Gilbert, Ariz.-based Stormin’ Norman Termite and Pest Control has an unusual approach to bee accounts. Co-owners Ernie and Amy Henson learned of an eco-friendly method to remove hives from structures, and Luckey Bee Farms — named after Amy’s grandmother — was born.
Luckey Bee not only tries to save and relocate the hives whenever possible, it also exchanges the Africanized honey bee (AHB) queen for a more docile and disease-resistant European queen. This helps the pollinators have a better chance of survival, the Hensons say, and also assists efforts protecting people from the deadly “killer bee” attacks experienced in Arizona.
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- Amy Henson and daughter Justine represent Luckey Bee at a variety of local events and festivals.
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- Bees swarm a tree, and the Luckey Bee team gets the call.
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- Grandma Mildred Luckey, 95, shows off the sign made for her as a Christmas gift.
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- No hive rescue is typical, as illustrated by this recent removal from a water meter box.
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- Key to successful hive relocation is replacing an Africanized honey bee queen with a more docile European queen.
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- Ernie Henson, in full beekeeper regalia, inspects a hive.
Photos: Michelle White Photography
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