Protect Your Bees: Always Ask for a Health Certificate
When purchasing honey bees, it’s not just about getting new colonies—it’s about protecting your hive, your neighbors, and Alabama’s beekeeping community. One of the most important tools in this effort is the health certificate.
What Is a Health Certificate?
A health certificate is an official document issued by the state of origin confirming that the bees are free from diseases and pests. It ensures that packages, queens, or colonies meet strict health standards before leaving the seller’s state.
Why Health Certificates Matter
- Prevent the Spread of Disease – Bees can carry harmful pathogens such as American foulbrood, European foulbrood, or small hive beetles. Introducing infected bees can devastate your own hives and spread disease to neighboring colonies.
- Protect Your Investment – Healthy bees are a major financial and time investment. Buying bees without proper certification risks losing your colonies to illness or requiring expensive treatments.
- Support a Strong Local Beekeeping Community – Healthy bees help maintain Alabama’s pollination network and keep the state’s honey industry thriving.
The Downside of Buying “Cheap” or Uncertified Bees
- Hidden Disease – Bees may look healthy but could be carrying infections that spread silently.
- Colony Collapse – Introducing sick bees can result in hive loss or colony failure.
- Legal Risks – Alabama law requires certain bee imports to have health certificates. Failing to follow these rules can result in fines or mandatory hive destruction.
Be a Responsible Beekeeper
Always request a health certificate from the seller before purchasing bees. Keep a copy for your records. If you have questions about the validity of a certificate, or want advice on safe bee purchasing, contact your regional ADAI apiary inspector. They are ready to assist with inspections, guidance, and best practices.
Remember: Healthy bees start with healthy purchases. By insisting on a health certificate, you’re protecting your hive, your neighbors, and Alabama’s honey bee population.