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
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