Five reasons to register your bee hives with the Montana Department of Agriculture
1. Pesticides kill bees. You want commercial pesticide applicators to know where your hives are located. Many pesticides now have labels that state “May Kill Honey Bees in Substantial Numbers” and pesticide applicators are instructed to locate and communicate with beekeepers. One way to let pesticide applicators know where you are is to register with the Department of Agriculture.
2. To prevent the spread of pests and contagious and infectious diseases among apiaries. Bees are living flying creatures that don’t always stay in their little boxes. They can go out into the environment and get sick. If there is a regional pest or disease issue in your area and you are registered with the Department of Agriculture, we can alert you about the problem and let you know what to look for.
3. Prevent the entry or spread of diseases and pests not know to occur in Montana. Montana is free from Africanized Honey Bees (AHB) and Small Hive Beetle (SHB) and we want to keep it free from any other new exotic pests. Participating in the apiary registration program allows beekeepers to stay updated on pest status and conditions in Montana. If there were Africanized Honey Bees in Montana wouldn’t you want to be one of the first to know?
4. Expertise on the ground. The Montana Department of Agriculture has 10 experienced apiary inspectors all across the State that can come to your apiary and inspect you hives with you. Do you know what American Foul Brood smells like or winter starvation looks like? Our inspectors do and they can help you manage problems in your beekeeping operation.......but only if you are registered.
5. Montana is the 5th largest honey producer in the nation. All beekeepers in Montana should stand up and “bee” counted!!!!
For more information on honey bee site registrations and the Montana Department of Agriculture Apiary Program please visit: http://agr.mt.gov/crops/beekeepers.asp
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