Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Bee Inspection
Without a healthy honey bee population, successful fruit and vegetable production would be at risk. New Jersey's 20,000 bee colonies, valued at $350 per colony, represent a $7 million honey bee industry for the state and contribute to successful production of nearly $200 million worth of fruits and vegetables annually. The New Jersey Department of Agriculture's Division of Plant Industry protects the pollination needs of the fruit and vegetable industry by ensuring that the honey bee population, both native and migratory, is free of injurious honey bee pests and diseases. The Division requires control actions when contagious diseases and pests are detected.
NJ Municipalities not allowed to restrict, ban beekeeping activities
New Jersey Bee Keeping Regulations
New Jersey Bee Keeping Regulations Frequently Asked Questions
Announcements
New Jersey Statutes
Learn More About Beekeeping
Colony Collapse Disorder
Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) is a mysterious dying off of bee colonies for no apparent reason that has struck the industry over the past few years. State Apiarist Meghan McConnell is working with the researchers in trying various approaches to finding the cause of, and the solution to, the problem.
The Mid-Atlantic Apiculture Research and Extension Consortium is the lead research agency on CCD. Click here to visit their CCD web page.
Beekeeping Fact Sheets
About the Honey Bee
Alcohol Wash Demonstration Video
American Foulbrood Fact Sheet
Bees, Wasps and Hornets - Know What is Invading Your Space
Field Guide to Honeybees and Their Maladies
How to Check for Varroa Mites Using the Sugar Shake Method
Identifying Honey Bee Eggs
Medication for Bee Diseases
Native Bee Benefits
New Jersey Beekeepers Association Educational Information
Stiles Honey Educational Events
Varroa Mite Detection
Varroa Mite Detection Video
Why Did My Honey Bees Die?
Where to Buy Bees in New Jersey
Water Sources for Bees
In a suburban setting, bees need to have a water source close to the hive so they do not forage for water on your neighbor’s property. Most neighbors do not appreciate bees in their pool or birdbath. The water sources must always provide water for the bees. If the source is allowed to run dry, the bees will learn a new source and use it. If it’s your neighbors pool, it will be very difficult to “re-train” them on your water source.
Swarm Collectors
Swarming is a natural biological function of honey bees. During swarming, honey bees are behaviorally very gentle. They have no home to defend and their stomachs are filled with honey. They will usually hang on a bush or tree branch in a ball of bees. The scouts then look for a dry dark cavity. When they find one, the swarm will take off and move into that cavity. This process can take from 1 - 5 days depending on the weather.
If you find one of these swarms on your property, please follow these links for lists of New Jersey Beekeepers who collect swarms:
NJ Swarm Collectors
Central Jersey Beekeepers Association Swarm Collectors List
Click here for the "Bees On the Move" honey bee swarm brochure.
For further information contact the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, Division of Plant Industry, PO Box 330, Trenton, NJ 08625-0330, 609-406-6939.
