Learn what beekeepers can do to protect pollinator health. 

Pollinator health is a crucial concern for agricultural crop production through honey bee pollination, as well as our native plant species through Florida native pollinators. There are requirements and considerations that beekeepers can implement that will assist in protecting their colonies.

Take Care When Treating Hives

It is common for beekeepers to use pesticides for the control of pests, parasites and diseases. This includes the use of miticides for the control of Varroa mites in colonies. It is of utmost importance that beekeepers use registered products safely by following mandated label directions. Contamination of honey as well as colony loss can result from misuse or from off-label product applications.

Here are some tips for treating hives safely:

• When treating hives for pests, use only pesticide products that are registered and labeled for that use pattern. Follow all label instructions and restrictions. The label is the law.  
• Keep and maintain accurate records, including records of treatments and overall hive health.
• Adopt Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to control hive pests, and follow pesticide label directions for use. Be sure to consider strategies to mitigate pesticide resistance.
• Follow management recommendations developed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).
• In agricultural operations, place hives no sooner than abundant early bloom and remove promptly when abundant bloom ends. It is important to avoid periods when grove pest management activities may be required.

Communicate With Growers

• Develop and maintain one-on-one communication with growers or landowners who have property that you lease, or those who rent your honey bee colonies.
• Stay in touch with the grower; clear and regular communication is the best way to avoid problems. Know how to quickly contact one another in case of urgent issues.
• Keep the grower informed of hive locations, status and concerns, and be willing to remove hives promptly if the need arises. Mark hives to assist growers and pesticide applicators in contacting you.
• Advise the grower immediately if you observe bee kills or any unusual bee conditions.
• Follow regulations to register as a beekeeper with FDACS.

Make Agreements in Writing

• When placing hives on or adjacent to agricultural operations, either for honey production or for contracted pollination services, it is highly recommended that you develop a written agreement.
  • The UF/IFAS website provides a Sample Pollination Agreement for consideration.
• When granted permission to keep hives in a grove or on a property, do not “sublet” and allow other beekeepers to bring in their hives.
• Do not assume that because you’ve worked with a grower before you can bring your hives in again without written permission.

How Backyard Beekeepers Can Protect Honey Bees

• Follow regulations to register as a beekeeper with FDACS.
• Implement IPM strategies for controlling hive pests.
• Follow the pesticide label. The label is the law.
• Follow the Beekeeper Compliance Agreement [ Adobe PDF Document ] required for beekeepers maintaining colonies on non-agricultural lands. 
• Make sure your bees have adequate food and water on the property.
• Plant pollinator-friendly plants, those that produce nectar or pollen and/or are native to your region.