​Project Apis m. and Washington State University have been working together to provide beekeepers with an online practical guide to indoor storage of honey bee colonies.  This in-depth resource continues to grow with new information and chapters.  A newly released chapter addresses a common question for many beekeepers – “How can I find out more about CDFA Pre-inspections?”
 
One of the difficulties that beekeepers face when transporting bees to California is long lines and sometimes hours of waiting at the border inspection stations.  In 2018, the California Department of Agriculture premiered a new program, allowing pre-inspections for beekeepers in some states.  This allows truck drivers to spend less time at the borders, reducing the risk of overheating or flying bees. 

Currently, Pre-inspections are only available in a few states and there are many questions about who can qualify and how to sign up.  The new chapter in our online guide explains why the pre-inspection program is important, what to expect, and provides information and resources to help interested beekeepers participate.
 
Sections of the new chapter include:
 
CDFA PRE-INSPECTION PROGRAM

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR INSPECTION

INDOOR STORAGE IS WELL-SUITED FOR PRE-INSPECTION
PRE-INSPECTION BENEFITS EVERYONE
FUTURE OF THE PROGRAMCONTACT INFO FOR INTERESTED BEEKEEPERS 
We invite you to read more about CDFA Pre-inspections here, and visit the online Guide to Indoor Storage of Honey Bees in the US here. 

The past year has been one of unexpected changes for most of us. One thing that remained, however, was the resiliency and dedication of beekeepers. Despite all obstacles, hives had to be managed and crops had to be pollinated. Beekeepers adapted to changing conditions to keep up with demand and keep their operations strong. As we enter another season of almond pollination, it is clear that beekeepers as busy as ever and still
looking for solutions to the ever-present challenges of mites, nutrition, and overwintering.​