CHECK CITY/ZONING ORDINANCES

Contact your City Land Use or Zoning Code Enforcement department to determine beekeeping rules and restrictions. Some cities restrict or prohibit beekeeping. LA County will not accept registrations if beekeeping is not allowed in your city.

Click Here to view Beekeeping Ordinances in Cities of Los Angeles County.

REGISTER YOUR APIARY WITH THE COUNTY

It is required for all beekeepers in California to register their apiaries with the county.

Click Here to download the Annual Apiary Registration Packet.

PROVIDE A SUFFICIENT WATER SOURCE

The more water the better!  Provide a sufficient amount of water and places for the bees to land while drinking.  Without a proper water source, bees will eventually venture off to neighboring properties and can become a nuisance.

ENCOURAGE HIVE BEES TO FLY AWAY FROM NEIGHBORS

Place colonies a safe distance from property lines, have openings facing away from neighbors, and devise a structure to encourage bees to fly upward.

RE-QUEEN THE HIVE WITH KNOWN GENETICS

Re-queening from a reputable source is vital for ensuring a healthy colony. Re-queening also reduces aggressive behaviors and prevents swarming.

PERFORM REGULAR HEALTH CHECKS

Regularly checking for queen cups, mites, and other apiary pests and diseases is a great way to make sure your bees are happy and healthy!

REACH OUT TO YOUR LOCAL BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION

Attend beekeeper’s association meetings to learn more about the beekeeping community.