registered bees

[chickenwing654]

New Beekeeper here,

I have a couple questions on registering bee hives.  I do not have any yet.  I am looking to start my first bee hive in Maine.  Maine requires you to register your bees with location and number of hives .  I have no problem with doing this.  Wondering what this actually means in the future with beekeeping.

Inspectors being able to come to check out my hives, and how often?  Do they give you notification first?  Would they fine you if they found something?

Has anyone ever been down this road, and what was the outcome?  Is registering bees a common practice per state?

thanks

[Michael Bush]

It seems to depends on the inspector and the state, and I'm not in Maine.  Most places the inspector can come and inspect anytime they please, but often they will arrange with you so you can be there, if you request it.  Most places the inspectors are very helpful and will try to help you with any issues.  About the only thing I have ever heard of them enforcing is burning hives with AFB.  Nebraska used to require registering.  I never did.  Then they dropped it and I was trying to sell queens, so now I have to PAY them to come and inspect my hives...  Many states have dropped their inspection and registration because of budget constraints.

[hjon71]

Tennessee beeks are supposed to register but several I know don't bother. I did register thinking I might need an expert sometime later. I have never been contacted by the state which suits me fine.

[BlueBee]

I don't believe Michigan requires any kind of registration.  I sure never did.  This is one of those things that local governments try to get their hands on to raise more revenue for their insatiable appetite for funds.   

IMO, letting local governments into the bee yard will eventually lead to them being banned in all but rural areas. 

[kingd]

I don't believe Michigan requires any kind of registration.  I sure never did.  This is one of those things that local governments try to get their hands on to raise more revenue for their insatiable appetite for funds.   

IMO, letting local governments into the bee yard will eventually lead to them being banned in all but rural areas.

Yep,it seems that it starts out innocent enough then it turns into a huge pain that costs more money.
In my area ,you are supposed to get a permit just to plug in a bird water heater or fountain.

[chickenwing654]

Hi,

Hardly anything for a fee.  Just $2 for up to 4 hives, then $5 for like 10 or under (I think it was).

I just don't want to open a can of worms when I do register them. 

[beesNme]

hi chickenwing

i am still new but i welcomed them to come last year. nice to deal with, they called first and asked questions,  also they will let you know of anything going on in the state to be aware of. alot more positives then negitives,  and for 2 bucks a year pretty cheap. 

[Michael Bush]

>Hardly anything for a fee.  Just $2 for up to 4 hives, then $5 for like 10 or under (I think it was).

And I have to pay $150 to have mine inspected...

[troyin17331]

in pa it is $10 to register your hives. they like to inspect every 2 years unless you are selling then it is 2 times a year.  here they don;t like to inspect without you there. unless it is to the point they have called you several times and you don;t return their call then they can just come and inspect.  that also has to do with work load my inspector has 6 counties to work.  registering your hives can also be beneficial if the state is spraying for mosquitoes in your area.  Here they try to keep away from them and tell you if they are spraying in your area.  I have never had any issues with any of the inspectors i have dealt with. they have always been helpful.   they can also help you with resources  they wont tell you who to buy from but if you ask them they can give you a list of people they know that sells stuff. 

[GSF]

From what I've heard tell, most beeks around here love it when they come. I think they only come with an invite. It is a requirement to be inspected if you sell bees. I met a couple of them at our last state meeting. Real friendly folks with a desire to be a help. Now I'm only speaking for Alabama.

[OldMech]

Registration usually comes with a restriction for commercial applicators. They cannot spray chemicals harmful to bees within a certain distance until after dark etc...   That is the benefit here in Iowa. Of course private individuals can spray anything they like right past your bees if thats where there property line is.

[Wombat2]

Don't know if its the same in the States but in Oz if you want to sell honey to the Commercial Processors you have to quote your registration number.