Our symbiotic relationship with nature still tickle in the blood of many modern men and women — and that resonance could n’t be more classifiable than with a beekeeper and his bees . human and bees have live together for thousand of years . bee are even mentioned in the Roman Empire ’s Code of Justinian . We have provided the bee handle , protect colonies , and the bees have put up us with honey and wax . Despite being cultivated by serviceman , these semi - livestock animate being have an basically unaltered barbarian nature , though we humans have drastically expanded their “ hive ” and sensation of civilization .
As the popularity of beekeeping continue to expand , it ’s important that bud beekeepers understand the responsibilities in tend roaming , semi - wild livestock , particularly if you have neighbors in close propinquity . You may think that if bees do harm someone , how can the bees be trace back to you , anyway ? It ’s not like you are keep cow and Capricorn the Goat that could wander off , leave behind footmark around the neighborhood , and pose for societal medium as they munch Mrs. O’Leary ’s petunias . However , if you do n’t decently manage your bees and work within the effectual theoretical account of your surface area — particularly if you ’re still located in an urban or suburban area — you could face fuss .
Understand State Beekeeping Laws First
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A good place to bet when adjudicate to interpret the beekeeping laws where you live is to first expect at the country code . you’re able to find the state of matter code , as well as local ordinance , in your library or online . In the Commonwealth of Virginia , where I live , Title 3.2 Chapter 44 is devoted to beekeeping . That chapter ground authority for a state apiarist . Think of him like the headwaiter of a ship , with big businessman to quarantine in the event of disease , to scrutinise foreign bees and beekeeping paraphernalia entering this state ’s environment , and to educate the “ crew ” of beekeeper in the United States Department of State .
Search your own state ’s computer code to square up what laws , if any , pertain to your offer beekeeping Falco subbuteo . The state has an stake to protect and benefit the public . ferment with the DoS beekeeper : succeeder or failure in the sectors of agriculture associated with beekeeping are partly his duty . Be forewarned that the state takes its role as guardian in earnest . In Virginia , a apiculturist in violation of the particular of Chapter 44 can he held reprehensively liable for a socio-economic class 1 misdemeanor .
Local Beekeeping Laws Are Important, Too
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Your local government may also have concerns about how apiculture affects your community , on a neighbor - to - neighbour basis . The more people are in your expanse , the more your community may be affected . Bees can gyp and swarm and they naturally swan , meaning there ’s a probability they can hurt people off your property .
Not all communities have ordinances that specifically address beekeeping . Take the Hampton Roads , Va. , metropolitan area as a sample . In Newport News and Hampton , there is no specific mention of apiculture , but there are world-wide regulation regarding livestock and untamed animals . Poquoson has an ordinance regarding farm animate being in worldwide but not bee in peculiar . Norfolk has an regulation regarding nuisance animals and “ wild , exotic or poisonous animals . ” York , Virginia Beach and Suffolk specifically regulate beekeeping under their residential zone ordinance . Also consider whether your locality ( or state ) will assess your urtication . In cases where the regulation are unclear , ask advice from your urban center or county administrators about how the locality would catch your pursuit .
Other Legal Considerations
In addition to researching the codes , you will want to deliberate whether there have been any motor hotel type in your legal power pertinent to beekeeping . I have n’t found any controlling cases directly address beekeeping ; however , I have reviewed royal court case similar to the inquiry of indebtedness for beekeepers , articles about a case from Hawaii settled this year , and helpful books on beekeeping and tort liability , and I can offer you these points to take :
If you ’re unsure the financial obligation bee convey to your farm — for example , if you race an agritourism procedure or live within the city limit point — you’d be wise to consult a lawyer for your specific situation . If after reading this , you choose to keep bees , I wish you wisdom , safety and many jars of dearest .
