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SALT LAKE CITY — Beekeeping has been growing in popularity across Utah in recent years.
Taking care of backyard bees can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but local honey harvesting experts advise would-be keepers to educate themselves before starting their own hives.
Before starting a hive or colony, potential beekeepers must first obtain a license from the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. Applications for a beekeeping license can be downloaded as a PDF on the UDAF’s website.
All hives must be marked with the owner’s name, phone number and license number, according to UtahBeeKeepers.com. The hive must have removable trays and beekeepers need to have the hive inspected before transporting it across state lines.
In most cities, hives need to be kept at least 25 feet away from any residence or business. A flyaway wall is also required. This structure is usually specified to be a solid wall, fence or barrier built at least six feet tall that forces bees to fly upwards and away from the ground when they exit the hive. The flyaway wall needs to continue 10 feet in either direction of the hive or hives, according to UtahPests.usu.edu.
In 2008, an ordinance in Salt Lake City legalized beekeeping within city limits. Since then, many urban beekeepers have sprung up in the valley, prompting local beekeeping experts to build awareness and education of honey harvesting.
For those looking to become involved in beekeeping, navigating the ordinances can be a little overwhelming. This Wednesday from 12 to 1:30 at the Marriott Library Gould Auditorium, the University of Utah is hosting a lecture for prospective local beekeepers as part of its social soup series.
Frank Whitby, the official city beekeeper, will be on hand to answer questions about the pastime and help those interested make sense of ordinances and rules regarding urban beekeeping. Whitby currently maintains hives on the roof of the Salt Lake City Library.
Vegetarian soup will be served.
