Another cold afternoon for our meeting when over 20 keen beekeepers listened to Ian Homer - formerly the Regional Bee Inspector, now an Extension & Learning Officer - who kindly gave us a very interesting talk on ‘Bee Health’.
Firstly he brought the updated Fera (The Food & Environment Research Agency) versions of the booklets on ‘Managing Varroa and Foul Brood’. Further copies can be obtained by contacting The National Bee Unit, tel 01904-462510 or visit the website at www.nationalbeeunit.com.
He gave us some very useful information on how to recognise disease.
A FEW FACTS1. Ian said that sadly Beekeepers are not very good identifying disease - the Bee Inspector picks up over 90% of bee diseases that are discovered 2. The Beekeeper must be able to recognise what is normal brood3. Varroa management should be incorporated at every inspection of a colony
4. Every effort should be made to avoid crushing bees for bee health as any disease is likely to be carried in the stomach of the bee – therefore crushed bees spread disease
5. Ian recommended that Hive tools and other utensils that are used be put into a solution of 1 kilo washing soda to a gallon of water which makes a ph12 – an effective disinfectant
The Hives then were opened up and diseases were looked for ... Read the rest ...
16 September at 1930
03/05 : Saturday 1st May 2010 Apiary Meeting
Firstly he brought the updated Fera (The Food & Environment Research Agency) versions of the booklets on ‘Managing Varroa and Foul Brood’.
Further copies can be obtained by contacting The National Bee Unit, tel 01904-462510 or visit the website at www.nationalbeeunit.com.
He gave us some very useful information on how to recognise disease.
A FEW FACTS1. Ian said that sadly Beekeepers are not very good identifying disease - the Bee Inspector picks up over 90% of bee diseases that are discovered 2. The Beekeeper must be able to recognise what is normal brood3. Varroa management should be incorporated at every inspection of a colony
4. Every effort should be made to avoid crushing bees for bee health as any disease is likely to be carried in the stomach of the bee – therefore crushed bees spread disease
5. Ian recommended that Hive tools and other utensils that are used be put into a solution of 1 kilo washing soda to a gallon of water which makes a ph12 – an effective disinfectantThe Hives then were opened up and diseases were looked for ... Read the rest ...