Taking the Final Leap

The weather outside is turning from cold winter snow to spring rain. With the rain, the flowers will blossom and bees will begin their busy work of harvesting nectar. The bees do most of the work, collecting nectar and making honeycomb. Will you be ready? Honey is a valuable commodity which any backyard apiculturist can cultivate from their own hive for their own benefit or for resale.

Our ancient ancestors were able to bee keep, cultivating honey and other byproducts from their hives (Crane 142). Their hives were made of mud, dung, straw, and clay formed into long tubes where the bees were able to build combs inside (Grossman). Fortunately, times have evolved and we have bee boxes, much like the Eco Bee Box, with removable panels where the bees build their honeycomb making it easier to cultivate (Eco Bee Box).

With the evolution of beekeeping, rules and regulations have evolved, as well. Bee boxes, like Eco Bee Boxes, have removable panels not only for ease of cultivation, but so local bee inspectors can check the hive. To ensure the safety of the hive, and other hives within the state and local area, all used equipment and colonies being purchased outside of the state of Utah are to be inspected. Placing regulations on hives protects your colony as well as other colonies, domesticated or wild. Always be sure to learn your own local rules and regulations (Utah Code).

Honey is used for many holistic remedies as well as for food, tools such as candles, and other commodities such as cosmetics. While most backyard apiculturists cultivate honey for their own benefit, maintaining a hive more as a hobby than a business, there is always the potential to expand (Honey Bees and Beekeeping 6.4). Farmers markets are located in several cities and towns throughout the state of Utah, and the nation as well. Personally, I have seen a few local residents at farmers markets selling raw honey as well as honeycomb.

By knowing the history, rules, and the benefits of maintaining your own hive, you are a giant step closer to keeping your own backyard hive. Before purchasing your own hive and colony, learn as much as you can from other apiculturists. Take a course on beekeeping from your local farm store or from an extension at a local university. If your plan is to sell honey or other byproducts, take a course on food safety through the local health department. Then, when you are ready, take the leap and enjoy beekeeping in the comfort of your own backyard.

Work Cited

Crane, Eva. “Honey: Past, Present, and Future.” American Bee Journal, vol. 117, no. 3, 1977, pp. 142-145.

Eco Bee Box. Sustainable At Home Business. 2018, Image, ecobeebox.com/

“Honey Bees and Beekeeping 6.4: Commercial honey processing.” Youtube, uploaded by BeeHealth, 29 June 2010, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rhm4uvkcUs

Grossmann, Mark. “Hive: What is a “Mud and Clay Tube Beehives”?” Grossmann’s Hives. 11 Sept. 2014. grossmannsbees.wordpress.com/2014/09/11/hive-what-is-a-mud-and-clay-bee-hive/

Utah Code. Utah State Legislature, 2017, le.utah.gov/xcode/Title4/Chapter11/4-11.html 

Apiary Rules and Regulations for the State of Utah

Before investing in the expense of honey bees, it’s best to understand the local laws and regulations of your area. Although many states are similar in their laws and regulations, each state is different when it comes to inspections and importation of bees. The laws and regulations are set to protect the existing hives from pests, parasites, and diseases.

I reside in Utah, so I will focus on Utah’s state laws and regulations. It is always best to research your local and state laws in your area to ensure you’re following all state mandated laws and regulations to protect all hives within your area.

Utah Code, under Title 4 of the Utah Agricultural Code, lists sections under Chapter 11, “Utah Bee Inspection Act,” setting forth laws and regulations. Some of the sections are informational and can be referenced as such. Those sections are 101-103, 105, 107-110, 114-115 simply listing titles, definitions, authorities, appointments, different procedures required for infected hives, inspection guidelines and enforcement, abandoned apiaries, and maintaining gentle stock.

Section 104 begins listing requirements for all apiaries in the state of Utah. 4-11-104 states, “Any person may not raise bees in this state without being registered with the department” (Utah Code). Subsections 2-7 list how to register your hive, also stating there is an annual registration fee which is only valid through December 31 of the year in which the registration was issued, renewable for a period of 1 year upon payment.

11-4-106 states all hives in the state of Utah must have removable frames so the inspector can easily inspect the hives for disease, pests, and parasites without difficulty. Part 2 states that no one is to keep bees that are knowingly infected with disease, parasites, or pests. They also are not allowed to sell, barter, gift, or move the bees or the colonies infected without consent of the county bee inspector or the department.

11-4-111 discusses the regulations on the importation of bees or appliances. In order to bring bees or equipment into the state of Utah, you must have a certification from an inspector certifying the origin as well for the inspection for diseased colonies and equipment having been either treated or destroyed.

4-11-113 outlines the “Unlawful acts” regarding apiaries.

1.       It is unlawful to extract honey in a place where bees can gain access either during or after the extraction process;

2.       maintain any neglected or abandoned hives, apiary equipment, or appliances other than in an enclosure that prohibits the entrance of bees;

3.       raise bees without being registered with the department; or

4.       knowingly sell a colony, apiary equipment, or appliance that is inoculated with terminal disease pathogens. (Utah Code)

Before starting your own backyard hobby, be sure to know all the laws and regulations of your state in order to protect existing hives, natural bees, and also your own colony.

Work Cited

Utah Code. Utah State Legislature, 2017, le.utah.gov/xcode/Title4/Chapter11/4-11.html