Member Resources
Everything You Need to Keep Bees Well
Guides, links, and tools curated by our members for beekeepers at every stage — from your first hive to your fiftieth.
Getting Started
New to beekeeping? These resources will help you build a solid foundation.
NC State Extension: Beekeeping Basics
A comprehensive introduction to honeybee biology, hive management, and equipment from NC State University.
NC Department of Agriculture — Apiary Program
Register your hives, request inspections, and access state-level resources for North Carolina beekeepers.
NC State Beekeepers Association
The statewide association for NC beekeepers — events, education, and advocacy resources.
American Beekeeping Federation
National organisation representing beekeepers of all sizes with education, advocacy, and research resources.
Hive Health & Pest Management
Keep your colonies strong with trusted guidance on varroa, disease, and seasonal management.
Honey Bee Health Coalition — Varroa Management Guide
The definitive field guide for monitoring and treating varroa mite infestations, updated regularly by leading researchers.
Dr. Sammy Ramsey's Research
Current research on parasitic mites as well as current research initiatives.
Mid-Atlantic Apiculture Research & Extension Consortium (MAAREC)
Practical pest and disease management resources tailored for beekeepers in the mid-Atlantic and Southeast.
Pesticide Research Institute — Bee Precaution Labels
Understand pesticide labels and identify products that pose the greatest risk to bees and pollinators.
Local Forage & Planting
Help your bees thrive by understanding what's blooming in Caswell County and beyond.
NC Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Search native and pollinator-friendly plants by region, bloom time, and habitat to plan your apiary forage.
Xerces Society — Pollinator Plants: Southeast
Regional planting guides for the Southeast with native species that support honeybees and native pollinators.
USDA Plants Database
Comprehensive plant information including bloom times, native range, and habitat value for forage planning.
Continuing Education
Keep learning with courses, certifications, and reading recommended by our members.
NC Master Beekeeper Program
Advance your skills through the NC State Beekeepers Association's tiered certification program — from Apprentice to Master.
Honey Bee Veterinary Consortium
Resources on the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) and working with your veterinarian for antibiotic treatments.
Beekeeping Made Simple
Practical beekeeping guidance, tips, and resources designed to help beekeepers at every level keep healthy, productive hives.
PerfectBee Academy
Structured online courses covering hive setup, seasonal management, and honey production for all experience levels.
Seasonal Tips
Spring
Inspect colonies as temperatures reach 55°F. Check for winter losses, assess food stores, and watch for swarm preparations as populations build.
Summer
Monitor for varroa mite levels monthly. Add supers ahead of the main nectar flow and ensure adequate ventilation during hot spells.
Fall
Treat for varroa after the honey harvest. Assess winter food stores — colonies need 60–80 lbs of honey to survive a Piedmont winter.
Winter
Avoid opening hives below 50°F. Check heft (lift the back of the hive) to gauge food stores and ensure the cluster has room to move upward.
Swarm Removal
If you have a swarm on your property and need it removed, contact us at a monthly meeting or reach out through our contact form. CCBA members are available to collect swarms throughout Caswell County — it's free, and the bees find a good home.