For May our speaker Dr. Rogan Tokach will present on the next mite threatening the USA Tropilaelaps.
Dr. Tokach is an Assistant Professor of Applied Honey Bee Entomology at North Dakota State University. His latest paper is First observation of Tropilaelaps mercedesae (Mesostigmata: Laelapidae) on Western honey bees (Apis mellifera) exiting colonies is available in the Journal of Economic Entomology.
The primary goal of Dr. Tokach's research and extension program is to work with beekeepers in North Dakota to minimize honey bee colony losses. North Dakota is the number one honey producing state with hundreds of thousands of colonies moving in every summer. Dr. Tokach earned his PhD, in Entomology from Auburn University, 2025.
Come to the meeting and bring a snack to share or a gently used bee item you no longer need for the raffle.
Join us at our meeting Sunday May 17th 4:00-6:00 pm.
Our next class is Beginners with Bees May 16th.
If you missed Beginning Beekeeping this class is for you! We will cover much of the same material except we will be working with full beehives out at our apiary. This class will cover the most important topics for beginning beekeepers. If you got a nuc or package and missed the beginning class, you can come to this class and catch up on your skills and knowledge. This class will be held at the EDB apiary, 6699 Campus Dr., Placerville right across from the Sherwood Demonstration Garden. For a complete summary and to enroll go to our classes page here.
The EDB apiary is open again!
We re-opened the apiary for the season on April 4th. The apiary will not be open in May due to classes. We will resume in June, opening on the same schedule as last year, the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month. Starting times will vary due to temperature. Bee protective clothing is required, and non-members can attend too (properly attired). Non-members will need to complete a hold harmless agreement. The apiary is located at 6699 Campus Drive, Placerville, right across from the Sherwood Demonstration Garden. Come on over!
EDB survey for 2026
EDB is trying to improve its offerings and get more members participating in its activities. We would like to hear what you think of our activities in all areas of the organization. There is even a section for the Summer Social. Go here to answer the survey.
Thank you for helping us improve EDB!
Be part of EDB's governance or just be a volunteer!
EDB is looking for people interested in being part of EDB's governance or helping guide the organization into the future. These roles can vary from board positions to committee chairs or just volunteering to help educate. EDB needs a volunteer coordinator right now! Help make EDB a better organization. If you are interested, you may contact Jim Guilliams - [email protected], or Leandra Hale at dal01@el doradobeekeepers.org
Operator ID number.
An Operator ID is required to purchase ALL Varroa miticides. California is enforcing a law requiring proof of an Operator ID # for all miticides like FormicPro, MAQS, Apiguard, HopGuard and Apivar, regardless of quantity. Mann Lake and Dadant won't sell to you without it. No fee is required to get the number. An Operator ID must be renewed yearly, it expires December 31st each year. Act now!
Step 1
Call El Dorado County Department Ag.
530.621.5520
Step 2
Tell staff that you are a beekeeper applying for the first time or renewing whichever is applicable to you.
Step 3
Make appointment
The County is required to read information and review the process with you in person.
Call today. Don't let your mites go untreated!
Questions about your bees? Try our Facebook group!
If you can't figure out what the heck's going on in that hive, ask our Facebook group, where club members post questions, answers, and many opinions. You can also post photos of your beekeeping successes!
Hungry bees?
It's a good idea to have bee feed on hand, so you have it when necessary. EDB has pollen patties ($4.00) and Hive Alive patties ($10.00) for sale. They are in the Placerville area, contact John Havicon at 916.996.8371, Patties are also available at our club meetings.
Don't forget to register your hives with the State of California!
All hives need to be registered in BeeWhere each calendar year. If you have less than 10 hives the registration is cost free. It is a requirement of the state, and El Dorado County will enforce this requirement. Don't get caught without this registration! A link to BeeWhere is located on our resources page.
Join us for our next meeting, Sunday, May 17th, 4:00-6:00 pm at Bluestone Meadow Farm, 2025 Carson Rd, Placerville.