No matter where you are looking for beekeeping supplies in North Carolina , we’ve got you covered.

North Carolina boasts the most beekeepers of any state in the US. In addition, NC ranks in the top ten, ranked by number of beehives. It is estimated that there are about 120,000 colonies of honeybees in the state.

Most beekeepers in North Carolina have less than 10 colonies and are hobbyists.

Honey Bee Pollination

Some of the more than 100 crops pollinated by honey bees in North Carolina include: apples, blueberries, cucumbers, melons, squash, strawberries and watermelons.

Beekeeper Supplies in North Carolina

Typical beekeeper supplies needed in North Carolina include:

Beekeeping Woodenware

The most popular bee hive in the US is the 10-frame Langstroth hive, originally patented in 1852. This hive, for over 170 years, has been the industry standard.

The hive components include:

• Hive body
• Bottom board
• Honey super
• Frames
• Inner cover
• Hive cover

Beekeeper Protective Clothing

The most common protective gear for beekeepers include:

Beekeeping Suits

  Both canvas beekeeping suits and ventilated bee suits are available.

Beekeeping Jackets

Canvas bee jackets and ventilated bee jackets are available.

Beekeeping Gloves

  Goatskin bee gloves and cowhide bee gloves are available.

Many times, you can purchase a combo pack of a bee suit and bee gloves at a discount.

Please note: Your beekeeping suit or beekeeping jacket should come with a veil included.

Beekeeping Equipment and Tools

Here is a list of some common beekeeping tools:

• Hive tool
• Hive smoker
• Queen marker
• Bee Brush
• Hive feeder
• Entrance reducer

The state association is Minnesota Honey Producers Association.

Where to buy bees and nucs in North Carolina ?

One of the best places to purchase queen bees, packaged bees and nucleus hives (nucs) is your local bee club. There are over 80 beekeeping clubs in the state.

Here is a list of local bee clubs in North Carolina::

How to Become a Certified Beekeeper in NC

Here are the steps needed to reach the level of Certified Beekeeper in North Carolina:

• Be a current NCSBA member.
• Pass a written test, which is administered through a local NCSBA chapter or given at one of the statewide conferences or testing events.
• Pass a practical test administered by a Certified Level Beekeeper or higher, as presented in the “Practical Examination” form available below. A minimum of four months beekeeping experience is needed prior to taking practical test.
• The Practical test will only be valid if given after the candidate successfully passes the Certified Level written exam.

Beekeeping in North Carolina

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture regulates the apiary industry.

The Plant Industry Division oversees beneficial insects, including inspecting honey bees.

North Carolina Beekeeping Laws

The North Carolina Honey Bee and Honey Act of 1977 authorizes the North Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture and the N.C. Board of Agriculture to promote, improve, and enhance the bee and honey industry in North Carolina, particularly relative to small beekeepers.

The beekeeping laws in North Carolina can vary, depending on which city or county you reside or keep bees.

Honey Varieties in North Carolina

There are four main types of honey produced in North Carolina:

• Sourwood honey
• Apple Blossom honey
• Clover honey
• Wildflower honey

Selling Honey in North Carolina

If you want to participate in specific North Carolina programs, such as becoming a Certified Honey Producer or selling honey at NC state farmers markets, you must meet additional label requirements. A well-designed honey label can go a long way towards attracting customers to your honey.

Vendors at department-operated farmers markets must apply for approval to sell honey labeled or advertised as “Sourwood” or “North Carolina.” The requirement applies to beekeepers selling their own honey and vendors selling honey produced, packaged or distributed by others.

The guidelines apply to honey vendors at:

• The State Farmers Market in Raleigh
• Charlotte Regional Farmers Market
• Piedmont Triad Farmers Market
• Farmers Market in Asheville
• Southeastern N.C. Agricultural Center
• Farmers Market in Lumberton

The guidelines do not apply at other markets across the state.

Honey Labeling Requirements

If you are producing, collecting, or creating food products that you plan to package and sell, there are specific labeling requirements that you must follow.

Besides following federal laws, NC honey producers must adhere to the following guidelines:

• The name honey
• Floral source (sourwood, wildflower)
• Net quantity of contents – identified in both pounds/ounces and grams
• Business name and address of manufacturer, packer or distributor

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bees are in North Carolina?

North Carolina has more than 500 native bee species, of which 70% are ground nesters.

Can I have a beehive in my backyard?

Yes, many non-commercial beekeepers locate their hives in their backyards. Just follow the rules and regulations (and be considerate of your neighbors).

How many acres are required for beekeeping?

Usually, 1 to 2 acres of land is adequate. Some beekeepers even have their colonies located on half-acre lots.