Dept. of Agriculture Inspection

Dept. of Agriculture inspector examines
hive for signs of bee disease.

All beekeepers in the state of Pennsylvania are required to register their hives with the Department of Agriculture.  Recently, LBB beekeeper Ellen McGlynn had her hives inspected for the first time and found the process both fun and cathartic.  At only $10 per bee yard (not per hive), an inspector will come to spot check each hive, answer questions and concerns, and do sugar rolls on several hives to inspect for varroa mites.  While many beekeepers find the whole inspection idea a scary prospect, the inspector made clear that they are not out to verify zoning.  Their job is to keep track of bee disease and make recommendations where necessary.  Click HERE to view article in Scranton Times-Tribune.  Be sure to click on 'Photo Gallery: Beekeepers' for some beautiful bee images in Ellen's bee yard.