Is Maine One of the Best States for Beekeeping?

Beekeeping offers numerous benefits, from pollinating crops and wild plants to producing honey and beeswax. Given Maine's reputation for eco-consciousness and its love for local, organic products, you'd expect the state to be an ideal place for thriving bee populations. Surprisingly, however, it’s not that simple.

With that in mind, who exactly judges these rankings, and how do they determine which states are better at beekeeping than others?

Lawn Love's report, ‘Nectar Nation: 2024’s Best States for Beekeeping,’ ranked 39 U.S. states on beekeeping viability using 29 metrics across four main categories: Economic/Profitability, Colony & Population Health, Education & Support, and Environmental & Regulatory Factors.

Each metric was weighted by Lawn Love based on its relevance to beekeeping success.

Data was collected for each metric, and states with insufficient data, such as New Hampshire and Massachusetts, were excluded, resulting in a ranking of 39 states. Final scores, out of 100, determined each state’s overall rank, with the highest score designating the 'best' state for beekeeping.

So, with that clarified, how did Lawn Love determine the 'best' and 'worst' states for beekeeping?

According to Lawn Love’s report, out of the 39 states compared and evaluated, Maine ranked near the bottom—36th overall—performing poorly in categories like ‘Economic/Profitability Rank,’ ‘Colony & Population Health Rank,’ ‘Education & Support Rank,’ and ‘Environmental & Regulatory Factors Rank,’ placing 38th, 33rd, 37th, and 12th, respectively.

There you have it—Maine may not be the ideal place for beekeeping in the United States.

Does this surprise you? We’d love to hear from you! Feel free to join the conversation by messaging us on the app.

5 Nasty Bees and Wasps That May Be Waiting to Sting You

According to the United States Forest Service, these are five of the most common stinging insects in our area. We grabbed their pictures, along with pictures of their nests, to help you identify what you found on your property.

Gallery Credit: Michelle Heart

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Honey Bees

While many of us will call anything that’s black or brown, striped with yellow and orange and has a stinger a “bee,” not every stinging insect is actually a bee. Bees are usually rounder than wasps and have hair on their bodies. According to Idaho Fish and Game, there are 707 native species of bees in the state. Honey bees aren’t one of them, but they became common after settlers in the 17th century decided to introduce them to our ecosystem.

Orkin explains, honey bees tend to sting if they’re trying to defend themselves or their colony. The last thing they want to do is sting you because when they do, their stinger, venom sac and other body parts are ripped out. That kills them and releases an alert to other bees that the colony is in danger. Honey bee stings are super painful, to begin with and they can get worse the longer the stinger stays in because that sac is going to keep pumping venom into you.

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Honey Bee Nest

So how do you know if the nest that appeared on your property is a honey bee nest? According to Terminix, honey bee nests are made of wax and can be made up of 100,000 hexagonal cells. Unlike depictions you’ve seen in storybooks, these nests are more likely to be in a hollow tree, rock crevice or inside a building’s wall than hanging from a tree branch.

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Mud Dauber

This whole article was inspired by what we’re pretty sure is a Mud Dauber nest built on the wall of our garage. After reading about these wasps, we’re torn over what to do with the nest. Mud Daubers are long, skinny wasps and according to Owhyee Environmental, they come in peace. They’re not aggressive (even if their nests are threatened) and love eating spiders, especially black widows.

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Mud Dauber Nest

As you can guess by their name, they build their nests out of mud. Those nests are usually tube-like and they tend to appear in protected places like garages, sheds and porch ceilings. Owhyee Environmental explains that they’ll stuff up to 30 spiders in each tube to feed their babies. If they’re going to sting, they’re most like to sting the spiders to paralyze them. We don’t like spiders, so we wouldn’t mind keeping this nest around if it meant less of them. However, the nests can get pretty out of control and pretty ugly looking.

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Paper Wasp

In writing this article, we have no idea what sort of wasps would get into our old apartment. We didn’t realize how similar Paper Wasps and Yellow Jackets look. According to Orkin, you can tell if it’s a Paper Wasp by its orange-tipped antennas, longer bodies and thinner wastes. Pestcom explains that their sting is less painful than honeybee stings and the discomfort can last anywhere from 10-60 minutes. They usually won’t sting you unless they’re provoked.

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Paper Wasp Nest

Their name comes from the way their nests are constructed. The United States Forest Service says that Paper Wasps use small wood and plant fibers, combined with saliva to build nests that look like big paper lanterns. They love building these places like grills, under decks, eaves of houses and other protected areas.

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Bald-Faced Hornet

Bald-Faced hornets are more wasps than hornets. They look similar to yellow jackets but have white markings instead of yellow. Orkin says they get protective of their nests and may attack in large numbers. Like yellow jackets that can sting over and over again without dying.

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Bald-Faced Hornet Nest

Unlike its cousin, bald-faced hornets build their nests above ground. The United States Forest Service says that treetops, attic rafters and other covered areas, like porch overhangs are popular choices.

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Yellow Jacket

Yellow Jackets look similar to Paper Wasps but are big jerks. Idaho Fish and Game explains that early in the season, they want to eat things like caterpillars, flies and spiders but when they start to get scarce, they’re attracted to meats and sugary foods. That’s why they insist on hovering around watermelon, cupcakes, burgers and hotdogs you’re enjoying by the pool. Orkin says you DO NOT want to upset Yellow Jackets as they're the most dangerous stinging insects in the country. They don’t die after stinging you and they can do it repeatedly.

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Yellow Jacket Nest

If you can spot a yellow jacket’s nest, you’ll notice that it has a single opening. We say if because most yellow jackets are ground nesters, so they’ll build them underground, in cracks in walls, hollow trees. They live in colonies and in some cases, those colonies can reach up to 100,000.

Which Frozen Pizza Brands Should Maine Shoppers Avoid?

Not all frozen pizzas are the same, and some are definitely better than others. A report by 24/7 Wall St. highlights six frozen pizza brands to avoid, based on factors like price, taste, quality, and health. If you're curious about which ones to skip, keep reading for the details. Mainers looking for a quick dinner might want to steer clear of these frozen pizzas!

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6. Screamin’ Sicilian

“At over seven bucks a pie, consumers understandably expect a better product than this. We’re not necessarily “screamin’” about how awful it is, but we won’t be shouting its praises, either.” - 24/7 Wall St.

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5. Trader Joe’s

“The Trader Joe’s pizza box proudly states the pie was imported from Italy. Many of the reviewers wish TJ’s would have left it there. One blogger went as far as describing Trader Joe’s Organic Three-Cheese Pizza as “bowling alley-esque.” Another compared the taste of the sauce to that of SpaghettiOs.” - 24/7 Wall St.

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4. California Pizza Kitchen

“This was among the most surprising entries on this list. With nearly 200 restaurants worldwide, California Pizza Kitchen has a strong reputation in the pizzeria industry. However, that same quality hasn’t been replicated in the grocery store freezer section.” - 24/7 Wall St.

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3. Whole Foods 365

“Placing this entry from Whole Foods was a bit more difficult to calculate than some of the others. Some bloggers found a few positive things to say about it. Others did not, with one calling its crust “straight up garbage.” Again, pizza preferences are highly subjective. Overall, however, this pie was consistently criticized as sub-par on most of the blogs we consulted.” - 24/7 Wall St.

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2. Tony’s

“Tony’s may be among the pioneers of frozen pizza, but it is certainly not among the tastiest brands today. Quite the opposite. It ranked well below almost every other national brand, earning it the second-to-lowest spot on our list.” - 24/7 Wall St.

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1. Totino’s

“In the competition for the worst frozen pizza brand, there was a clear winner…or, more accurately, a clear loser. Totino’s easily took the crown as the absolute worst frozen pizza brand. Note: this is an evaluation of the brand’s “Party Pizza,” not their famous pizza rolls.” - 24/7 Wall St.

AI Ranks the 10 Best Places to Vacation in Maine

We asked ChatGPT to give us a unique list of the 10 best places to vacation in Maine, and this is what it provided!

Gallery Credit: Jordan Verge

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10. Blue Hill Peninsula

Why: Known for its scenic beauty, art galleries, and the historic Blue Hill village. A great base for exploring nearby Acadia National Park without the crowds, and enjoying local food and music festivals.

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9. Eastport

Why: A small, historic port city with a vibrant arts scene, whale watching opportunities, and the annual Eastport Pirate Festival. It's a great place to experience Maine's maritime heritage.

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8. Sebago Lake State Park

Why: One of Maine's largest and most popular parks, ideal for swimming, boating, fishing, and camping, with stunning views and crystal-clear waters.

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7. Mount Desert Island (MDI)

Why: Home to Acadia National Park, MDI offers rugged coastal landscapes, scenic drives like the Park Loop Road, and the charming town of Bar Harbor, with its lively waterfront and dining scene.

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6. Kennebunkport

Why: Famous for its seaside charm, upscale dining, boutique shopping, and the historic Dock Square. A great spot for enjoying sandy beaches and visiting the summer home of former President George H. W. Bush.

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5. Rockport

Why: A small, scenic harbor town known for its charming downtown, beautiful marine park, and the Center for Maine Contemporary Art, providing a quieter alternative to its more famous neighbors, Rockland and Camden.

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4. Rangeley Lakes Region

Why: A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering pristine lakes, excellent fishing, scenic hiking trails, and breathtaking views, especially from the Height of Land.

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3. Bethel

Why: Nestled in the mountains, Bethel is a four-season destination with top-notch skiing at Sunday River, beautiful foliage in the fall, and outdoor adventures like hiking and kayaking.

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2. Lubec

Why: The easternmost point in the United States, offering charming coastal vibes, the stunning Quoddy Head State Park with its iconic lighthouse, and proximity to the Roosevelt Campobello International Park.

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1. Monhegan Island

Why: A picturesque island known for its artists' colony, hiking trails, and stunning coastal views. It's a place to unplug and immerse yourself in natural beauty and local art.

Here Are the 10 Best Cities for Singles in Maine for 2024

HomeSnacks recently released their list of 'The 10 Best Cities for Singles in Maine for 2024,' ranking cities based on factors such as population density, median age, and the number of unmarried residents. Keep reading to find out which cities in Maine are the absolute best for those without a wedding ring!

Gallery Credit: Jordan Verge

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10. Bath

Bath offers a small-town feel with charming downtown areas. The Sagadahoc County city has a vibrant arts scene and easy access to the coast, making it especially appealing for singles who enjoy outdoor activities.

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9. Rockland

A coastal town famous for its art galleries and lobster festivals, Rockland is a great spot for singles seeking a mix of ocean views, dining, and art culture. Its downtown area is perfect for casual dates and social outings.

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8. Bangor

In recent years, Bangor’s downtown has been revitalized with breweries, restaurants, and concert venues, offering plenty of spots for singles to meet. Additionally, the Queen City of the East’s central location in Maine makes it a perfect home base for exploring the rest of the state.

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7. Hallowell

Known for its old architecture and historic charm, Hallowell attracts singles with its cozy pubs and unique, artsy atmosphere. This small city, located outside of our state’s capital, offers a warm, community feel and is perfect for low-key socializing.

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6. Lewiston

As Maine’s second-largest city, Lewiston has a growing restaurant scene and several spots for outdoor recreation. Its diversity and expanding amenities make it appealing for singles looking to mingle in a more urban environment.

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5. Westbrook

A growing suburb of Portland, Westbrook has become a hub for young professionals, with an expanding dining scene and close access to Portland’s offerings. It’s a great spot for those who want a quieter alternative to Portland while still being close to the action.

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4. Waterville

A college town with a youthful vibe, Waterville has art centers, cafés, and a bustling downtown that appeal to singles. Colby College gives Waterville a lively, outgoing energy.

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3. South Portland

With its ocean views and proximity to Portland’s downtown, South Portland is ideal for singles who enjoy outdoor activities and shopping, as The Maine Mall is located in South Portland. The growing food scene and scenic spots along the coast also make it a fun place to live.

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2. Biddeford

Biddeford has been experiencing a cultural renaissance over the past decade and a half, with new restaurants, breweries, and art spaces emerging. Its relatively affordable housing and close-knit community attract young professionals and, of course, singles.

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1. Portland

Maine’s largest city, Portland, is the top spot for singles, boasting a vibrant nightlife, a thriving restaurant scene, and abundant outdoor activities. Its artsy vibe and coastal beauty make it a prime destination for those looking to connect with others. Keep Portland weird!

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