does anyone know if beehives must be inspected? I live in Mich. and cant seem to get an answer, even from the county extension office

-- stan (sopal@net-port.com), December 14, 1999

Answers

Yes---and maybe not in your area. We are members of the Virginia beekeepers association and to sell honey on the retail level --we have a state beehive inspector. He is also a member ! The advantage to a inspection is that he might observe something you overlooked--like an aging queen or foulbrood. He seems to have more access to the latest trends and new chemical reports from the major universities like VPI (a leader in the bee field). I would check with local bee keepers and their clubs to find out about your area. I hope this helps and we are glad to see more and more new people in the bee field. It may be a losing battle but at least we are all fighting together!

-- Joel Rosen (Joel681@webtv.net), December 14, 1999.

Here in PA inspections are handled through the state department of agriculture. You might see if you can contact someone there. Yes, the inspection is a good thing. I look at it like insurance. Ten bucks to have an expert examine my hives is well worth it.

-- James Lindstrom (jcrocket@alltel.net), December 14, 1999.