Welcome to the Blackwater Beekeeper Association Website

We serve Horry County along with parts of Georgetown and Marion Counties in South Carolina on the Coastal Plain

We are focused on Pollinators...primarily the Western Honey Bee

You will find great information on this site that will help you understand one of the most important pollinators and their impact on our local environment.

This information is updated regularly to provide you with insight on issues related to pollinators and the management of Honey Bee colonies.

Presentations and Seminars are being held over the next few months...check them out

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Currently (October) we (BBA) are getting an unusual number of calls to remove swarms.

This is not normal!

Any swarm (ball of honey bees) WILL NOT survive winter unless the colony is installed in a hive and provided necessary resources. There are no exceptions to this statement. Colonies in structures are not swarms and normally will have the capacity to survive.

The most common reason for swarming at this time of year is the strong presences of parasites in an existing hive structure which will cause the entire colony to leave that structure. Parasite pressure has increased in recent years and this summer's heat may have aggravated the conditions in the colony.

If you see a swarm...please call and give that swarm colony a chance for survival in our area. Local BBA members are trained and able to provide emergency housing (hive structures) and necessary food and/or parasite cleansing of the colony.

See a swarm call 843-310-2188.



We will do our best to get someone to relocate it to survive.

Thank you.

This is a reminder to all groups looking for speakers at a meeting.

Blackwater Beekeeper Association has a limited number of members willing to address your group in regards to our local pollinator plight and/or managing honey bee colonies.

Special presentations are available for home school groups and public schools.

There is no charge for a speaker although we would be grateful for any financial donation to future this education effort.

Protect our Pollinators...What would we do without them!

Request a Speaker



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Ever wanted to know more about managing a honeybee colony?

Blackwater Beekeeper Association will be offering a 3 hour seminar that will help you understand what you need to know.

Honey Bees are the largest pollinators of local flora and gardens in our area. They are under a great deal of pressure due to the changes in our area. We want them to survive.

One of the best ways is public education...a big part of our association mission.

For a $15 investment and three hours of your time you can learn about managing a honey bee colony. The information will help you make an informed decision of pursuing the opportunity of becoming a beekeeper.

The Seminar Title

Beekeeping: Is it Right for YOU!

The seminar was developed by local beekeepers and will be presented by experienced local beekeepers.

You will gain insight into costs, management issues, challenges and the benefits of such a venture.

We recently had our first fall Seminar on October 3, 2026 at LW Paul Living Farm

2279 Harris Short Cut Road

Conway, SC 29526

We had nearly full attendance with some folks wanted to attend but had scheduling conflicts

We will be scheduling another to meet all the requests. Check back on this website for information on the next Seminar

Remember Register early...Seating is very limited.

Local Honey...from Local BBA Beekeepers will give the best health results for you.

Here's what to know...

Blackwater Beekeeper Association is primarily composed of Local (Horry, Marion, Georgetown counties) Beekeepers who harvest honey from local flowers in our coastal plain region. These are generally small producers who harvest honey approximately mid to late June of each year..

Many BBA members bring honey to our monthly meeting where you can purchase your needs. All meeting are free to attend if you want to learn about issues facing beekeepers and pollinators. Members may also offer honey for sale at local farmers markets, roadside stands or BBA events promoting local honey. The BBA logo at a table helps ensure it is locally produced. If you need it sooner...

Click on the "Business Directory" Tab then click search

A list of local BBA beekeepers who sell local honey will appear. Simply contact them and if they have it available make arrangements to pick it up have it delivered.



DID YOU KNOW

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Worker honey bees have a very short life span in the summer (about 40 days average).

Those which hatch late September will live up to 4 months. In the spring some managed colonies

reach populations exceeding 100,000 bees.



Everything depends upon how much nectar and pollen are available each year and the health of the queen.