The large-scale, long-term decline in wild bees across England has been linked to the use of neonicotinoid insecticides by a new study.
Bee Health
Starvation Warning from the National Bee Unit
Beekeepers may wish to monitor their colony food levels closely over the next month as many colonies, particularly those which are strong and had their spring honey crop removed, will be at risk of starving. In some parts of the UK, the weather is still cold and foraging opportunities for large colonies are few and … Continue reading Starvation Warning from the National Bee Unit
Notice re Oxalic Acid treatment
As you will all be aware, the last few months in Pembrokeshire have been unseasonably mild, which has resulted in queens continuing to lay significant amounts of brood in many hives. This not only impacts on the amount of stores they have available (which needs to be checked regularly), but given the cold spell we … Continue reading Notice re Oxalic Acid treatment
Checking stores
Please note that we have been getting reports of significant amounts of brood in hives due to the mild weather. We would recommend therefore, that all members check their hives for stores and if the hives are light put on some fondant in order to avoid starvation problems.
Colony Starvation
Nectar flows have ceased and reports are coming in of bee colonies which are short of stores. It is also apparent that Wasps have been very populous in many areas and they too are desperate for nutrition so Beekeepers should be mindful of the need to protect hives from Wasp invasion particularly where feeding is taking place … Continue reading Colony Starvation