How do beekeepers on the island safeguard the health of their honeybee colonies?

The air around orange groves and rosemary bushes carries a faint, sweet scent, hinting at the fragrant nectar collected by local bees. Beekeepers in valleys near Soller and the rural outskirts of Manacor regularly inspect their hives, watching closely for parasites like the Varroa mite, which can devastate colonies if left unchecked. Their approach blends age-old knowledge with carefully chosen modern methods, often prioritising natural treatments over harsh chemicals to keep the bees healthy.

Flowering plants native to the Serra de Tramuntana and cultivated wildflowers around Alcudia provide diverse pollen sources throughout much of the year, vital for strong immune systems in the bee populations. Careful hive placement — sheltered from the island’s summer heat and winter dampness — helps maintain stable conditions, ensuring the bees thrive through varied weather. This attentiveness contributes not only to robust colonies but also to the distinctive quality of honey produced, often infused with floral notes from the island’s varieties of thyme and lavender.

Community workshops, sometimes held in towns like Pollenca and Valldemossa, foster new interest in sustainable beekeeping practices, raising awareness of the bees' crucial role in pollinating local crops and wild plants alike. This shared responsibility helps protect the delicate balance of the island’s ecosystems, from the hillsides to the coastline, promoting biodiversity and supporting traditional agricultural produce such as almonds, olives, and carob.