The purpose of the Apiary Program is to prevent the introduction and/or spread of regulated honey bee diseases, parasites, and undesirable genetic material in resident and migratory honey bee colonies, as well as encourage and maintain interstate movement of honey bees for crop pollination and honey production.

• On this page:
  • Licensing, Importing and Inspection
  • Education, Training and Events
  • Pollinator Resources
  • Swarm Collectors
  • Exotic Hornets

Licensing, Importing and Inspection of Honey Bees

Anyone who keeps honeybees in Maine MUST obtain an apiary license.

• Apiary License Application (PDF) (DOCX)
• Fee Schedule (PDF)

Anyone who imports bees into Maine MUST submit an Import Notification of Bees form, a health certificate from the State of origin and pay the appropriate fee.

• Import Notification of Bees (DOCX)
• Fee Schedule (PDF)

Honey bee colonies in Maine may be inspected for regulated diseases and parasites. Inspections of colonies may also be performed upon request.

• Hive Inspection Request Form
  

Education, Training and Events

The Apiary program educates beekeepers, growers and the general public about bee keeping techniques and the value of honeybees to Maine agriculture.

Fact Sheets

Honey Bee Seasonal Management +

Honey Bee Pests and Diseases +

Webinars

• Varroa Mite IPM: Four-Part Series for a Healthy Hive in 2020 Webinar - This four-part webinar series takes place on March 9, March 23, April 6, and April 20, 2020. Jen Lund, DACF Maine State Apiarist. and Kim Skrm, Apiary Program Coordinator with Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, dive deeper into managing the most detrimental pest affecting honey bees, varroa mites (Varroa destructor). Join them in this multiple part webinar series where they will discuss the varroa mite biology and life history, available and effective mite management tools, how to create a dynamic varroa mite IPM plan, and a demonstration on the steps involved in performing an alcohol wash in the field including tips to make sure you get an accurate count. Get the full details and register online!

Pollinator Resources

• Understanding Native Bees, the Great Pollinators: Enhancing Their Habitat in Maine (PDF)
• Honey Bees and Blueberry Pollination (PDF)
• USDA NRCS Pollinator Biology and Habitat Report (PDF)
• Maine Bumblebee Atlas

List of Swarm Collectors (as of September 2020)