How we got here …

At Red Barn Bees, we believe that the best honey comes from the healthiest bees. We saw an opportunity to build something meaningful from the ground up, transforming that empty acreage into a dedicated sanctuary for honeybees.

In January 2025, The Heart Of Viginia Beekeepers Club hosted Dr. Paul Kelly to speak at their annual symposium. He spoke of oregano oil’s effectiveness as a natural miticide for Varroa destructor mites, emphasizing continuous release for best results. We were inspired by his research on the use of oregano to combat Varroa mites and the herb’s potent antimicrobial properties (carvacrol, thymol).

This inspired us to research plant-based materials. Next, finding organic resources; we are lucky to have environmentally conscious farmers in our areas. The farmers embraced our idea of creating an organic application for our pollinators. The word was out and we began receiving calls from the Amish community, wanting our product. A year later we have a total of four apiaries involved in the experiment, including a pear farmer.

We continue to refine our methods and are currently applying for grants to further our research into natural bee health. Together, we remain committed to the craft, proving that with enough hard work and curiosity, nature provides the best solutions.

Today, our dream has taken flight; a buzzing apiary with thriving hives, each one a testament to our commitment to revitalizing the local pollinator population.