This article was cross-posted from Gaston County Center

Gaston County Beekeepers Association

Beekeepers dressed in protective gear

The Gaston County Beekeepers Association is a local chapter of the North Carolina Beekeepers Association. Our purpose is to educate beekeepers in the most up-to-date methods of tending bees, including proper use of equipment, medications, and the timing of beekeeping activities throughout the year.

It is also our purpose to help educate the general public regarding the beneficial impact bees have in the pollination of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Also, we endeavor to reassure the public that having honeybees is a highly positive condition in our environment. We also promote the social enjoyment of meeting with fellow beekeepers to share experiences, problems, innovations, and fellowship.

An annual Bee School is held in late winter on 10 Monday nights starting the last Monday of January. The course prepares students to begin keeping honey bee colonies and to complete a certification test with the NC Master Beekeeper Program. A minimal cost covers materials and fees. Contact the Extension office in December to register.

Our organization is open to anyone who has an interest in beekeeping. Also see the association’s website at gastonbee.org

2012 Annual Swarm List

These beekeepers are willing to relocate HONEY BEES from your property* to an apiary so they can continue to benefit our farms and gardens with pollination and our menus with honey.  If you have yellow-jackets, hornets or wasps, contact an exterminator.

Area Name Phone Number
Belmont, Mt. Holly Area Eddie Barker Home 704-827-8802  Cell 704-747-2639
Belmont/Mt. Holly Jess Faucette Cell 704-661-4309
Belmont/Mt. Holly Robert S. Hubbard Cell 704-579-4972
Belmont/Mt. Holly Doug Sanders Cell 980-721-5976
Bessemer City, Cherryville, Kings Mtn., Gastonia Christy King Home 704-739-0905
Cherryville Todd Dellinger Cell 704-747-5700
Cherryville, Bessemer City, Gastonia David B. Sparrow Cell 704-616-3674
Clover, SC/ Gaston County Larry Harris 864-844-0207
Dallas Ted W. Goins 704-922-1810
Dallas Theo Lynn Cell 704-813-4011
Dallas Doug Terres 704-922-4209
Denver, Stanley, Lake Norman Lori Warren 704-263-8921
Gaston County Mark Elders 704-865-4951
Gaston County Robert Hinkle Cell 704-868-6641
Gaston County Chris Spencer Cell 704-813-3245
Gaston County/Lincoln County Mike Friesenhahn 704-747-2439
Gaston County/Lincoln County Allen Thompson* 704-616-5850
Gaston, Cleveland, Lincoln County Buddy Peterson Home 704-861-8407
Gastonia Roy Glover Home 704-864-6868
Ranlo Jennings Hall Home 704-824-3460
Stanley/Iron Station/Lincolnton Sam Ballard Home 704-735-9331 Cell 704-942-5969

* Some beekeepers will remove honeybees from within walls of structures; they may charge a fee for this service, and they may or may not perform structural repairs.  Make sure you understand what the beekeeper is agreeing to do before work begins.

(Revised:  July 3, 2012)