Yes! It is required by law to register your hives with the Department of Agriculture. This is done to protect you the beekeeper. The Dept. of Ag will notify you in any type of spraying conducted by the state is going to occur in your area and also allows for the monitoring of honeybee diseases, especially American Foulbrood, by the state bee inspectors.
Do I have to register my hives with the state?
About the Author: jeff shaw
Jeff is a third-generation beekeeper who currently manages 20 hives and mentors beginning beekeepers. He is passionate about promoting healthy colonies through natural beekeeping practices and sustainable integrated-pest-management techniques. Jeff has worked closely with Burgh Bees since 2009 in various capacities to increase community awareness and support for the organization. Elected to the board in the Fall of 2013, he will serve as the apiary director for our Homewood apiary and will mange corporate interest for our hive leasing and management program, with accounts such as Whole Foods Market and The Porch at Schenley, an Eat’n Park hospitality group restaurant. Jeff is an avid environmentalist and sustainable business owner. He created and runs SEEDS Green Printing and Design, a green printing and design company located in Pittsburgh that serves clients worldwide.