Transporting

How did Europeans bring bees to the New World? (I do have a number of bee books in my home library that repeat that the honeybee was originally imported; but none say how.) I don't know how much you all know about bees, but "skeps" are those romantic little old fashioned wicker human-made bee hives that we used back in the olden days. "Stores" means honey. Anyway, from Ireland, here is a fine speculation.

Offered by Laura.

If I had been around when America was settled, this is what I would have done. I would select several skeps that were "heavy" meaning that there was plenty of stores. I would place them in the bilge’s but in a position they could not get wet. (this would approximate to cellar conditions) and I would start my journey at a time when the bees were clustered at the start of winter so that on arrival in spring the survivors would be "ready to go". I would be prepared for losses.

Dave Cushman, Beekeeping and Bee Breeding

Surely, post pole shift, there will be some flowers or crops that will need pollinating! Five bee hives and some knowledge could add to our survival chances! If you are going to keep bees, don't forget to get or make a veil, some long gloves, a full overall (all should be in white, and close all the gaps with Velcro so that the little critters don't sneak in there and sting you), a hive tool and smoker, plus a thousand other things! It's a great pleasure to work with them.

Offered by Pierre.