Building Community
&
Protecting Pollinators
in the Blue Ridge and beyond
About CVBA
The Central Virginia Beekeeping Association is a community-driven group dedicated to supporting and encouraging beekeeping in our region. We offer guidance for beginning beekeepers, mentorship opportunities, and practical resources to help beekeepers succeed. Through outreach and education, we also work to raise awareness of the vital role bees play in our environment and how we can all take part in their conservation.
Mentorship Program
The Central Virginia Beekeeping Association’s Mentorship Program pairs new beekeepers with experienced mentors to provide hands-on guidance, practical tips, and ongoing support. Whether you’re starting your first hive or building confidence in your beekeeping skills, our mentors are here to help you succeed.
EEK! What's that!?
Swarms + Swarm Removal
Though the sight of thousands of honeybees clustered together outside of their hive might seem alarming, never fear!
Despite what cartoons might have you believe, swarms of bees are not looking to fly into the shape of a rocket ship and attack you, in fact it's quite the contrary.
Swarms occur when part of a hive splits away from the original colony (often due to overcrowding). When they're ready, the swarming bees leave and go in search of a new home. They will "swarm" out of their hive and land in a secondary location, often a tree branch or bush or, occasionally, a high-human-traffic location like a fence post or mailbox.
Swarming + clustered bees are very focused on finding a new home and, if left to their own devices, will typically leave wherever they have landed within 1-3 days.
If you encounter a swarm:
- leave them alone if possible
- please don't spray with insecticide
- call a beekeeper to come and get it!
Join The Club!
With hands-on learning field opportunities, seasonal meet-ups, access to our mentorship program and shared equipment (extractors/hot uncapping knives) the Central Virginia Beekeepers Association provides unparalleled opportunities to connect with fellow local beekeepers. Join us and share information and resources, support pollinator health, and build community with fellow bee-lovers!
Dues are $5/YEAR and can be paid at the next meeting. Fill out the membership application here:
