Beekeeping on Campus

Many K-12 schools, colleges, and universities are establishing apiaries — places housing hives for honey bees — on campus. Keeping bees can be beneficial and rewarding, but a successful experience requires advance planning. 

Institutions with no prior apiary experience should explore general guidance for first-time beekeepers. Resources from Cornell University and the University of Georgia offer advice on starting bee colonies, including suggestions about the preferred number, construction, location, and care of hives. Also consider designating an experienced beekeeper or other qualified person to oversee routine hive management, inspections, and response to swarms, damaged hives, disease, or other issues.  

Determine the Need to Register, Inspect Apiaries 

Many  states require beekeepers — both hobbyists and those raising bees for commercial gain — to register their apiaries. This is often low cost or free. 

In addition, states may require or allow periodic inspections by an apiarist or entomologist to ensure hives and related equipment are free of infectious or contagious diseases and pests. Inspections are especially important because the U.S. honeybee population has suffered significant losses in recent years due to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), as well as diseases, parasites, and other threats to colony health.  

Check with your state’s agriculture department for registration or inspection requirements. Most states have associations for beekeepers or honey producers that may be helpful. 

Also check with your local jurisdictions to determine if any county or city requirements, such as zoning ordinances, affect beekeeping on campus. 

Prevent and Respond to Bee Stings 

Potential allergies to bee venom mean institutions with apiaries should plan carefully to prevent stings and establish emergency response protocols. 

Bees rarely sting unless they are disturbed, so locate apiaries away from heavily trafficked areas. Provide clear signage warning students, employees, and visitors about the presence of bees. Require appropriate protective gear and training for employees, students, or volunteers who work with or around the bees. Consider erecting barriers to prevent unauthorized people from approaching hives. 

Because stings still may occur, post emergency protocols to follow if anyone who is allergic suffers a sting. In severe cases, stings can result in anaphylactic shock.  

Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention — typically starting with epinephrine (which requires a prescription) as the first-line emergency treatment. The Mayo Clinic describes common symptoms of and treatment for anaphylactic shock. People with known allergies should carry their own epinephrine nasal spray or similar product. 

Undesignated stock epinephrine is an emergency supply of the drug that is prescribed in the name of a school or other organization instead of a person. State laws, however, vary regarding whether K-12 schools may, or must, maintain undesignated stock epinephrine and who is authorized to administer it.  

K-12 schools should consult legal counsel and carefully review epinephrine-related requirements in your jurisdiction governing: 

• Procurement
• Storage
• Training
• Administration
• Documentation, and emergency response  

Depending on state law, some schools may be eligible for free undesignated epinephrine from manufacturers.  

Under some state laws related to “public entities,” colleges and universities are allowed, but not required, to stock undesignated epinephrine. Consult legal counsel about the requirements applicable to your institution.

More From UE 

Checklist: Administering Medications 

Additional Resources

American Beekeeping Federation: Resources for Beekeepers 

American Honey Producers Association: Resources

Bee Research Labs, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension System 

Apiary Inspectors of America 

American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: Insect Sting Allergies 

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