beekeeping and the law

Beekeeping and the Law

RegisterEvery person keeping one or

more colonies of bees shall register with the Department annually.

Consequences$50 for failure to register

annually with the Department.Save yourself $50…Register!

IdentifyEvery person keeping one or

more colonies of bees may be required to post his or her registration number in a prominent place within each apiary under his or her control.

Consequences$50 for failure to post

registration number in the apiary.It’s easy to save another $50…Post your number!

Right of EntryThe Department shall have the

power to inspect or cause to be inspected from time to time any bees, colonies, items of bee equipment or apiary.

For the purpose of inspection, the Director is authorized during reasonable business hours to enter into or upon any property used for the purpose of beekeeping.

Consequences$100 for maintaining hives that

cannot be readily inspected.It’s easy to save $100…Let the inspector in. He’s a nice

guy!

Removable FramesThe hive must have removable

frames for inspection purposes.Langstroth and top bar hives are

an example with removable frames.

Langstroth Hive

Top Bar Hive

Not permitted

Not permitted

Local Inspector

Jim Wellwood12410 North 500 East Road

Gridley, IL 61744309/310-4843

jpwell@gridcom.net

InspectionsEven though your apiary will be

inspected from time to time, you should constantly keep an eye open for diseases and pests yourself.

If and when serious diseases are found -- especially American foulbrood and European foulbrood -- you should respond quickly and appropriately.

Remember, by protecting your own colonies, you also protect those of your fellow beekeepers.

Registration Requirements

In compliance with the Rules and Regulations of the State of Illinois, all apiaries in the state must be registered during November each year or within ten (10) days after acquiring ownership or possession of bees.

Complete an Application for Apiary Registration form obtained from the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Industries, Apiary Inspection Section, P. O. Box 19281 - Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL 62794-9281.

Registration is free of charge.

My experience withbee ordinances.

Thank you and happy beekeeping!