Frequently asked questions

Not at all. Plenty of our members joined before they'd ever opened a hive — some before they'd even bought one. Beginners are every bit as welcome as seasoned keepers, and there's no test to pass.

Nope. Curiosity is enough. Whether you're still deciding if beekeeping is for you or you've had a couple of hives for years, you're welcome to be part of the community.

Just fill out our short membership application online — it takes a couple of minutes. We'll follow up by email to welcome you and help you get connected.

Membership details, including any dues, are set by the association. The quickest way to get the current information is to reach out through our contact form or send in an application — we'll be glad to fill you in.

Get-togethers and how members stay in touch are best confirmed directly, since details can change. Contact us or apply for membership and we'll make sure you're in the loop.

Quite possibly! A cluster of honey bees is usually gentle and just passing through. Head to our Report a Swarm page and send us the details, and we'll try to connect you with a local beekeeper who can relocate it. Please don't spray it in the meantime.

We help specifically with honey bee swarms. Wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets — often with brighter yellow-and-black bodies and a papery nest — are a job for a pest-control professional rather than a beekeeper.

It's very doable — and much easier with people to ask. Getting the basics right for our local seasons makes a big difference, and that's exactly the kind of thing members are happy to help newcomers with. Come join us and lean on the community as you learn.

Rules vary from place to place across the county and its cities, so it's worth checking your local ordinances before you set up a hive. If you're not sure where to look, ask us — members can often point you in the right direction.