California Code, Food and Agricultural Code (Formerly Agricultural Code) - FAC § 29179

[Jennifer (oaktownjt]

Being a lawyer, and not knowing what a skep is, I thought I would look into it.  I now realize that a skep is one of those old-fashioned woven beehives that is the symbol of Utah.  Very cute.  I also confirmed that it is illegal to use them in California, not because you have to destroy the hive to harvest honey (although that is sad), but because they allow the spread of American Foulbrood.  The relevant code section is below.  Gabriel -- perhaps your friend does not realize that they are illegal and for good reason?  Perhaps you could educate him?

California Code, Food and Agricultural Code (Formerly Agricultural Code) - FAC § 29179

All beekeepers shall provide movable frames in the brood area of all hives which they use to contain bees, and shall make provisions so the bees in the hives shall construct combs in the frames in such a way that the combs may be removed from the hives for inspection without damaging other combs in the hives.

On Thu, May 15, 2025 at 1:56 PM Gabriel Harber via swarm-list <swarm-list [at] alamedabees.org> wrote:

The skep hive is super insulated.  I don’t see how it is any different than bees living in a tree, a wall, or a plastic dinosaur.  My friend isn’t planning on harvesting honey, just wants the bees in his yard.  

Gabriel

On May 15, 2025, at 1:37 PM, Paula Breen via swarm-list <swarm-list [at] alamedabees.org> wrote:

I thought skeps were illegal in California as it is impossible to inspect for diseases. 

On Thu, May 15, 2025, 1:28 PM Gabriel Harber via swarm-list <swarm-list [at] alamedabees.org> wrote:

This one is very close to my house.  Happy to grab it for a friend who is looking to populate a skep hive. 

Gabriel

> On May 15, 2025, at 1:24 PM, Gerald Przybylski via swarm-list <swarm-list [at] alamedabees.org> wrote:
>
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To unsubscribe or modify your subscription options, to learn how
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Safety first! No swarm is worth risking injury to self, or host.
Make sure you're familiar with the swarm catching guidelines at
<https://www.alamedabees.org/swarm-catching-guidelines/>.

To unsubscribe or modify your subscription options, to learn how
to filter these messages, or to view the archives, see:
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