Home - Chester County Beekeepers Association

The Objectives of the Association:

To assist members in the art and science of beekeeping, including sharing effective techniques, coping with problems, meeting challenges, and supporting each other in our efforts; To educate members about and encourage compliance with laws pertaining to beekeeping, including inspection and suppression of contagious diseases among honey bees; To promulgate information to the public about beekeeping and the valuable role of honey bees in nature and agriculture; To encourage more people to become involved in beekeeping.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION
November 12th, 2020
CCBA Board of Directors Nomination Form

Support the following Whole Food Stores:
Downingtown, Kimberton, and Malvern

"Rounding up at the Register"

2020 Honey Survey Results
(112 CCBA Member Surveys)

September Colony Management

1. Measure Mites: do an alcohol wash or a sugar shake at least once this month to see what your mite levels are. Any colony with a mite level greater than 3% should be treated.

2. Kill Mites: Most effective options include Apivar, MAQS, or Formic Pro. Can also use oxalic vapor every 5 days x 5 treatments.

3. Prevent Robbing: feed only in the evenings. Keep entrance reducers on small colonies. Minimize prolonged inspections during the day.

4. Feed: Feed 2:1 (2 parts sugar: 1 part water) Best if hives weigh about 80 pounds going into winter. Feed in evening.

Apprentice and Mentoring Programs

One of the best ways to learn how best to keep your bees alive is to work with someone who has done it over many seasons. The CCBA has 2 programs that are available to help you achieve sustainability.

The Apprentice Program
(Enroll now for program to begin March 2021...go to storefront, apprentice program and purchase the apprentice program purpose to secure your spot. Program fee to be paid when program starts next March)

If you are a new beekeeper who is thinking about getting bees or who has not been able to overwinter a hive, the apprentice program maybe right for you. You will be paired up with an experienced beekeeper (teacher) who you will work with at the teacher's apiary twice a month for an entire bee season. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, the apprentice will get a CCBA nuc the following spring. The cost for this program is $120.

The Mentoring Program

If you are looking for some intermittent advice from an experienced beekeeper, the mentoring program maybe right for you. Have someone who will answer your questions or may stop out at your apiary to see what is going on. This program does not have a cost and there is no incentives from the CCBA for participation.

Walt and Kathy are the leads of both the apprentice and the mentoring program. If you are interested in being either an apprentice or teacher in the apprentice program or mentor or mentee in the mentoring program.

Email Walt Talunas: wtalunas@gmail.com

Friday Night Bee Chat
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87468271526
Meeting ID: 874 6827 1526