The Apiary Program offers free, voluntary inspections to all Wisconsin beekeepers. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has two apiary (bee) inspectors available for inspections May through October. Inspections are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
To Schedule an Inspection (May through October):
Inspector for Western Wisconsin (yellow)
Patrick Sizemore
(715) 492-0814
patrick.sizemore@wisconsin.gov
Inspector for Eastern Wisconsin (blue)
Donna Stine
(608) 354-3689
donnar.stine@wisconsin.gov
Migratory Beekeepers
If you need a certificate of apiary inspection for out-of-state movement, schedule an inspection with one of our inspectors and then contact the State Apiarist to follow up on the request for a certificate of apiary inspection. A DATCP apiary inspection is free, but each certificate costs $50, as required by Wis. Admin. Code. s. ATCP 21.05(3)(a). Most states require certification to import honey bee hives. If you are moving honey bees or regulated honey bee materials into another state, verify that state's requirements with their local apiary inspection service.
Vacant, State Apiarist
PO Box 8911
Madison, WI 53708-8911
(608) 807-6589
(608) 224-4656 (fax)
datcpapiary@wisconsin.gov
What to Expect for an Inspection
- Beekeeper should be present for inspection
- Inspector will ask about hive maintenance and history
- A percentage of hives will be inspected for mites, symptoms of viruses, foulbrood diseases, and exotic pests and diseases
- Beekeeper assists with the lifting of hive bodies
- For migratory inspections, hives must be accessible in the yards (not yet loaded on trucks)
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