Before Carmen Fraccica was old enough to get his driver’s license, his love affair with Apis mellifera (the European honey bee) had already begun.
Fraccica said it all started when he was about 14 or 15 years old and told his mom he wanted to keep a bee hive. Mom, Maria Fraccica of Brooksville, said she had no desire for that.
“I thought that he was just being a typical teenager and that I’d be left with all these bees after a couple of months, said Maria Fraccica.
Instead, Carmen Fraccica found some local farmers who maintained hives and they let him take care of their bees all through high school.
“I went on to study biology in college so I’ve always had an interest in natural science,” said Carmen, a registered beekeeper in Hernando County. “I became totally fascinated by bees and how they work,” he said.
And it’s not only Fraccica who cares passionately about bees. It’s a bit of a family affair too. His wife, Tara and his mother Maria are also registered beekeepers in the county.
Fraccica lives and works bees. By day, he’s an apiary inspector with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The bureau is responsible for protecting Florida’s agricultural industry and the public from the introduction and spread of serious plant and apiary pests.
Regular apiary Inspection plays a vital role in Florida Agriculture as inspectors work to prevent the introduction and establishment of honey bee pests and diseases. Inspectors certify the movement of honey bee colonies throughout the state and the nation and act as a watchdog for diseases, honey bee pests and unwanted bee species.
“Healthy bees are vital in pollinating the many different varieties of fruits and vegetables we grow in Florida ,” said Fraccica.
Fraccica maintains several hives in the county and joined with his wife and mom, harvest honey and beeswax regularly.
Today though, Fraccica is checking on the health of his colony of bees. He inspects the level of pollen in the hive to make sure there’s lots of protein to feed the bees and looks for any signs of trouble like yellow jackets that can kill off a colony rapidly.
“If you regularly check your colony activity, it’s easy to recognize healthy behavior as well as problems so you can react quickly to protect the bees,” he said, stuffing dry pine needles into the smoker.
With hat and veil on and with the lit smoker in hand, Fraccica removes the roof of the hive – and about 15K bees start buzzing.He puffs smoke at the hive entrance and down into the hive from the top.
He then uses a tool that looks like a mini-crowbar to pry the inner cover loose, as the bees tend to seal it with propolis, a resin-like mixture that bees collect from tree buds and bark when they pollinate.
“The bees seem very calm today compared to when they get really feisty.” he said, as dozens of black and gold honeybees perform an air dance around his head.
“The key to avoiding stings, Fraccica said, “is to not make sudden moves that would anger the bees. I’m totally engrossed in bees ,” Fraccica said. “I don’t think my life would be the same without them.”
“And I’m not afraid of getting stung,” laughed Fraccica, “it’s an occupational hazard for me.”
Fraccica said that since Gov. Rick Scott signed a law in 2012 to allow backyard beehives, the number of beekeepers in Florida has more than doubled but he stressed that it is vital to first check with code enforcement on what the local rules are.
“Keeping bees is a bonus if you are a keen gardener,” said Fraccica. They’re essential in helping vegetables, flowers and other plants thrive, not forgetting the honey and doing something meaningful to help bees at a time when they’re in crisis,” he said.
“Bees keep us very busy,” said Fraccica. We produce two types of honey, wildflower and orange blossom. We make soap, candles and sometimes lip balm also and evict unwanted bees, wasps and hornets in the county.”
“We can help newcomers to beekeeping with swarms and splitting hives too,” he said.
The Tampa Bay Beekeeper’s Association is another source for beginners interested in beekeeping. The organization regularly runs introductory courses and membership includes hobbyists, commercial and migratory beekeepers, and enthusiasts who share a common interest in bees and beekeeping.
Their mission is to encourage new people into this fascinating craft and will advise on purchase of equipment and provide support and mentoring to help you through your first year. (http://tampabaybeekeepers.com)
Fraccica Apiaries can be reached at 813.476.1626 or via email at fraccicaapiaries@gmail.com
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USEFUL INFORMATION
Costs to begin beekeeping:
Hive………………………$80 to $165
Smoker………………….$30
Hat, Veil, Gloves……..$50
Tools…………………….$10 each
Bee food………………..$30
(a feeding stimulant composed of lemongrass and spearmint oil concentrate. It promotes healthy, vigorous hives. Use it in early spring, late winter, and during nectar shortages. )
Where can I learn about beekeeper registration or how to contact my local apiary inspector?
http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Plant-Industry/Business-Services/Registrations-and-Certifications/Beekeeper-Registration
Where can I learn about beekeeper registration or how to contact my local apiary inspector?
http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Plant-Industry/Business-Services/Registrations-and-Certifications/Beekeeper-Registration