El Dorado Beekeepers

  • Three handmade "Thank You" cards with colorful drawings of flowers and bees are displayed on a bench alongside small potted plants and a plush bee toy.
  • Close-up of a large purple thistle flower with multiple bees collecting nectar.
  • Three people in beekeeper suits examine honeycomb frames at an outdoor table, using magnifying lenses and tools, with various containers nearby.
  • Two people observing bees in a wooden observation box under a tree.
  • A group of people in protective suits and veils observe a beekeeper tending to a beehive in a grassy outdoor setting.

In March an update on Varroa mite treatments from Dr. Dewey Caron

Our March meeting will be on new mite treatments with Dr. Dewey Caron.

Dr. Dewey Caron will give us an update on new mite treatments.  Some of these were approved in California last summer.  Because of their recent release here in California, we do not have much history with them.

Dr. Caron is Emeritus Professor of Entomology & Wildlife Ecology, Univ of Delaware, & Affiliate Professor, Dept Horticulture, Oregon State University.  Dr. Caron is a past president of Western Apicultural Society (WAS) and the author of Honey Bee Biology & Beekeeping, a major textbook used in University and Association bee courses and has a new bee book (his 10th) The Complete Bee Handbook published by Rockridge Press.

Dr. Caron is a frequent speaker for El Dorado Beekeepers, and we are happy to welcome him back.

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 March  8th 4:00-6:00 pm.  

Bluestone Meadow Farm  |  2025 Carson Rd  |  Placerville

inter beekeeping 2026 sm

Our next class is Intermediate Beekeeping.

The next class for the year is Intermediate Beekeeping on March 7th.  This class is intended for new beekeepers who have over-wintered their bees for the first time and are coming into spring.  This class will go into all things related to spring such as swarm management and expansion of your apiary.  Taught in four stations students will cover the principal spring challenges faced..

To see the class description and reserve a spot go to our classes page and tap the + button next to the title to sign up.

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, March 8th, 4:00-6:00 pm at Bluestone Meadow Farm, 2025 Carson Rd, Placerville.

Back to Top
closechevron-leftchevron-rightphonefacebookgroupenvelopeangle-double-upinstagrammagnifiercrosschevron-down