bee inspector

[peteinwilts]

good guy or bad guy?

i have an inspector coming next week

In theory it sounds like a good thing, but have heard horror story's of inspectors treating bees roughly, losing queens and apiarys in chaos

How much power do they actually have?, and if i do not like what he is doing, can i stop him and have someone to report to?

I am sure the chap will be very nice, but would like to understand the bounderies and what to do if they are crossed.

 

[VEG]

If you dont like what they are doing ask them to stop simple. They are there to help you and you will probably learn something from them. With the amount of bees you have I am surprised you haven't had a visit before.

 

[Greatbigchicken]

I had the Wilts inspector out a couple of weeks ago. This is my first year and he was very helpful, even found my queens and helped me mark them.

He went through the brood quickly, but was very gentle. He's a really nice chap so don't worry.

 

[richardbees]

Pete

He (or she!) can only advise - and you can refuse to give them access.

Why are they visiting?

and where are you hearing these horror stories from?

 

[Hivemaker.]

and you can refuse to give them access.


Yes you can refuse,and then they can just carry on and examine any colony or premises they wish with regards to any beekeeping operations.

 

[Swarm]

If you are not happy with the way the inspector handles your bees, you are well within your rights to point it out and from my own experience, they will step back and let you sort things.
I've had visits from two different inspectors and both were enjoyable. One gave me a hand to remove a super I'd cleared.
I will say they are matter of fact and thorough with their inspections (nobody treats your stuff like you do) but not sloppy.
Relax and enjoy the experience.

 

[peteinwilts]

thanks guys

I can't remember where I heard about some inspectors being bad news, but positive feedback by knowing someone that has had the same inspector puts my mind at rest.

Apart from my profile here, how would they know how many colonys I have?!?

I am not a member of a club, and my numbers have risen quite dramatically. The chap on the phone thought I only had 3 colonys!

my numbers have gone from...

the end of the first year = 3
the end of the second year (after combining) = 9
so far this year = 40+ although I am sure some will be combined.

The increase in numbers was not planned... it just happened!

 

[VEG]

9 to 40 is a hell of a jump lol. A lot of the time the word gets out about how many you have and they just come and check. I have an SBI and a retired RBI in my association and they are more than welcome to visit me.

 

[Hivemaker.]

Apart from my profile here, how would they know how many colonys I have?!?


They don't Pete,with regards numbers and sites they only know what you or somone else tells them.......and they do ask other beekeepers in any area if they know of any others, and how many hives,sites, they have ect.

Bit like Michael Pain really.

 

[peteinwilts]

and you can refuse to give them access.


Yes you can refuse,and then they can just carry on and examine any colony or premises they wish with regards to any beekeeping operations.

so when does a hobby become an operation?

 

[VEG]

so when does a hobby become an operation?

I think only you can answer that one

 

[Foxylad]

I had a bee inspector last week.

I thought he was a little rough, he shook all the bees off each frame without checking if the queen was there. I am now queenlees in one hive. Was it the rough treatment? i do not know, probably.

It's a bit like a stranger looking round your home.

Pleased to know all my colonies are heathy.

 

[peteinwilts]

Apart from my profile here, how would they know how many colonys I have?!?


They don't Pete,with regards numbers and sites they only know what you or somone else tells them.......and they do ask other beekeepers in any area if they know of any others, and how many hives,sites, they have ect.

Bit like Michael Pain really.

If they are there to be good guys... why are they sneaky and ask other people?
If they are there for the good, why would we lie about our bees?

 

[peteinwilts]

I had a bee inspector last week.

I thought he was a little rough, he shook all the bees off each frame without checking if the queen was there. I am now queenlees in one hive. Was it the rough treatment? i do not know, probably.

It's a bit like a stranger looking round your home.

Pleased to know all my colonies are heathy.

apart from your queenless hive

 

[VEG]

As you said you are not a member of a club so they could say you are sneaking around lol. They have the welfare of the bees in their area in mind. It's not a personal thing.

 

[richardbees]

"why would we lie about our bees"

what's going on in Wiltshire?

 

[Hivemaker.]

Some check the association year books to find anyone who may be a member that they don't already know about.

 

[richardbees]

My PC doesn't load as fast as I'd like!

Any reason why he (she) would want to visit, Pete?

 

[Tom Bick]

Peteinwilts ask your self the question,

Would you be happy with another beekeeper down the road from you with hives that have been kept away from the bee inspector when they have arrived to inspect and possibly inspecting due to a local outbreak of say EFB?

I am not saying this is what you will do but if you ask me you only have more to gain with the visit.

Have a cup of tea on tap and a bucket of washing soda and enjoy.

Good look

 

[Greatbigchicken]

Peteinwilts ask your self the question,

Would you be happy with another beekeeper down the road from you with hives that have been kept away from the bee inspector when they have arrived to inspect and possibly inspecting due to a local outbreak of say EFB?

I am not saying this is what you will do but if you ask me you only have more to gain with the visit.

Have a cup of tea on tap and a bucket of washing soda and enjoy.

Good look

His priority is the welfare of the bees.