrive.

For St. Pete: A Greener City

Our urban beekeeping efforts promote a healthy local ecosystem, supporting vital pollinators essential for the diverse plant life of Saint Petersburg.

Hopeful image of a bee pollinating a vibrant urban flower in St. Petersburg

Our Commitment to Sustainability

Natural beekeeping is just one part of our larger mission to foster a more sustainable relationship between our vibrant city and its essential pollinators.

Read About Our Sustainable Mission