Iowa Statewide Rule
Iowa Honeybee Entry Permit and Movable-Frame Hive Rules
Key Facts
- Enforcing office
- State apiarist, Ag Department
- Permit lead time
- Sixty days before entry
- Importing without permit
- Serious misdemeanor
- Bees remaining unlawfully
- Each day a separate offense
- USPS package bees
- Exempt from permit
Summary
Anyone moving honeybee colonies, packages, or used equipment with combs into Iowa must apply to the state apiarist for a written entry permit at least sixty days before entry, backed by an inspection certificate. Package bees shipped by USPS are exempt.
2. It shall be unlawful to keep bees in any containers except hives with movable frames permitting ready examination in those counties where area cleanup inspection is in progress... 3. A person who desires to move a colony, package, or used equipment with combs into this state shall apply to the state apiarist for a written entry permit at least sixty days prior to the proposed entry date... Entry into this state without a permit is unlawful and is punishable pursuant to section 160.14. However, entry requirements of this section shall not apply to a package shipped by the United States postal service.
Full Breakdown
Iowa Code chapter 160 puts the state apiarist, housed in the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, in charge of honeybee movement and disease control. Section 160.5 requires an entry-permit application filed at least sixty days before bringing a colony, package, or used equipment with combs into the state, plus a valid certificate of inspection showing no contagious disease, parasites, or Africanized bees, and a completed apiary registration form listing each Iowa location. In counties where area cleanup inspection is proclaimed, keeping bees in anything but movable-frame hives that permit ready examination is unlawful. The apiarist may enter any premises, order treatment, and destroy infested colonies as a nuisance.
Violations & Penalties
Knowingly moving bees or used equipment into Iowa in violation of section 160.5 is a serious misdemeanor under section 160.14. Each day the bees remain is a separate offense, and the department may declare a nuisance, seize, forfeit, and destroy the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a state permit to keep bees I already own in Iowa?
Are mailed package bees covered by the entry rules?
What happens if I bring bees into Iowa without a permit?
Sources
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.