Buzz in the City: Urban Beekeeping

Olivia Triltsch • July 17, 2025

While insects are often overlooked, as they are small and not particularly cuddly, their impacts on the environment are profound. Pollinators like honeybees (Apis mellifera) can be a great conservation and economic resource as they provide critical services to the environment and habitat for other wildlife species. Established by Detroit Hives, July 19 has been designated as National Urban Beekeeping Day since 2019. This nonprofit transforms vacant lots in urban Detroit into pollinator habitats complete with bee hives to enhance pollination. Urban beekeeping efforts like this not only provide habitat and forage for bees, but also provide food for the local community when planted in conjunction with produce gardens. According to this beekeeping organization, bee survival rate and production increase in an urban setting while also allowing access to a more diverse range of plants. 


Image to the right: Bee home installation courtesy of Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org.

Beekeeping

In the state of Michigan, bee hives are not required to be registered; however, they can be through the BeeCheck program to aid pesticide applicators in avoiding areas around the hives. The state also has no restrictions regarding the transportation of colonies from other states or within Michigan, aside from bees and equipment from other countries, according to MSU Extension. Locations of hives in Michigan are limited only by local ordinances and not state law. Additionally, hive health is important for any beekeeper, big or small. As with any other wild species, honey bees can be exposed to disease, causing hive collapse. Information about diseases found in honey bees and diagnostic tests can be found at MSU Extension’s webpage for diagnostic tools. Bees are also able to swarm objects, in which case local beekeepers may be contacted to safely remove and relocate the hive if it is interfering with an individual's well-being.

Characteristics

Apis mellifera is a species native to Europe that can be found in Michigan, especially in the hives of beekeepers; however, there are several other species of bees in Michigan, according to the MSU Department of Entomology. There are several defined subspecies of honeybees based on behaviors and characteristics described on a more refined scale. These bees rely on flowering plants and cavities to survive, which are often found near meadows and gardens. Although some might find it challenging to distinguish between the different bee species, European honeybees are hairy, reddish-brown, with an abdomen ringed with black and yellow bands. Hives typically have a complex system pertaining to the duties of a female queen, workers, and male drones of which is important to hive success. 

Learn More

More information about the keeping of bee hives can be found courtesy of MSU Extension Beekeeping and Pollinators page. Information about the umbrella organization Michigan Beekeepers Association (MBA) can be found on their website along with local clubs around Michigan. If you are looking to improve habitat for a variety of species, consider registering for our statewide On the Ground program at our upcoming events.

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