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Home BYGL Bug Bytes May 1, 2008 BEE KIND TO HONEY BEES
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Most people have heard of the decline of the HONEY BEES (Apis mellifera) due to pests, unfavorable weather patterns and manifold stresses. Fortunately the attention has encouraged interested persons to avoid pesticides where possible and conserve foraging habitats for the honey bees.

The question arose during the BYGL conference of what responsibilities the farmer/grower has if bee hives are on or near his property. The Ohio Revised Code mandates that if a half acre or more of a crop is to be sprayed with a product labeled toxic to honey bees, and bee hives are within 1/2 mile of the area to be treated, the beekeeper MUST be notified 24 hours before the treatment is applied, if the crop is in bloom.

Beekeepers will tell you that the further forewarned of the upcoming treatment the better, so that they can move the bees when it is most favorable to them and the bees. Moving bees during daylight hours results in loss of many foraging bees and may seriously weaken the hive. Also, bees are as cranky as people during cloudy, rainy weather.

The above law also refers to Ohio Revised Code that all persons who own a beehive in Ohio must register the hives with the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) by June 1. Forms are available at the ODA website. These forms must state the number of hives and exact location of each hive. The beekeeper must pay $5.00 for each apiary. Registration of the apiaries allows county inspectors to check the hives during the growing season for evidence of pests and other problems. Failure to register may result in a fine. Also, growers do not have to alert beekeepers who did not register. A copy of the license should be prominently placed at each apiary location.

The advantage of the Apiary Inspection Program is that the Apiary Inspector can monitor each county's reports for impending problems, and provide information regarding Ohio apiary health. This position is intended to be eliminated. If you would like the position to be continued, please contact the ODA.

For more information, see:

Search PlantFacts.osu.edu
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 01 May 2008 18:24 )
 

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