[solarbee]

Hello, I am a newbie and I'm going (hopefully) to start two hives this spring, one TBH and one Langstroth. The beekeepers assoc. where I live now is fantastic and very knowledgeable of Langstroths, but not very "up" on TBH's.

I have one big issue, though: I've already ordered two packages of bees to go in these hives, but I'm most likely moving to Illinois at the beginning of June. I would be taking the bees with me. I'm fairly certain they'd have to get inspected before they cross the border, but I don't know how to get that done. I'm also not sure I should move them just after installing them here in Indiana.

I'm thinking about installing the bees in Illinois and having someone look after them until I get there, but can I do that without having to get them inspected? If none of these situations work out, if it's not too late, I would prefer withdrawing my order for the two packages of bees.

What do you guys think I should do? Thanks for your input.

 

[Indiana Dave]

Welcome to the forum. You will learn to ask lots of questions here. Many knowledgeable folks here willing an eager to help. Hope you enjoy it.
To your question, I would treat it like keeping bees in a neighborhood that prohibits it. Take them with you, set them up and don't advertise it. My 2 cents...

 

[efmesch]

Grreetings to a new beekeeper and welcome to you as you join the forum.:hi:
What is your reason for assuming that there are restrictions on crossing state lines with bees?
If there are restrictions, keep within the law. Newly acquired packages of bees in new eauipment should have no reasons to arouse health issues.:thumbsup:

 

[G3farms]

Hello and welcome to the forum :wave:

As far as the bees needing to get inspected,
#1 if you hive them and then move, should be just a call to the state apiarist, I know here you will need at least a weeks notice for the state man to come out but there are others who are qualified to inspect for transport.
#2 if you move your packages, they should already have an inspection tag on them.

You are asking some state specific questions, just a quick call to your state apiarist will answer all of your questions, I would not hold the packages more than a day or two before installing. If you do hold the packages keep them in a cool dark place with plenty of fresh air, might even need to feed them.

 

[G3farms]

http://www.in.gov/dnr/entomolo/2899.htm

Link to inspector, third one down

 

[jim314]

Welcome solarbee, you will enjoy it here :smile:

 

[Americasbeekeeper]

Welcome SB! You are wise to plan ahead. Crossing state lines with bees can get them confiscated (killed) without the proper paperwork. The state inspector from the origin state is responsible for inspecting.

 

[Marbees]

Welcome solarbee, hope everything goes well:thumbsup:

 

[BoilerJim]

Welcome, Solarbee from Lafayette Indiana. I wouldn't worry about the bees going across state lines here in Indiana/ Illinois as there is no one at the border to stop/question you.

Jim

 

[tecumseh]

first a big welcome from central Texas..

and a question... is the move long or short? if your weather is hot by June (always is here) you might wish to delay any move until the weather cools a bit. of course moving even in hot weather if the population in the hive is small greatly decreases the risk.

 

[indypartridge]

Hello and Welcome!

The beekeepers assoc. where I live now is fantastic...

Is that the Lake Shore club or the Northwest club? Just curious.

As for moving the bees, needing inspection or not: G3farms provided the link, just call or email Kathleen and ask. If she decides to inspect (she hates being cooped up in her office) you'll benefit greatly - it's like having a private tutoring session with a master beekeeper. She'll explain things and point out things that, as a newbee, you'd never notice. We're fortunate in Indiana to have a State Inspector who is as knowledgeable and helpful as Kathleen, so there's nothing to be apprehensive about.

 

[PerryBee]

Welcome :hi:

Glad you found us!

 

[gunsmith]

And a belated welcome from next door in the buckeye state.

 

[solarbee]

Thanks, everyone! You are really helpful. I think I will like it here.
I am in the process of trying to get the packages installed in Illinois and taken care of by a beekeeper there, but if it does't work out I'll call the inspector to get that "private tutoring." There shouldn't be a problem with the equipment or the bees, as it's all new stuff. The association is the NWI one.