Apply Now to Be a 2021 Hive Host

Update: Hosting applications for 2021 are now closed. You may still apply, but will most likely be waitlisted for 2022. Thank you for supporting the bees!

Would you like the pollinating benefit of bees in your yard without the work? Would you like to enjoy fresh honey from your own backyard? We have been backyard beekeeping for ten years, and in 2021 we are adding up to 20 new urban beehive hosts! And, for the first time ever, we're able to offer hosting to homeowners south of downtown.

We place at least two hives in the backyard of each hive host, who pays a fee that covers the cost of maintaining the hives ($500). In return, the host receives a credit ($100) that can be used to purchase anything from our store (including honey and candles) and the knowledge that they’re helping bees and pollinating their neighborhood. We do all of the required maintenance, harvesting, etc., so the host can simply enjoy the bees. 

Where can I be located? Basically anywhere in the Seattle area. Our current neighborhoods in Seattle/Shoreline include Broadview, Crown Hill, Wedgwood, Pinehurst, Richmond Highlands, and Ridgecrest. We have significant interest from homeowners around Sand Point, Seward Park, and Lake Forest Park. If you are a very long distance from any other hosts, there may be an additional driving fee (so invite some friends or neighbors to host, too!).

What are the requirements for my yard? Out of the way space for the hives in an accessible area, preferably with at least 1/2 day sun (the bees are healthiest with as much sun as possible). See this page for details.

When do I get the bees? We generally do two rounds of hive placements a year: One in February/March (returning hosts have priority for this round), and one in May. On rare occasions, we may offer a third round in June.

Why do people host hives? Honey bees are vital to our ecosystem and need our help, and they are really interesting to watch! A beehive is a fun addition to your backyard, but requires a lot of maintenance and knowledge to tend. Hosts love that they get to benefit from the pollination and delight of the bees, without the work. Plus you get honey!

Why does hosting a hive cost money? City beekeeping is expensive and very labor intensive. Your hive hosting fee ensures that we can pay Peter and our other beekeepers for the work of maintaining the hives, while honey harvests are unpredictable.

 Fill out this form to express your interest and we'll be in contact with next steps.

Questions? Email peter@rainydaybees.com or call us at 206.519.8505