Blair,
       I think the MD. bee-keepers are being a bit snobbish.Va. has
excellent bee-keeper support.Dr. Rick Fell of Va.Tech is available via
e-mail for help w/ questions.The state has several inspectors for
different areas of the commonwealth, I suspect your problem is because
you live in Arlington which is not a hot-bed of agricultural
activity.Check the phone book for the nearest extention agent, they can
help link you to the state sources.
                           Good luck,
                    Mike High
 
"I take my chances,I don't mind working without a net,                           I take my chances,I take my chances every chance I get"                                   Mary Chapin Carpenter