Rules for keeping healthy and safe bee colonies

(a) Beekeepers shall, to the best of their ability, maintain a healthy colony of bees by adhering to generally accepted apiary management practices as set forth in this section. (b) These generally accepted apiary management practices encompass, but are not limited to, the following: (1) Beekeepers regularly inspect their apiary and implement suitable measures to prevent and mitigate potential nuisance activities, ensuring both the health and well-being of the apiary and public health and safety; (2) Maintain colonies in hives with removable frames, that are kept in sound and usable condition; (3) Maintain an adequate and accessible supply of fresh water on-site, including landing sites for the honeybees to drink from; (4) Protect hives from bright lights at night; (5) Proactively manage colonies to prevent swarming; (6) Ensure effective sanitation practices to prevent disease and robbing, mitigate pests such as small hive beetles, wax moths, and varroa mites, and bolster overall hive health; (7) Thoroughly clean reused hives and beekeeping equipment to remove hive products such as old comb and honey, and properly store hives to prevent robbing or pest invasion; (8) Support year-round bee activity by planting non-invasive seasonal flowers and species suitable to the regional climate; (9) Practice fire safety when using a bee smoker, and ensure the smoker is completely extinguished following use; (10) Requeen hives and colonies if aggressive behavior is observed; (11) Be considerate of neighbors by placing hive boxes as far away as feasible from neighboring properties with dwelling units; and (12) Respond to concerns, complaints, and other issues from neighbors in a manner that seeks to find mutually agreeable resolutions and avoid further potential conflict. (c) Novice beekeepers should consult with the department of research and development, State department of agriculture, and other entities possessing expertise and experience in apiary management to establish and sustain safe, healthy, and productive hive operations. (2024, ord 24-65, sec 3.)4-5-4