Welcome to the Monongalia County Beekeepers Association

Interested in Beekeeping???
Learn how to keep honeybees

Principles of Hive Management and Disease Management
Control of bee pests and diseases
Equipment needed for beekeeping
Harvesting honey
All facets of beekeeping

Monongalia County Beekeepers Association in West Virginia meets the first Tuesday of every third month.  Located at the Evansdale Campus of West Virginia University's Agriculture Science Building room G 101.  The easiest way to find us is to park at the loading dock located behind the building.

We are located in Monongalia County, West Virginia.  We are a non-profit beekeeping club with membership open to the public.  Our members come from the area surrounding Morgantown, WV that share a common interest in honey bees and beekeeping.  Most of our member keep bees as a hobby, but some our our members are involved in beekeeping as a side business.

Contact Information:

Mark Becilla, President
304-296-4158
mbecilla@gmail.com

Dr. Jim Amrine, VP
jamrine@wvnvm.wvnet.edu

Letter from our President:

2008 Beekeeping will undoubtedly be another exciting year. Can't wait for the flowers to bloom! I am looking forward eagerly to a new year of beekeeping. The past fall was a good provider for winter stores, so the bees should be well stocked for the Queen-laying surge in January and February.

You may check hives in weather that is at least 50 degrees or higher.  For any hives that have eaten their way to the top; they may need supplemental feeding. Block off hives for any die-outs to prevent robbing. Provide good ventilation to prevent build-up of moisture as this is a frequent cause of bee mortality in the wintertime. Watch closely this Spring for signs of the nosema; dysentary-like spotting on the front of the hive. Last year we have seen the arrival of the new virulent  nosema  ceranae from Asia. It most likely will be of high interest, so monitor early for detection.

Hoping to see everyone on MAY 6TH at our next meeting. See you there!   Mark Becilla, President Mon. Co. Beekeepers Association