Beginning Beekeeping Beekeeping is an activity loved by a diverse cross-section of Americans. From a few hives in the back yard to tens of thousands of hives in a commercial operation all beekeepers got their start by learning the basics. The best place to start down the path to becoming a beekeeper is by becoming an apprentice beekeeper. By working with an established beekeeper, in your area, you will learn the basics of hive management. The best place to find a beekeeper willing to help is your local… Read More →

The document below is comprised of the best management practices for maintaining honey bee colonies in Texas.  These are voluntary practices, but are meant to be used as a tool to promote honey bee health and responsible beekeeping.  This document is not legally binding and is intended merely as a guide for Texas beekeepers.  Regulations and rules for beekeeping in Texas can be found in Section 131 of the Texas Agricultural Code and Chapter 71 of the Texas Administrative Code, which can be accessed under the “Regulations” tab… Read More →

Back to Pests & Diseases Tracheal Mites Acarapis woodi Description Found in the United States in 1984, tracheal mites decimated the American beekeeping industry for many years after its introduction. During those first years, beekeepers had losses in the tens of thousands with 75-100% winter loss. While no longer a major cause of honey bee death in the U.S., tracheal mites are still found in certain populations of bees, particularly in the temperate north. Etiology Tracheal mites are parasitic organisms that feed and reproduce in the respiratory system… Read More →

Back to Pests & Diseases Varroa Mites Varroa destructor Description  Of the pests and diseases currently plaguing honey bees, none is more prolific or of greater concern than Varroa mites.  Indigenous to Asia, Varroa mites have only been in the United States since the late 1980’s when they were accidentally introduced into Florida. Their original host is the Asian honey bee, Apis cerana, which, unlike Apis mellifera, has natural defenses against Varroa that come from evolving together over time. Since their introduction into the United States, Varroa mites… Read More →

Integrated Pest Management for Honey Bee Health Document Description: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a multipronged approach to pest control that does not solely rely on chemicals to reduce a pest infestation. It is highly recommended that IPM be integrated into any and all beekeeping operations. According to the EPA IPM is defined as: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and… Read More →

The primary role of the Texas Apiary Inspection Service is to mitigate the presence of pests and diseases in honey bee hives.  This mission is primarily accomplished through regular health inspections of beekeeping operations around the state of Texas.  Annual inspections are typically conducted on migratory operations, however any beekeeper can request an inspection (https://txbeeinspection.tamu.edu/apiary-inspection-request/). An inspection typically consists of an apiary inspector looking at all or a percentage of the hives in the operation (this is dependent on the size of the operation).  The inspector will look… Read More →

TAIS uses a uniform method for inspecting each beekeeping operation: 10% of an operation’s hives (up to 100 hives) will be inspected in 50% of the apiary sites (up to 5 sites).This protocol will allow TAIS to determine the health of each operation. TAIS inspectors will sterilize inspection equipment prior to beginning an inspection. If American Foulbrood (AFB) is found in an apiary, the hives infected will be required to be destroyed and the apiary in which the AFB was found will be quarantined and re-inspected in 30… Read More →

TAIS uses a uniform method for inspecting each beekeeping operation: 10% of an operation’s hives (up to 100 hives) will be inspected in 50% of the apiary sites (up to 5 sites).This protocol will allow TAIS to determine the health of each operation. TAIS inspectors will sterilize inspection equipment prior to beginning an inspection. If American Foulbrood (AFB) is found in an apiary, the hives infected will be required to be destroyed and the apiary in which the AFB was found will be quarantined and re-inspected in 30… Read More →

Texas law, effective January 1, 2012, made it possible for beekeeping to qualify for an Ag Valuation on property taxes. This is covered in the Tax Code under Chapter 23, Subchapter D, Sect. 23.51 (1) and (2). There have been many questions about the new laws enacted by the 88th legislative session as it applies to agriculture valuation of property. First and foremost, the rules governing ag valuation are dictated by the appropriate appraisal district. TAIS does not collaborate with local county offices to mandate registration. However, TAIS is aware that registration… Read More →