Beekeeping in the Mexican Yucat\u00e1n \u2013 Apis & Melipona Guide<\/title>\n <meta name=\"viewport\" content=\"width=device-width, initial-scale=1\" \/>\n <style>\n body {\n font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, \"Segoe UI\", sans-serif;\n line-height: 1.6;\n margin: 0;\n padding: 0;\n background: #faf8f2;\n color: #222;\n }\n header, main, footer {\n max-width: 900px;\n margin: 0 auto;\n padding: 1.5rem;\n }\n h1, h2, h3, h4 {\n color: #214b36;\n }\n a {\n color: #1c7c54;\n text-decoration: none;\n }\n a:hover {\n text-decoration: underline;\n }\n .toc {\n background: #fff;\n border-radius: 8px;\n padding: 1rem 1.5rem;\n box-shadow: 0 2px 4px rgba(0,0,0,0.06);\n margin-bottom: 2rem;\n }\n .toc ul {\n margin: 0;\n padding-left: 1.2rem;\n }\n .callout {\n background: #f0f7f3;\n border-left: 4px solid #1c7c54;\n padding: 0.75rem 1rem;\n margin: 1rem 0;\n border-radius: 4px;\n }\n .section-divider {\n border-top: 2px solid #ded3b9;\n margin: 3rem 0 2rem;\n }\n code {\n background: #eee7d9;\n padding: 0.1rem 0.25rem;\n border-radius: 3px;\n font-family: Menlo, Monaco, Consolas, monospace;\n font-size: 0.9em;\n }\n @media (max-width: 600px) {\n body { padding: 0 0 2rem 0; }\n header, main, footer { padding: 1rem; }\n }\n <\/style>\n<\/head>\n<body>\n\n<header>\n <h1>Beekeeping in the Mexican Yucat\u00e1n<\/h1>\n <p>\n A practical guide to keeping both European honeybees (<em>Apis mellifera<\/em>) and Mayan\n stingless bees (<em>Melipona beecheii<\/em>) in the unique subtropical conditions of the\n Yucat\u00e1n Peninsula.\n <\/p>\n<\/header>\n\n<main>\n\n \n <section class=\"toc\" id=\"top\">\n <h2>Index<\/h2>\n <ul>\n <li><a href=\"#part-apis\">Part 1 \u2013 Apis mellifera (European Honeybee)<\/a>\n <ul>\n <li><a href=\"#apis-overview\">1. Overview & Best Websites<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#apis-infrastructure\">2. Infrastructure & Hive Placement<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#apis-predators\">3. Predators, Ant Protection & Security<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#apis-management\">4. Establishing, Expanding & Splitting Hives<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#apis-diseases\">5. Disease Management & Hygiene<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#apis-seasonal\">6. Seasonal Calendar for the Yucat\u00e1n<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#apis-checklist\">7. Equipment & Quick Checklist<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#part-melipona\">Part 2 \u2013 Melipona (Stingless Bees)<\/a>\n <ul>\n <li><a href=\"#melipona-overview\">1. Overview: How Melipona Differ from Apis<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#melipona-hives\">2. Hive Design & Placement<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#melipona-behavior\">3. Colony Behavior & Daily Management<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#melipona-harvest\">4. Harvesting Honey & Feeding<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#melipona-risks\">5. Predators, Risks & Disease<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#melipona-splitting\">6. Splitting & Propagating Colonies<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#melipona-meliponario\">7. Meliponario Layout & Cultural Context<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#melipona-summary\">8. Quick Reference Summary<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/section>\n\n \n\n <section id=\"part-apis\">\n <h2>Part 1 \u2013 European Honeybees (<em>Apis mellifera<\/em>) in the Yucat\u00e1n<\/h2>\n\n <section id=\"apis-overview\">\n <h3>1. Overview & Best Websites for Subtropical Beekeeping<\/h3>\n <p>\n The Yucat\u00e1n is one of the world\u2019s great honey regions, but its heat, humidity and\n storms make beekeeping very different from cooler climates. Good information is\n critical; here are five high-value resources focused on tropical or Mexican conditions:\n <\/p>\n <ol>\n <li><strong>INIFAP \u2013 Apicultura Tropical (Mexico)<\/strong> \u2013 Research-based guidance on tropical hive management, pests, and nectar flows. Search for \u201cINIFAP Apicultura Tropical\u201d.<\/li>\n <li><strong>UADY \u201cPrograma Abejas\u201d<\/strong> \u2013 The bee program at Universidad Aut\u00f3noma de Yucat\u00e1n, with local research, extension bulletins, and occasional courses and workshops.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Fundaci\u00f3n Melipona Maya<\/strong> \u2013 Focused on stingless bees but with outstanding information on traditional Yucateco hive placement, shade, and microclimate.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Apicultores de M\u00e9xico (Facebook Group)<\/strong> \u2013 A very active Spanish-language community of Mexican beekeepers sharing real-world experience and solutions for heat, predators, and local regulations.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Honey Bee Suite (Tropical articles)<\/strong> \u2013 Clear explanations of ventilation, heat stress, and ant management with sections applicable to hot climates.<\/li>\n <\/ol>\n <div class=\"callout\">\n <strong>Tip:<\/strong> Join at least one Mexican beekeeper group; active communities often share local bloom updates, disease alerts, and equipment sources just like other health-oriented online groups do. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n <section id=\"apis-infrastructure\">\n <h3>2. Infrastructure & Hive Placement in the Yucat\u00e1n<\/h3>\n\n <h4>2.1 Hive Location<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li><strong>Elevation:<\/strong> Place hives at least 40\u201350 cm above ground, or on a rooftop stand.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Orientation:<\/strong> Face the entrance <strong>east or northeast<\/strong> to catch cool morning sun and avoid harsh afternoon heat.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Shade:<\/strong> In the Yucat\u00e1n, honeybee boxes must be shaded. Use a lamina or palapa roof 0.9\u20131.2 m (3\u20134 ft) above the hive with open sides for airflow.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Wind:<\/strong> Avoid strong, direct wind. Use a small wind block (low wall or panel) behind the hive if needed.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Edges:<\/strong> On a roof, keep the hive at least 1.5 m away from the edge to prevent tipping in storms.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h4>2.2 Stand and Footprint<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li>A standard 10-frame Langstroth hive has a footprint of ~<strong>41 cm \u00d7 51 cm<\/strong>. Build the stand top around <strong>45 \u00d7 55 cm<\/strong> for extra stability.<\/li>\n <li>Use a steel stand with four legs, each sitting in an <strong>oil moat<\/strong> (tuna can or bowl) to stop ants.<\/li>\n <li>Consider adjustable stainless leveling bolts for fine leveling and to keep legs centered in the moats.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h4>2.3 Water & Surroundings<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li>Provide a shallow water source with stones or cork so bees can drink without drowning.<\/li>\n <li>Keep vegetation from touching the hive or stand (prevents ant bridges).<\/li>\n <li>Ensure safe flight paths away from doors, windows, and neighbor walkways.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/section>\n\n <section id=\"apis-predators\">\n <h3>3. Predators, Ant Protection & Security<\/h3>\n\n <h4>3.1 Predators in the Yucat\u00e1n<\/h4>\n <p>Important animal threats include:<\/p>\n <ul>\n <li><strong>Coatis<\/strong> (pizotes)<\/li>\n <li><strong>Raccoons<\/strong><\/li>\n <li><strong>Opossums<\/strong><\/li>\n <li><strong>Dogs<\/strong><\/li>\n <li><strong>Ants<\/strong> (leaf-cutters, fire ants, crazy ants)<\/li>\n <li><strong>Wax-moth-attracting lizards and birds<\/strong><\/li>\n <li><strong>Human theft<\/strong> in some areas<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h4>3.2 Ant Protection (Critical)<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li>Use <strong>oil-filled moats<\/strong> under every stand leg. Keep them topped up.<\/li>\n <li>Remove any debris or plants that can act as bridges to the hive.<\/li>\n <li>If ants invade, physically move the hive to a clean stand and thoroughly clean the area.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h4>3.3 Mammal & Bird Protection<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li>Block roof stair access with a <strong>metal gate<\/strong> using a latch and padlock.<\/li>\n <li>Add smooth galvanized panels along the sides and under the landing to prevent climbing from below.<\/li>\n <li>Strap the hive with a ratchet strap and optionally add a metal cage or frame around it, leaving room for bee flight.<\/li>\n <li>Use motion-activated lights or cameras if theft is a concern.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/section>\n\n <section id=\"apis-management\">\n <h3>4. Establishing, Expanding & Splitting Apis Hives<\/h3>\n\n <h4>4.1 Establishing New Hives<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li><strong>Buy a nuc (recommended):<\/strong> 3\u20135 frames of brood plus bees and a laying queen from a local Mexican beekeeper.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Catch a swarm:<\/strong> Bait swarm traps 2\u20133 m up in the shade using lemongrass oil and an old brood comb.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Buy a full colony:<\/strong> More expensive but produces honey faster.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h4>4.2 Routine Management in the Yucat\u00e1n<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li>Work hives in the <strong>cooler morning<\/strong> whenever possible.<\/li>\n <li>Inspect regularly but gently; avoid opening during heavy rain or extreme heat.<\/li>\n <li>Monitor food stores carefully at the end of the wet season and during \u201cdearth\u201d periods.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h4>4.3 Splitting Hives<\/h4>\n <p>Split colonies during strong nectar flow when colonies are booming.<\/p>\n <ol>\n <li>Select a strong colony with queen cells or crowded brood boxes.<\/li>\n <li>Move 3 brood frames with attached bees into a new box.<\/li>\n <li>Add 2 frames of honey\/pollen plus shaken nurse bees.<\/li>\n <li>Introduce a mated queen or allow the split to raise one from queen cells.<\/li>\n <li>Reduce the entrance, provide shade and water, and avoid disturbance for ~2 weeks.<\/li>\n <\/ol>\n <\/section>\n\n <section id=\"apis-diseases\">\n <h3>5. Disease Management & Hygiene<\/h3>\n\n <h4>5.1 Common Issues in Subtropical Yucat\u00e1n<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li><strong>Varroa mites<\/strong><\/li>\n <li><strong>Chalkbrood<\/strong> (favored by humidity)<\/li>\n <li><strong>Wax moth<\/strong><\/li>\n <li><strong>Small hive beetle<\/strong> (where present)<\/li>\n <li><strong>Nosema<\/strong><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h4>5.2 Good Practices<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li>Use screened bottom boards to help control mites and moisture.<\/li>\n <li>Perform regular mite checks (e.g., alcohol wash) and follow a management plan appropriate to your philosophy.<\/li>\n <li>Keep strong colonies; weak colonies are quickly overrun by beetles and moths.<\/li>\n <li>Rotate out old dark brood comb annually to reduce disease load.<\/li>\n <li>Maintain clean tools, wash hands, and avoid sharing frames between hives without reason.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/section>\n\n <section id=\"apis-seasonal\">\n <h3>6. Seasonal Calendar for the Yucat\u00e1n<\/h3>\n\n <h4>6.1 Nectar Flows<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li><strong>Primary flow (Jan\u2013May):<\/strong> Tajonal, dzidzilch\u00e9 and other native blooms. Main honey crop.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Secondary flow (June\u2013Aug):<\/strong> Lighter but still usable for buildup.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Scarcity (Sept\u2013Nov):<\/strong> Heavy rains and storms; feed colonies if stores are low.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h4>6.2 Storm Season<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li>From August through November, strap hives tightly with ratchet straps.<\/li>\n <li>Anchor stands or add heavy blocks\/bricks on top.<\/li>\n <li>Check for water leaks, roof runoff, and wind exposure.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/section>\n\n <section id=\"apis-checklist\">\n <h3>7. Equipment & Quick Checklist<\/h3>\n <ul>\n <li>Langstroth hives (10-frame) with screened bottoms<\/li>\n <li>Metal stands with oil moats and optional leveling bolts<\/li>\n <li>Shade roof with good airflow<\/li>\n <li>Ratchet straps and top weights<\/li>\n <li>Hive tool, smoker, veil\/suit and gloves<\/li>\n <li>Lemongrass oil and one old brood comb for swarm traps<\/li>\n <li>Clean buckets, sieves and storage containers suitable for humid-climate honey<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <div class=\"callout\">\n <strong>Quick rule:<\/strong> In the Yucat\u00e1n, success with Apis depends on three things above all:\n <strong>shade, ant protection, and storm security.<\/strong>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n <\/section>\n\n <div class=\"section-divider\"><\/div>\n\n \n\n <section id=\"part-melipona\">\n <h2>Part 2 \u2013 Melipona (Stingless Bees) in the Yucat\u00e1n<\/h2>\n\n <section id=\"melipona-overview\">\n <h3>1. Overview: How Melipona Differ from Apis<\/h3>\n <p>\n <em>Melipona beecheii<\/em>, the traditional Mayan stingless bee (xunan kab,\n \u201croyal lady bee\u201d), is native to the Yucat\u00e1n. Melipona colonies are smaller,\n gentler, and more fragile than Apis, but their honey is highly valued\n medicinally and culturally.\n <\/p>\n <ul>\n <li>Colonies typically have <strong>2,000\u20135,000 bees<\/strong> (not 40,000+ like Apis).<\/li>\n <li>Brood is arranged in <strong>spherical or elliptical clusters<\/strong>, not flat frames.<\/li>\n <li>Honey and pollen are stored in <strong>cerumen pots<\/strong> (wax\u2013resin cups).<\/li>\n <li>They <strong>do not sting<\/strong>, only bite mildly.<\/li>\n <li>They are highly sensitive to disturbance, heat and predators and will abscond if unhappy.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <div class=\"callout\">\n <strong>Important:<\/strong> Melipona bees cannot be kept in standard frame hives.\n They require <strong>special Melipona boxes or log hives<\/strong>.\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n <section id=\"melipona-hives\">\n <h3>2. Hive Design & Placement for Melipona<\/h3>\n\n <h4>2.1 Hive Types<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li><strong>Traditional log hives (jobones)<\/strong> \u2013 hollowed logs sealed with mud or lime.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Modular Melipona box hives<\/strong> \u2013 easiest for beginners; usually a brood chamber plus one or more honey modules.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Vertical or \u201cpalma\u201d designs<\/strong> \u2013 used in some regions with strong insulation.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h4>2.2 Essential Hive Features<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li>Dedicated <strong>nest chamber<\/strong> for the brood sphere (3\u20135 L volume).<\/li>\n <li>Separate <strong>honey chamber<\/strong> above or beside the nest.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Divider plate<\/strong> between brood and honey to reduce disturbance.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Tiny entrance<\/strong>: usually 2\u20135 mm diameter tube.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Insulation<\/strong>: cork, foam, wood shavings or other materials to keep temperature stable.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h4>2.3 Placement & Microclimate<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li>Always in <strong>deep shade<\/strong> \u2013 under trees, a palapa, or a solid roof.<\/li>\n <li>Protected from wind and vibration.<\/li>\n <li>Raised 0.7\u20131.2 m off the ground on a stand with oil moats for ant protection.<\/li>\n <li>Never placed in direct Yucat\u00e1n sun or on hot exposed concrete.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/section>\n\n <section id=\"melipona-behavior\">\n <h3>3. Colony Behavior & Daily Management<\/h3>\n <ul>\n <li>Because colonies are small, they cannot defend themselves well and depend on you for physical protection.<\/li>\n <li>Melipona abscond easily if:\n <ul>\n <li>the nest is overheated or too bright,<\/li>\n <li>the hive is moved or opened too often, or<\/li>\n <li>predators or ants attack repeatedly.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/li>\n <li>Open the hive <strong>slowly and infrequently<\/strong>, ideally only for checks and harvests.<\/li>\n <li>Seal cracks with cerumen or beeswax to keep the internal microclimate stable.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/section>\n\n <section id=\"melipona-harvest\">\n <h3>4. Harvesting Honey & Feeding Melipona Colonies<\/h3>\n\n <h4>4.1 Honey Harvest<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li>Melipona honey resides in separate <strong>honey pots<\/strong>. Do not use centrifugal extractors.<\/li>\n <li>To harvest:\n <ol>\n <li>Carefully access the honey chamber without disturbing brood.<\/li>\n <li>Use a <strong>syringe, turkey baster or small ladle<\/strong> to empty honey pots.<\/li>\n <li>Leave sufficient pots untouched for the bees\u2019 needs.<\/li>\n <li>Filter gently through a fine mesh.<\/li>\n <\/ol>\n <\/li>\n <li>The honey is low-viscosity and ferments easily; store in glass and refrigerate for long keeping.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h4>4.2 Feeding<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li>Unlike Apis, Melipona should <strong>not<\/strong> be fed cane sugar or corn syrup.<\/li>\n <li>If emergency feeding is needed during drought, use:\n <ul>\n <li>their own diluted Melipona honey, and\/or<\/li>\n <li>pollen paste made from their stored pollen.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/li>\n <li>Avoid introducing Apis honey to Melipona hives due to disease risk.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/section>\n\n <section id=\"melipona-risks\">\n <h3>5. Predators, Risks & Disease in Melipona Colonies<\/h3>\n <h4>5.1 Key Threats<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li><strong>Ants<\/strong> \u2013 primary danger; always use oil moats on stands.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Lizards & geckos<\/strong> \u2013 can eat brood and damage pots.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Coatis, raccoons, opossums<\/strong> \u2013 will tear open boxes to get brood and honey.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Parasitic\/phorid flies<\/strong> \u2013 cause foul odors and larval infestations.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Absconding<\/strong> \u2013 colonies leaving the hive when conditions are poor.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h4>5.2 Prevention & Hygiene<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li>Maintain strong physical protection (shade, stands, gates, smooth panels).<\/li>\n <li>Keep the meliponario tidy: no leftover honey or open food that attracts ants and predators.<\/li>\n <li>Clean tools with alcohol between hives.<\/li>\n <li>Remove obviously contaminated cerumen or rotten material promptly.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/section>\n\n <section id=\"melipona-splitting\">\n <h3>6. Splitting & Propagating Melipona Colonies<\/h3>\n <p>Propagation is slower and more delicate than with Apis.<\/p>\n <ol>\n <li>Choose a <strong>very strong colony<\/strong> with abundant brood and honey pots.<\/li>\n <li>During warm, dry weather, gently open the hive and locate the brood sphere.<\/li>\n <li>Transfer a portion of brood plus several honey and pollen pots into a prepared new hive box with some cerumen.<\/li>\n <li>Close and seal both hives carefully, leaving small entrances.<\/li>\n <li>Place the new hive near the original, shaded and protected, and avoid disturbing it for 2\u20133 weeks while bees raise a new queen.<\/li>\n <\/ol>\n <p><strong>Do not split too often.<\/strong> Over-splitting leads to weak colonies that fail or abscond.<\/p>\n <\/section>\n\n <section id=\"melipona-meliponario\">\n <h3>7. Meliponario Layout & Cultural Context<\/h3>\n\n <h4>7.1 Meliponario Layout<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li>Arrange hives in rows or semicircles under a permanent shade roof or dense trees.<\/li>\n <li>Hive spacing can be close (30\u201350 cm) because Melipona are gentle.<\/li>\n <li>Ensure a mix of nectar and pollen plants nearby: tajonal, dzidzilch\u00e9, xtabent\u00fan, chaka, ram\u00f3n, guano palm and local flowering shrubs.<\/li>\n <li>Provide water in shallow shaded containers.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h4>7.2 Cultural & Ecological Importance<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li>Melipona honey has long been used in traditional medicine and ceremonial practice in Mayan communities.<\/li>\n <li>Keeping Melipona supports native pollinators and preserves ancestral ecological knowledge.<\/li>\n <li>A small meliponario can be an educational and cultural centerpiece of your homestead or wellness project.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/section>\n\n <section id=\"melipona-summary\">\n <h3>8. Quick Reference Summary \u2013 Melipona vs. Apis<\/h3>\n <table border=\"0\" cellpadding=\"6\" cellspacing=\"0\">\n <thead>\n <tr>\n <th align=\"left\">Topic<\/th>\n <th align=\"left\">Melipona (Stingless)<\/th>\n <th align=\"left\">Apis mellifera<\/th>\n <\/tr>\n <\/thead>\n <tbody>\n <tr>\n <td>Hive type<\/td>\n <td>Special Melipona box or log hive; no frames<\/td>\n <td>Langstroth or similar framed hive<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td>Colony size<\/td>\n <td>2,000\u20135,000 bees<\/td>\n <td>40,000\u201360,000 bees<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td>Sting<\/td>\n <td>No sting, gentle bites<\/td>\n <td>Stings; defensive when disturbed<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td>Honey storage<\/td>\n <td>Cerumen pots<\/td>\n <td>Honeycomb cells on frames<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td>Honey harvest<\/td>\n <td>Draw from pots with syringe\/ladle<\/td>\n <td>Uncap and extract frames<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td>Feeding<\/td>\n <td>Only diluted Melipona honey; no sugar<\/td>\n <td>Sugar syrup and pollen patties commonly used<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td>Climate sensitivity<\/td>\n <td>Very sensitive; requires stable shade and insulation<\/td>\n <td>More tolerant but still needs shade in Yucat\u00e1n<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td>Main threats<\/td>\n <td>Ants, lizards, coatis, flies, absconding<\/td>\n <td>Varroa, ants, storms, predators, disease<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table>\n\n <div class=\"callout\">\n <strong>Big picture:<\/strong> Apis hives can produce large honey crops if you solve heat,\n ant and storm issues. Melipona hives are smaller, slower and more delicate, but\n yield highly valued honey and keep you in relationship with the native ecology and\n Mayan tradition.\n <\/div>\n <p><a href=\"#top\">Back to top \u2191<\/a><\/p>\n <\/section>\n\n <\/section>\n\n<\/main>\n\n<footer>\n <p>©  Beekeeping in the Yucat\u00e1n. 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{"id":492,"date":"2025-12-08T22:51:23","date_gmt":"2025-12-08T22:51:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/canhealyourself.com\/website_0fe50126\/?page_id=492"},"modified":"2026-02-06T16:11:09","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T16:11:09","slug":"beekeeping-mexican-yucatan","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/canhealyourself.com\/website_0fe50126\/beekeeping-mexican-yucatan\/","title":{"rendered":"Beekeeping in the Mexican Yucat\u00e1n"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n \n Beekeeping in the Mexican Yucat\u00e1n \u2013 Apis & Melipona Guide<\/title>\n <meta name=\"viewport\" content=\"width=device-width, initial-scale=1\" \/>\n <style>\n body {\n font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, \"Segoe UI\", sans-serif;\n line-height: 1.6;\n margin: 0;\n padding: 0;\n background: #faf8f2;\n color: #222;\n }\n header, main, footer {\n max-width: 900px;\n margin: 0 auto;\n padding: 1.5rem;\n }\n h1, h2, h3, h4 {\n color: #214b36;\n }\n a {\n color: #1c7c54;\n text-decoration: none;\n }\n a:hover {\n text-decoration: underline;\n }\n .toc {\n background: #fff;\n border-radius: 8px;\n padding: 1rem 1.5rem;\n box-shadow: 0 2px 4px rgba(0,0,0,0.06);\n margin-bottom: 2rem;\n }\n .toc ul {\n margin: 0;\n padding-left: 1.2rem;\n }\n .callout {\n background: #f0f7f3;\n border-left: 4px solid #1c7c54;\n padding: 0.75rem 1rem;\n margin: 1rem 0;\n border-radius: 4px;\n }\n .section-divider {\n border-top: 2px solid #ded3b9;\n margin: 3rem 0 2rem;\n }\n code {\n background: #eee7d9;\n padding: 0.1rem 0.25rem;\n border-radius: 3px;\n font-family: Menlo, Monaco, Consolas, monospace;\n font-size: 0.9em;\n }\n @media (max-width: 600px) {\n body { padding: 0 0 2rem 0; }\n header, main, footer { padding: 1rem; }\n }\n <\/style>\n<\/head>\n<body>\n\n<header>\n <h1>Beekeeping in the Mexican Yucat\u00e1n<\/h1>\n <p>\n A practical guide to keeping both European honeybees (<em>Apis mellifera<\/em>) and Mayan\n stingless bees (<em>Melipona beecheii<\/em>) in the unique subtropical conditions of the\n Yucat\u00e1n Peninsula.\n <\/p>\n<\/header>\n\n<main>\n\n \n <section class=\"toc\" id=\"top\">\n <h2>Index<\/h2>\n <ul>\n <li><a href=\"#part-apis\">Part 1 \u2013 Apis mellifera (European Honeybee)<\/a>\n <ul>\n <li><a href=\"#apis-overview\">1. Overview & Best Websites<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#apis-infrastructure\">2. Infrastructure & Hive Placement<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#apis-predators\">3. Predators, Ant Protection & Security<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#apis-management\">4. Establishing, Expanding & Splitting Hives<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#apis-diseases\">5. Disease Management & Hygiene<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#apis-seasonal\">6. Seasonal Calendar for the Yucat\u00e1n<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#apis-checklist\">7. Equipment & Quick Checklist<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#part-melipona\">Part 2 \u2013 Melipona (Stingless Bees)<\/a>\n <ul>\n <li><a href=\"#melipona-overview\">1. Overview: How Melipona Differ from Apis<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#melipona-hives\">2. Hive Design & Placement<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#melipona-behavior\">3. Colony Behavior & Daily Management<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#melipona-harvest\">4. Harvesting Honey & Feeding<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#melipona-risks\">5. Predators, Risks & Disease<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#melipona-splitting\">6. Splitting & Propagating Colonies<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#melipona-meliponario\">7. Meliponario Layout & Cultural Context<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#melipona-summary\">8. Quick Reference Summary<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/section>\n\n \n\n <section id=\"part-apis\">\n <h2>Part 1 \u2013 European Honeybees (<em>Apis mellifera<\/em>) in the Yucat\u00e1n<\/h2>\n\n <section id=\"apis-overview\">\n <h3>1. Overview & Best Websites for Subtropical Beekeeping<\/h3>\n <p>\n The Yucat\u00e1n is one of the world\u2019s great honey regions, but its heat, humidity and\n storms make beekeeping very different from cooler climates. Good information is\n critical; here are five high-value resources focused on tropical or Mexican conditions:\n <\/p>\n <ol>\n <li><strong>INIFAP \u2013 Apicultura Tropical (Mexico)<\/strong> \u2013 Research-based guidance on tropical hive management, pests, and nectar flows. Search for \u201cINIFAP Apicultura Tropical\u201d.<\/li>\n <li><strong>UADY \u201cPrograma Abejas\u201d<\/strong> \u2013 The bee program at Universidad Aut\u00f3noma de Yucat\u00e1n, with local research, extension bulletins, and occasional courses and workshops.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Fundaci\u00f3n Melipona Maya<\/strong> \u2013 Focused on stingless bees but with outstanding information on traditional Yucateco hive placement, shade, and microclimate.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Apicultores de M\u00e9xico (Facebook Group)<\/strong> \u2013 A very active Spanish-language community of Mexican beekeepers sharing real-world experience and solutions for heat, predators, and local regulations.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Honey Bee Suite (Tropical articles)<\/strong> \u2013 Clear explanations of ventilation, heat stress, and ant management with sections applicable to hot climates.<\/li>\n <\/ol>\n <div class=\"callout\">\n <strong>Tip:<\/strong> Join at least one Mexican beekeeper group; active communities often share local bloom updates, disease alerts, and equipment sources just like other health-oriented online groups do. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n <section id=\"apis-infrastructure\">\n <h3>2. Infrastructure & Hive Placement in the Yucat\u00e1n<\/h3>\n\n <h4>2.1 Hive Location<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li><strong>Elevation:<\/strong> Place hives at least 40\u201350 cm above ground, or on a rooftop stand.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Orientation:<\/strong> Face the entrance <strong>east or northeast<\/strong> to catch cool morning sun and avoid harsh afternoon heat.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Shade:<\/strong> In the Yucat\u00e1n, honeybee boxes must be shaded. Use a lamina or palapa roof 0.9\u20131.2 m (3\u20134 ft) above the hive with open sides for airflow.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Wind:<\/strong> Avoid strong, direct wind. Use a small wind block (low wall or panel) behind the hive if needed.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Edges:<\/strong> On a roof, keep the hive at least 1.5 m away from the edge to prevent tipping in storms.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h4>2.2 Stand and Footprint<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li>A standard 10-frame Langstroth hive has a footprint of ~<strong>41 cm \u00d7 51 cm<\/strong>. Build the stand top around <strong>45 \u00d7 55 cm<\/strong> for extra stability.<\/li>\n <li>Use a steel stand with four legs, each sitting in an <strong>oil moat<\/strong> (tuna can or bowl) to stop ants.<\/li>\n <li>Consider adjustable stainless leveling bolts for fine leveling and to keep legs centered in the moats.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h4>2.3 Water & Surroundings<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li>Provide a shallow water source with stones or cork so bees can drink without drowning.<\/li>\n <li>Keep vegetation from touching the hive or stand (prevents ant bridges).<\/li>\n <li>Ensure safe flight paths away from doors, windows, and neighbor walkways.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/section>\n\n <section id=\"apis-predators\">\n <h3>3. Predators, Ant Protection & Security<\/h3>\n\n <h4>3.1 Predators in the Yucat\u00e1n<\/h4>\n <p>Important animal threats include:<\/p>\n <ul>\n <li><strong>Coatis<\/strong> (pizotes)<\/li>\n <li><strong>Raccoons<\/strong><\/li>\n <li><strong>Opossums<\/strong><\/li>\n <li><strong>Dogs<\/strong><\/li>\n <li><strong>Ants<\/strong> (leaf-cutters, fire ants, crazy ants)<\/li>\n <li><strong>Wax-moth-attracting lizards and birds<\/strong><\/li>\n <li><strong>Human theft<\/strong> in some areas<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h4>3.2 Ant Protection (Critical)<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li>Use <strong>oil-filled moats<\/strong> under every stand leg. Keep them topped up.<\/li>\n <li>Remove any debris or plants that can act as bridges to the hive.<\/li>\n <li>If ants invade, physically move the hive to a clean stand and thoroughly clean the area.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h4>3.3 Mammal & Bird Protection<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li>Block roof stair access with a <strong>metal gate<\/strong> using a latch and padlock.<\/li>\n <li>Add smooth galvanized panels along the sides and under the landing to prevent climbing from below.<\/li>\n <li>Strap the hive with a ratchet strap and optionally add a metal cage or frame around it, leaving room for bee flight.<\/li>\n <li>Use motion-activated lights or cameras if theft is a concern.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/section>\n\n <section id=\"apis-management\">\n <h3>4. Establishing, Expanding & Splitting Apis Hives<\/h3>\n\n <h4>4.1 Establishing New Hives<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li><strong>Buy a nuc (recommended):<\/strong> 3\u20135 frames of brood plus bees and a laying queen from a local Mexican beekeeper.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Catch a swarm:<\/strong> Bait swarm traps 2\u20133 m up in the shade using lemongrass oil and an old brood comb.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Buy a full colony:<\/strong> More expensive but produces honey faster.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h4>4.2 Routine Management in the Yucat\u00e1n<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li>Work hives in the <strong>cooler morning<\/strong> whenever possible.<\/li>\n <li>Inspect regularly but gently; avoid opening during heavy rain or extreme heat.<\/li>\n <li>Monitor food stores carefully at the end of the wet season and during \u201cdearth\u201d periods.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h4>4.3 Splitting Hives<\/h4>\n <p>Split colonies during strong nectar flow when colonies are booming.<\/p>\n <ol>\n <li>Select a strong colony with queen cells or crowded brood boxes.<\/li>\n <li>Move 3 brood frames with attached bees into a new box.<\/li>\n <li>Add 2 frames of honey\/pollen plus shaken nurse bees.<\/li>\n <li>Introduce a mated queen or allow the split to raise one from queen cells.<\/li>\n <li>Reduce the entrance, provide shade and water, and avoid disturbance for ~2 weeks.<\/li>\n <\/ol>\n <\/section>\n\n <section id=\"apis-diseases\">\n <h3>5. Disease Management & Hygiene<\/h3>\n\n <h4>5.1 Common Issues in Subtropical Yucat\u00e1n<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li><strong>Varroa mites<\/strong><\/li>\n <li><strong>Chalkbrood<\/strong> (favored by humidity)<\/li>\n <li><strong>Wax moth<\/strong><\/li>\n <li><strong>Small hive beetle<\/strong> (where present)<\/li>\n <li><strong>Nosema<\/strong><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h4>5.2 Good Practices<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li>Use screened bottom boards to help control mites and moisture.<\/li>\n <li>Perform regular mite checks (e.g., alcohol wash) and follow a management plan appropriate to your philosophy.<\/li>\n <li>Keep strong colonies; weak colonies are quickly overrun by beetles and moths.<\/li>\n <li>Rotate out old dark brood comb annually to reduce disease load.<\/li>\n <li>Maintain clean tools, wash hands, and avoid sharing frames between hives without reason.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/section>\n\n <section id=\"apis-seasonal\">\n <h3>6. Seasonal Calendar for the Yucat\u00e1n<\/h3>\n\n <h4>6.1 Nectar Flows<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li><strong>Primary flow (Jan\u2013May):<\/strong> Tajonal, dzidzilch\u00e9 and other native blooms. Main honey crop.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Secondary flow (June\u2013Aug):<\/strong> Lighter but still usable for buildup.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Scarcity (Sept\u2013Nov):<\/strong> Heavy rains and storms; feed colonies if stores are low.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h4>6.2 Storm Season<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li>From August through November, strap hives tightly with ratchet straps.<\/li>\n <li>Anchor stands or add heavy blocks\/bricks on top.<\/li>\n <li>Check for water leaks, roof runoff, and wind exposure.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/section>\n\n <section id=\"apis-checklist\">\n <h3>7. Equipment & Quick Checklist<\/h3>\n <ul>\n <li>Langstroth hives (10-frame) with screened bottoms<\/li>\n <li>Metal stands with oil moats and optional leveling bolts<\/li>\n <li>Shade roof with good airflow<\/li>\n <li>Ratchet straps and top weights<\/li>\n <li>Hive tool, smoker, veil\/suit and gloves<\/li>\n <li>Lemongrass oil and one old brood comb for swarm traps<\/li>\n <li>Clean buckets, sieves and storage containers suitable for humid-climate honey<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <div class=\"callout\">\n <strong>Quick rule:<\/strong> In the Yucat\u00e1n, success with Apis depends on three things above all:\n <strong>shade, ant protection, and storm security.<\/strong>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n <\/section>\n\n <div class=\"section-divider\"><\/div>\n\n \n\n <section id=\"part-melipona\">\n <h2>Part 2 \u2013 Melipona (Stingless Bees) in the Yucat\u00e1n<\/h2>\n\n <section id=\"melipona-overview\">\n <h3>1. Overview: How Melipona Differ from Apis<\/h3>\n <p>\n <em>Melipona beecheii<\/em>, the traditional Mayan stingless bee (xunan kab,\n \u201croyal lady bee\u201d), is native to the Yucat\u00e1n. Melipona colonies are smaller,\n gentler, and more fragile than Apis, but their honey is highly valued\n medicinally and culturally.\n <\/p>\n <ul>\n <li>Colonies typically have <strong>2,000\u20135,000 bees<\/strong> (not 40,000+ like Apis).<\/li>\n <li>Brood is arranged in <strong>spherical or elliptical clusters<\/strong>, not flat frames.<\/li>\n <li>Honey and pollen are stored in <strong>cerumen pots<\/strong> (wax\u2013resin cups).<\/li>\n <li>They <strong>do not sting<\/strong>, only bite mildly.<\/li>\n <li>They are highly sensitive to disturbance, heat and predators and will abscond if unhappy.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <div class=\"callout\">\n <strong>Important:<\/strong> Melipona bees cannot be kept in standard frame hives.\n They require <strong>special Melipona boxes or log hives<\/strong>.\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n <section id=\"melipona-hives\">\n <h3>2. Hive Design & Placement for Melipona<\/h3>\n\n <h4>2.1 Hive Types<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li><strong>Traditional log hives (jobones)<\/strong> \u2013 hollowed logs sealed with mud or lime.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Modular Melipona box hives<\/strong> \u2013 easiest for beginners; usually a brood chamber plus one or more honey modules.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Vertical or \u201cpalma\u201d designs<\/strong> \u2013 used in some regions with strong insulation.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h4>2.2 Essential Hive Features<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li>Dedicated <strong>nest chamber<\/strong> for the brood sphere (3\u20135 L volume).<\/li>\n <li>Separate <strong>honey chamber<\/strong> above or beside the nest.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Divider plate<\/strong> between brood and honey to reduce disturbance.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Tiny entrance<\/strong>: usually 2\u20135 mm diameter tube.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Insulation<\/strong>: cork, foam, wood shavings or other materials to keep temperature stable.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h4>2.3 Placement & Microclimate<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li>Always in <strong>deep shade<\/strong> \u2013 under trees, a palapa, or a solid roof.<\/li>\n <li>Protected from wind and vibration.<\/li>\n <li>Raised 0.7\u20131.2 m off the ground on a stand with oil moats for ant protection.<\/li>\n <li>Never placed in direct Yucat\u00e1n sun or on hot exposed concrete.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/section>\n\n <section id=\"melipona-behavior\">\n <h3>3. Colony Behavior & Daily Management<\/h3>\n <ul>\n <li>Because colonies are small, they cannot defend themselves well and depend on you for physical protection.<\/li>\n <li>Melipona abscond easily if:\n <ul>\n <li>the nest is overheated or too bright,<\/li>\n <li>the hive is moved or opened too often, or<\/li>\n <li>predators or ants attack repeatedly.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/li>\n <li>Open the hive <strong>slowly and infrequently<\/strong>, ideally only for checks and harvests.<\/li>\n <li>Seal cracks with cerumen or beeswax to keep the internal microclimate stable.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/section>\n\n <section id=\"melipona-harvest\">\n <h3>4. Harvesting Honey & Feeding Melipona Colonies<\/h3>\n\n <h4>4.1 Honey Harvest<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li>Melipona honey resides in separate <strong>honey pots<\/strong>. Do not use centrifugal extractors.<\/li>\n <li>To harvest:\n <ol>\n <li>Carefully access the honey chamber without disturbing brood.<\/li>\n <li>Use a <strong>syringe, turkey baster or small ladle<\/strong> to empty honey pots.<\/li>\n <li>Leave sufficient pots untouched for the bees\u2019 needs.<\/li>\n <li>Filter gently through a fine mesh.<\/li>\n <\/ol>\n <\/li>\n <li>The honey is low-viscosity and ferments easily; store in glass and refrigerate for long keeping.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h4>4.2 Feeding<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li>Unlike Apis, Melipona should <strong>not<\/strong> be fed cane sugar or corn syrup.<\/li>\n <li>If emergency feeding is needed during drought, use:\n <ul>\n <li>their own diluted Melipona honey, and\/or<\/li>\n <li>pollen paste made from their stored pollen.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/li>\n <li>Avoid introducing Apis honey to Melipona hives due to disease risk.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/section>\n\n <section id=\"melipona-risks\">\n <h3>5. Predators, Risks & Disease in Melipona Colonies<\/h3>\n <h4>5.1 Key Threats<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li><strong>Ants<\/strong> \u2013 primary danger; always use oil moats on stands.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Lizards & geckos<\/strong> \u2013 can eat brood and damage pots.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Coatis, raccoons, opossums<\/strong> \u2013 will tear open boxes to get brood and honey.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Parasitic\/phorid flies<\/strong> \u2013 cause foul odors and larval infestations.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Absconding<\/strong> \u2013 colonies leaving the hive when conditions are poor.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h4>5.2 Prevention & Hygiene<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li>Maintain strong physical protection (shade, stands, gates, smooth panels).<\/li>\n <li>Keep the meliponario tidy: no leftover honey or open food that attracts ants and predators.<\/li>\n <li>Clean tools with alcohol between hives.<\/li>\n <li>Remove obviously contaminated cerumen or rotten material promptly.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/section>\n\n <section id=\"melipona-splitting\">\n <h3>6. Splitting & Propagating Melipona Colonies<\/h3>\n <p>Propagation is slower and more delicate than with Apis.<\/p>\n <ol>\n <li>Choose a <strong>very strong colony<\/strong> with abundant brood and honey pots.<\/li>\n <li>During warm, dry weather, gently open the hive and locate the brood sphere.<\/li>\n <li>Transfer a portion of brood plus several honey and pollen pots into a prepared new hive box with some cerumen.<\/li>\n <li>Close and seal both hives carefully, leaving small entrances.<\/li>\n <li>Place the new hive near the original, shaded and protected, and avoid disturbing it for 2\u20133 weeks while bees raise a new queen.<\/li>\n <\/ol>\n <p><strong>Do not split too often.<\/strong> Over-splitting leads to weak colonies that fail or abscond.<\/p>\n <\/section>\n\n <section id=\"melipona-meliponario\">\n <h3>7. Meliponario Layout & Cultural Context<\/h3>\n\n <h4>7.1 Meliponario Layout<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li>Arrange hives in rows or semicircles under a permanent shade roof or dense trees.<\/li>\n <li>Hive spacing can be close (30\u201350 cm) because Melipona are gentle.<\/li>\n <li>Ensure a mix of nectar and pollen plants nearby: tajonal, dzidzilch\u00e9, xtabent\u00fan, chaka, ram\u00f3n, guano palm and local flowering shrubs.<\/li>\n <li>Provide water in shallow shaded containers.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h4>7.2 Cultural & Ecological Importance<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li>Melipona honey has long been used in traditional medicine and ceremonial practice in Mayan communities.<\/li>\n <li>Keeping Melipona supports native pollinators and preserves ancestral ecological knowledge.<\/li>\n <li>A small meliponario can be an educational and cultural centerpiece of your homestead or wellness project.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/section>\n\n <section id=\"melipona-summary\">\n <h3>8. Quick Reference Summary \u2013 Melipona vs. Apis<\/h3>\n <table border=\"0\" cellpadding=\"6\" cellspacing=\"0\">\n <thead>\n <tr>\n <th align=\"left\">Topic<\/th>\n <th align=\"left\">Melipona (Stingless)<\/th>\n <th align=\"left\">Apis mellifera<\/th>\n <\/tr>\n <\/thead>\n <tbody>\n <tr>\n <td>Hive type<\/td>\n <td>Special Melipona box or log hive; no frames<\/td>\n <td>Langstroth or similar framed hive<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td>Colony size<\/td>\n <td>2,000\u20135,000 bees<\/td>\n <td>40,000\u201360,000 bees<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td>Sting<\/td>\n <td>No sting, gentle bites<\/td>\n <td>Stings; defensive when disturbed<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td>Honey storage<\/td>\n <td>Cerumen pots<\/td>\n <td>Honeycomb cells on frames<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td>Honey harvest<\/td>\n <td>Draw from pots with syringe\/ladle<\/td>\n <td>Uncap and extract frames<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td>Feeding<\/td>\n <td>Only diluted Melipona honey; no sugar<\/td>\n <td>Sugar syrup and pollen patties commonly used<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td>Climate sensitivity<\/td>\n <td>Very sensitive; requires stable shade and insulation<\/td>\n <td>More tolerant but still needs shade in Yucat\u00e1n<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td>Main threats<\/td>\n <td>Ants, lizards, coatis, flies, absconding<\/td>\n <td>Varroa, ants, storms, predators, disease<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table>\n\n <div class=\"callout\">\n <strong>Big picture:<\/strong> Apis hives can produce large honey crops if you solve heat,\n ant and storm issues. Melipona hives are smaller, slower and more delicate, but\n yield highly valued honey and keep you in relationship with the native ecology and\n Mayan tradition.\n <\/div>\n <p><a href=\"#top\">Back to top \u2191<\/a><\/p>\n <\/section>\n\n <\/section>\n\n<\/main>\n\n<footer>\n <p>©  Beekeeping in the Yucat\u00e1n. 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