Urban keeping was one of the best coping mechanisms during the pandemic. It was one of the hobbies that kept people active and improved the ecosystem. It’s no surprise that beekeeping is now fast-growing in New York.
According to the Bee Conservancy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bee protection and advocacy in New York, bees are essential for our survival. They help pollinate most crops and are responsible for 1 in 3 bites of the food we eat.
If you’ve been wondering if you can keep bees in New York, then read on to learn more about beekeeping laws in New York State and the essential safety measures you should take.
Is it Legal to Keep Bees in New York?
Beekeeping was legalized in New York in 2010 and has gained immense popularity since then. It requires limited space as the hives are small in size.
After the pandemic, many New Yorkers looking to explore the outdoors once again took up beekeeping, among other gardening activities. The only problem is that imported honey bees may pose a risk to native bees, such as mason and bumble bees initially present in the city, which could affect the flora and the environment at large.
The Significance of Urban Beekeeping in New York
Urban beekeeping is vital to sustain a healthy ecosystem. Bees are the primary pollinators that plants need to produce high yields. Thus, beekeeping is essential for the creation of green cities and supports sustainable urban food production. Moreover, we need honey and beeswax for multiple uses at home.
Urban hives are small and only require a few square feet and can be installed in the backyard or rooftop. Having a garden is a plus because the bees are able to find food and pollinate the plants in return and don’t have to travel much in search of nectar.
3 Beekeeping Laws in New York State You Should Know
Most species of bees, such as honey bees, are safe to keep and pose nonthreat to humans when correctly placed. But there have to be rules and regulations to follow to protect humans.
- Beekeeping registration
If you plan to do beekeeping you need to register as a beekeeper with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The department controls where you can place the hives and how many you should keep.
You should provide information about the number of colonies that you manage and who is responsible to care for the bees and whether you intend to sell nucleus colonies. The department will use the information to notify you and other beekeepers in case of infectious diseases to prevent the spread of disease.
2. Selling bee colonies
Before you sell colonies of queens you must first get authorization after inspection by the department to ensure they are free from infectious diseases. In case they are infected, you can’t sell until after inspection and declaration to be free from infection.
It is prohibited to knowingly move or sell species of bees that the department has termed as can pose risk such as injury to humans or pose risk to food production unless it is for educational purposes if approved by the commissioner.
3. Transporting bees
Before you ship live bees from one state to another there has to be a permit from the commissioner to show they are disease free. The permit certifies that inspection was done and the bees cannot cause any harm to humans or the environment
4 Essential Safety Measures for Beekeeping in New York
Although beekeeping is a good hobby, it does have some risks. Most beekeepers are at risk of being stung 58 times every year which is significantly high. The biggest danger is for people who are allergic to bee sting which can cause severe allergic reactions and have fatal consequences. Some people get unpleasant symptoms such as shortness of breath while others get mild reactions like bumps and hives.
Therefore, you need to know the essential safety measures before considering urban beekeeping.
1. Always wear protective gear
Whether you are a seasoned or beginner beekeeper, you need to wear protective gear when visiting the hives. Some protective equipment should cover all your skin and protect your from. being stung. It includes a jacket. Veil, boots and gloves. You should never miss a veil because bee sting on your eyes can cause severe effects. The gear should be well fitting and not have space where bees can enter. Choose those will light colors because they are less attractive to bees and avoid scented body lotions or perfumes.
2. Learn about bees
You should understand the species of bees that you keep. Different species react differently; some are calm and don’t pose a threat while others are easily agitated and pose a risk to your safety.
An agitated queen can also make the colony calm, so you may need to check on the breed. Also, place the hive where there is less disturbance and people don’t frequent and always keep the lids secure.
3. Use a smoker
If you need to harvest honey or visit your hive and the bees are agitated, ensure to use a smoker to keep them domicile. The smoker reduces their natural defence mechanism, and you’ll be able to tend to the hive safely
Approach the hive from behind to avoid alerting the guard bees, and don’t be anxious, as bees can sense that. Then, apply the smoker and wait a few minutes to disarm the bees before you start taking effect.
4. Learn how to manage bee stings
If you’re a beekeeper, a sting may be inevitable. So, you need to know the steps to take when you have been stung by a bee.
The best way to deal with a bee’s sting is first to leave the area and then remove the stinger to prevent the venom from going inside your blood. You will need to use ice, alcohol wipes, a sting scraper, an antihistamine cream and a pain killer.
Keep this in a room in your house where the first aid kit is, and make it a safe space to deal with stings.
Remove the stinger immediately to prevent the venom from entering your bloodstream. Then wipe the area with an alcohol wipe, apply antihistamine cream or drink it alongside a pain reliever.
Check for any side effects in the next 30 minutes. If you get severe reactions such as trouble breathing, swelling, nausea, feeling dizzy or a rapid heartbeat, you should call 911. If the reaction is mild, you should still call your healthcare provider because the subsequent reaction may be worse.
FAQs
- Is beekeeping legal in NYC?
Yes, it is legal to do beekeeping in NYC, but you must comply with the beekeeping laws in New York State. You are required to register your hives and follow the rules and regulations.
- What is the most important consideration for urban beekeeping?
The most important consideration for urban beekeeping is placing the hives away from areas with human disturbance, like the rooftops.
- When did beekeeping become legal in NYC?
Beekeeping became legal in New York in 2010. However, you need to comply with the beekeeping Laws in New York State.
- Do you need a license to keep bees in NYS?
According to the State’s Agriculture and Markets law, You need to register your hives in New York City and give information about the size, species and health of the bees.
Final Thoughts
The beekeeping rules and regulations in New York are meant to protect both humans and the environment. Despite the risk of severe reactions from bee stings, urban beekeeping is a necessary evil. Take these measures and keep you and your family safe.
Comments (1)
Honey Collection Tips For Beginners in New York City - City Green Thumbsays:
March 19, 2024 at 11:28 am[…] Beekeeping Laws In New York State. Can I Keep Bees in New York? […]