Local bees

simple equipment

sustainable methods

Everything you need to start your beekeeping journey.

Natural

We provide conditions in which bees find their own natural solutions through minimal interference.

Sustainable

Our methods foster bee welfare and facilitate bees’ natural behaviors while working within their limits.

Local

Based out of Cincinnati, we offer in-person support, education and local overwintered nucs and queens.

Everything You Need To Get Started

in natural beekeeping

Find a full range of products to support backyard hobbyist who want to keep bees on a modest scale.

From Our Customers

The short time I was with you guys I learned a great deal about working with Layens hives, stuff I have not seen/heard from other youtubers ...

Why We Use Layens Style Hives

Go From Novice to Natural

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to make the change to more natural and sustainable beekeeping, we have the equipment and training you need.

Learn

Check out our blog where you will find the research and seasonal instructions to help you become a more informed and knowledgeable beekeeper.

During the beekeeping season, join us each month for our in-person apiary walk or online Zoom meeting where we share with the Wild Hives Community timely insights and management practices.

Grow

Wild Hives offers seasonal events, training classes, equipment choices, and other helpful items as you grow your backyard apiary.

Upcoming Events

Monthly Field Days

Next Field Day July 12th (weather permitting)

Join us each month from May to August for a two hour In-Person Field Day at our Bethel, Ohio Apiary. Our time will be spent in the hives discussing and working through management activities appropriate for that month so veils are required for you to attend. We also take time to sit and talk about whatever beekeeping questions you might have. So if you want, bring a lawn chair and some water and join us in the shade.

No sign up needed. We’d love to see you at our next Field Day.

Restroom facilities are not provided

Monthly Community Zoom Meeting

Join us each month from November to March for a one hour Zoom meeting in which timely topics, equipment suggestions, Layens specific management practices and experience will be shared and discussed with our Wild Hives Community. We’d love to see you at the next meeting. Sign up to Join!

SPRING 2026 Sustainable Beekeeping Bootcamp

Local bees, simple equipment, sustainable methods. Everything you need to know when starting your natural approach to keeping bees and managing them successfully in Layens Horizontal Hives.

Prices are per attendee. Contact us for pricing options if other family members are planning to attend.

Click HERE to see our informational brochure.

From The Blog

2024-2025 Layens Bee Sources Survey – Part 2

Splits and Emergency Queen Cells

2024-2025 Survey of Layens Hive Winter Losses

About Us

Sonja and Rob’s beekeeping journey, not unlike many beekeepers, started with joining their local bee club, reading stacks of material, and seeking support. It wasn’t long before they realized they wanted to pursue a more natural and sustainable approach in their beekeeping while collecting only local honey bees and managing them in hives that closely mimicked their natural home. Click below to learn more about how their journey led to the formation of Wild Hives LLC and the growth of the Wild Hives Community.

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START BALANCED BEEKEEPING

If this sounds like what you’re looking for, then you’re in luck. There’s so much more to come. Sign up and receive helpful beekeeping advice right in your inbox and be the first to know when we launch new products.