Welcome to MSBA
MSBA is a non-profit membership organization of beekeepers in Maine, dedicated to education, using best practices and honey bee health. Affiliated with local chapters throughout the state, MSBA also works with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to promote the honey bee, products of the hive and initiatives to support beekeepers.
2024 WEBINARS
Did you know that as a member of MSBA you can access any of the past webinars online? Access them here
Here are the remaining scheduled webinars for 2024.
REGISTER YOUR HIVES WITH THE STATE OF MAINE
Register Your Hives by June 15th (or now!)
Anyone who keeps honey bees in Maine must register their hives with the Maine Department of Agriculture. This apiary license is valid for a 12–month period, from mid-June. You will receive a renewal form in the mail if you registered in 2023. There is an option to be listed as a swarm catcher, and beekeepers who provide their email address will be included on important updates regarding pests and diseases, as well as educational opportunities.
Licensing Information and Apiary Application
BEEKEEPER'S CALENDER
June
It’s time to register your apiaries! Maine’s first honey flows start at the very end of May/early June so add honey supers to hives as needed. Manage for swarm prevention by equalizing hives and making splits/nucs.
July
Honey bee colonies hit their peak during this month. Add empty honey supers as needed. You can harvest honey when the honey flow slows (usually the end of July) or hold filled supers in a cool, protected location until the fall to evaluate whether the honey is needed for overwintering. Monitor Varroa populations. A mite treatment may be necessary prior to supering for the fall honey flow.