Honey bee health inspections in Massachusetts are conducted by the MDAR Apiary Program Team through on-site visits by Apiary Inspectors. Inspections are performed for regulatory purposes—such as import/export checks, investigations, or monitoring—at the discretion of the inspectors, and also routinely upon beekeeper request. Regulatory inspections take priority over routine requests. Apiary Inspectors schedule visits in advance and notify beekeepers, who may choose whether or not to be present during the inspection.
During an inspection, Apiary Inspectors evaluate live colonies, declining or dead colonies (dead-outs), nucleus colonies (nucs), package bees, and used equipment. They assess honey bee health by examining adult bees, brood, comb, food stores, hive debris, and used equipment. When necessary, inspectors collect samples for diagnostic lab analysis. Inspectors also provide guidance by answering questions about colony health and offering recommendations, but they do not perform colony management tasks (e.g., requeening, splitting, or removing honey supers) or apply treatments (e.g., miticides or medications).
After the visit, beekeepers receive a written Inspection Report or Health Certificate summarizing the findings. If samples were collected, results are sent directly to the beekeeper from the diagnostic lab via email. The Apiary Inspector will follow up to answer questions about the results and discuss potential management options if needed.
The MDAR Apiary Program Team is busy buzzing year-round, so be sure to submit inspection requests in advance or as quickly as possible during emergencies to ensure timely support.