Honey Bee Control and Removal (HBR) refers to control and removal of honey bees from a structure without the use of pesticides by a Certified Honey Bee Control and Removal Operator. An individual who wants to provide HBR services must hold an HBR Certified Operator License and an HBR Company License.
An HBR Certified Operator may have a non-certified person assist with HBR jobs so long as the HBR Certified Operator is present on the removal job site providing direct supervision and instructions.
Removal of free-hanging swarms, which are masses of honeybees which have temporarily clustered on an object, does not require a license in HBR.
The use of pesticides to control honey bees and the removal of other species of stinging insects requires a Household Pest Control (HPC) license.
Becoming Certified in Honey Bee Control and Removal (HBR)
Individuals seeking a Certified Honey Bee Control and Removal Operator License must:
- Complete and document 8 hours of classroom training approved by the Structural Pest Control Commission, provided by an HBR Certified Operator or Commission-approved trainer.
- A recorded training has also been approved by the SPCC to satisfy the classroom training requirement. It is available through UGA Extension. Please refer to the UGA Extension webpage for a complete listing of County Extension Offices and reach out to your preferred location to inquire about availability to complete the training. It must be proctored at an Extension office.
- Participate in a minimum of 3 honey bee removal jobs.
- Pass the HBR Certified Operator exam with a score of 70% or higher.
- Register for the exam on the Pest Management Testing System.
- To prepare for the exam, refer to the HBR Manual.
- The HBR examination fee is $45.00, paid to the testing center.
Within ninety (90) days of passing the examination, please mail in the following documentation:
- Your completed HBR Certification Application, including a copy of your exam score and your certificate from the 8-hour classroom training.
- A check or money order for $100.00, made payable to the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
- A completed and notarized Legal Residency Affidavit
- A copy of an acceptable S&V supporting document, like a driver’s license or passport
Mail to:
Structural Pest Division
Room 411
19 M.L.K, Jr. Dr. SW
Atlanta, GA 30334
Obtaining a Company License in HBR
Those offering HBR services must have or be operating under a company licensed in HBR.
To obtain a company license in HBR, the licensee and/or designed HBR certified operator must:
- Complete and submit an HBR Structural Company License Application,
- Pay the $100.00 company license fee and $70.00 research fee, payable to the Georgia Department of Agriculture
- Provide verification of minimum liability insurance using the SPCC Insurance Form.
If you already have a Structural Pest Control Company License in other category(ies) and would like to add HBR, please complete the Add A Category form. You must have someone to serve as the HBR Designated Certified Operator.
HBR Recertification Requirements
HBR Certified Operators are certified for a five-year period. To retain certification for another five-year period, an HBR Operator must accomplish one of the following:
- Complete five (5) hours of approved training such as workshops, seminars, short courses, or training programs that cover new information and subject matter necessary to insure continued competence.
- Complete the eight (8) hours of initial training required under Rule 620-9-.02(6)b and pass a written examination.
After attending Structural Pest Control Commission approved training for recertification credit, allow a minimum of 6-8 weeks for processing and transcripts to be updated.
To check your current number of CEUs and see your training deadline you can scan the QR code on the back of your Certified Operator’s License or visit https://www.kellysolutions.com/ga/structural/searchbyLicense.asp and enter your license number.
BeeCheck Apiary Registration Program
The Georgia Department of Agriculture has partnered with FieldWatch® which provides a voluntary resource for beekeepers and pesticide applicators through the BeeCheck mapping program. BeeCheck is a communication tool designed to help beekeepers and pesticide applicators collaborate to protect beekeeping areas. It does not replace any state regulatory requirements. For more information on this voluntary program, please visit https://ga.beecheck.org/
The Georgia Department of Agriculture Apiary Program
The Georgia Department of Agriculture Apiary Program is managed by the Plant Protection Division. For more information on beekeeping in Georgia, please visit the Apiary Program webpage.