The course consists of 8 classes from February to September.

Instructor: Vincent Aloyo, PhD (EAS certified Master Beekeeper)

PREREQUISITES: This course is designed for beekeepers who have completed Mark Antunes’ beginner OR with at least 1 year of experience with approval from Instructor.

WHEN: The course consists of 8 classes from February to October. The schedule will always be the 3rd Wednesday of the month. Classes will be from 6 pm to 9 pm.

Class 1. Wednesday, February 16

Class 2. Wednesday, March 16

Class 3. Wednesday, April 20

Class 4. Wednesday, May 18

Class 5. Wednesday, June 15

Class 6. Wednesday, July 20

Class 7. Wednesday, August 17

Class 8. Wednesday, September 21

This course will be held via Zoom remote sessions.

WHERE: Zoom Web Session

COST: A single student receives membership to the Bucks County Beekeepers Association, educational materials, and eight great classes for only $130. This is over 25 hours of teaching.

Note: Family members residing in the SAME HOUSEHOLD ONLY may register for a second student at a discounted price of $90.

*Special discount code for those who took the official Beginner Class and register before February 10--email info@bucksbeekeepers.com for code.

CONTACT: For more information e-mail us at: info@bucksbeekeepers.com

Below is a rough outline of the course materials. So that the beekeepers can prepare for the following month, the materials are presented a month in advance of when activities are usually needed. However, since we will all be experienced beekeepers, the material will be altered to reflect the participants’ needs. Seasonally relevant questions will be welcome. 

If we are able to meet in-person at some point in 2022, beekeepers should bring questions and a their usual beekeeping attire (but at least a veil).

The intermediate class is designed the person who has kept bees for at least one year and who want to advance their beekeeping skills to the next level.  The class will meet once a month February through September.  Each class will present information that will apply to beekeeping activities in the following month.

February:  Honey bee biology and winter survival mechanisms
March:  Swarm control methods and important sources of nectar and pollen
April:  Catching swarms and preparing for the honey flow.
May:  Biology of the colony after the swarm has left and harvesting honey
June:  Varroa control and preparing summer nucs
July:  Honey bee diseases and pests
August:  Using beeswax and preparing for Fall
September:  Preparing for winter; more on varroa treatments and overwinter small colonies such as nucs