Guide to Managing a Bee Swarm
If you’re in North Wales and a live bee swarm has just landed near your property, don’t panic! Swarms are a natural part of a bee’s lifecycle, and there’s a simple, safe, and environmentally friendly way to handle them. Here’s what you need to know:
What to Do If You Spot a Swarm
Stay Calm and Keep Your Distance
Swarming bees are not aggressive as they’re focused on finding a new home. Avoid disturbing them with loud noises or sudden movements, and keep pets and children away.Assess the Situation
Check if the swarm is in a safe and accessible spot. If it’s in a high-traffic area or poses a risk, it’s important to act quickly.Contact Mêl Llŷn for Assistance
Based in the Llŷn Peninsula, we at Mêl Llŷn are professionals at safely rehome swarms in North Wales and surrounding areas. Our team ensures the bees are relocated to a safe and sustainable environment, where they can continue their vital role in pollination.Contact Details:
Email: post@mel-llyn.co.uk
Phone: 07827291337
Find a Local Swarm Catcher
If you’re outside our service area or need immediate help, you can find local swarm collectors through the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) website. They have a directory of trained and registered swarm catchers across the UK.Do Not Attempt to Remove or Exterminate
Bees are crucial pollinators and protected under ethical and environmental guidelines in the UK. Rehoming is always the preferred solution to ensure their survival and support biodiversity.
Why Rehoming is Important
Bees are vital to Gwynedd’s ecosystem, aiding in pollination and supporting the natural beauty of the region’s heather-covered landscapes. By rehoming swarms, you’re contributing to the preservation of these essential pollinators and the environment.
If you encounter a swarm or nest, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Mêl Llŷn. We’re here to help protect both the bees and our local community!
Why Does Honey Crystallise and What Should You Do About It?
Why honey crystallises and what you should do about it?
At Mêl Llŷn, we’re passionate about producing raw, unpasteurised Welsh Wildflower Honey that’s as natural and pure as it gets. One of the unique features of raw honey is its tendency to crystallise over time. While some might see this as a flaw, it’s actually a sign of high-quality, minimally processed honey. Let’s explore why honey crystallises, why it’s a good thing, and how to handle it without compromising its raw goodness.
What Causes Honey to Crystallise?
Crystallisation is a natural process that happens when the sugars in honey (mainly glucose and fructose) start to form crystals. Here’s why:
Natural Composition: Raw honey like ours contains a higher proportion of glucose, which crystallises naturally.
Cooler Temperatures: Honey stored in cooler environments (below 10°C) tends to crystallise faster.
Purity of Raw Honey: Unlike processed honey, raw honey retains tiny bits of pollen, beeswax, and enzymes that can act as “seeds” for crystallisation.
In short, crystallisation is a hallmark of pure, unprocessed honey. It doesn’t affect the quality or taste—if anything, it’s proof of its authenticity!
Is Crystallised Honey Safe to Eat?
Absolutely! Crystallised honey is perfectly safe to eat and just as delicious. Many of our customers enjoy its creamy, spreadable texture, which is perfect for toast, baking, or stirring into hot drinks.
How to De-Crystallise Honey Without Losing Its Raw Quality
If you prefer your honey in its liquid form, here’s how to gently bring it back to life:
Warm Water Bath: Place the honey jar in a bowl of warm water (around 40°C) and stir occasionally until the crystals dissolve. Be patient—gentle heating preserves the honey’s enzymes and nutrients.
Avoid High Heat: Never use boiling water or a microwave, as extreme heat can destroy the natural enzymes and antioxidants in raw honey.
Store at Room Temperature: To slow down future crystallisation, store your honey in a cool, dry place at room temperature.
Why We Embrace Crystallisation at Mêl Llŷn
Crystallisation is a natural characteristic of raw honey, and we see it as a badge of honour. It’s a reminder that our honey is unpasteurised, minimally processed, and full of natural goodness. Plus, the creamy texture of crystallised honey is a delight in its own right!
Quick Tips to Prevent Crystallisation
Store honey in a tightly sealed jar to minimise exposure to air.
Keep it at a stable room temperature—avoid storing it in the fridge.
If you love the creamy texture, consider stirring it to create a smooth, spreadable consistency.
At Mêl Llŷn, we’re proud to offer honey that’s as close to nature as possible. Whether you enjoy it smooth or crystallised, you’re guaranteed a product that’s rich in flavour, nutrients, and Welsh heritage.
The Medicinal History of Raw Honey
Raw honey has been a cherished natural remedy for centuries, celebrated for its unique properties and rich history. From ancient Egyptian wound care to its use in Greek and Roman medicine, honey has played a vital role in traditional healing practices. Today, at Mêl Llŷn, we honour this legacy by crafting pure, raw Welsh Wildflower Honey from the heart of the Llŷn Peninsula, ensuring every jar is unpasteurised and packed with nature’s goodness
The Medicinal History of Raw Honey 🍯✨
Did you know? Raw honey has been cherished for centuries, not just as a natural sweetener but also for its fascinating history in traditional remedies! 🐝🌿
From ancient Egyptian wound care to Greek and Roman civilizations recognizing its value, honey has always been seen as a treasure of nature. Its natural enzymes and antibacterial properties made it a staple in traditional medicine. While modern regulations mean we can’t make health claims, we can explore what has been widely believed about raw honey over the centuries:
Widely Believed Benefits of Raw Honey:
A natural energy booster due to its unrefined sugars.
Thought to soothe sore throats when mixed with warm water or tea.
Believed to support skin healing when used as a traditional remedy.
Often used historically as a natural preservative.
Recognized for its potential antibacterial properties.
At Mêl Llŷn, we’re proud to continue this tradition by producing pure, raw Welsh Wildflower Honey right here in the Llŷn Peninsula, North Wales. Our honey is minimally filtered, unpasteurised, and crafted with care to preserve its natural goodness. 🌸🐝
We believe in showcasing the bounty of the Llŷn Peninsula while staying true to our sustainable values. Every jar of our honey is a testament to the unique micro-climate and wildflowers of the region, offering you a truly authentic taste of nature.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy honey? Drizzled on toast, stirred into tea, or something else? Let us know in the comments below! 👇
Why Choose Mêl Llŷn Honey?
Pure, raw, and unpasteurised.
Sustainably crafted in North Wales.
A natural sweetener you can trust.
Explore our range of raw honey and handmade beeswax candles here.
#RawHoney #WelshHoney #Sustainability #BeeInspired