Please note that Geoff Bazin will shortly be putting in a bulk order for Apiguard. Apiguard is a recommended treatment for Varroa and needs to be administered at the end of the main flow, but before giving the winter feed. This is an ideal opportunity available only for PBKA members to obtain this Varroa treatment at a favourable cost. Please contact Geoff with your order before the end of July at the very latest.
Bee Health
Study Explains Deformed Wing Virus and Varroa Mite Relationship
The team, led by Dr Stephen Martin from the University of Sheffield working in Hawaii, has identified how Varroa results in a lethal strain of the Deformed Wing Virus becoming dominant in the bee colony.
See coverage of the report on the BBC Nature or, better, the Guardian website.
Starvation Risk – Advice from the National Bee Unit
With the on-going poor weather, there is a real risk of bee colonies starving. “Please check for stores in the colony and if in any doubt feed your bees. You should feed with either a fondant or a thin syrup [PBKA feed mix ready reckoner].
Further information on feeding bees can be found in Best Practice Guideline No. 7, on the Advisory Leaflets page of BeeBase (click here).”
This is a good opportunity to reminder to register on Beebase to get emailed with the latest updates on bee health[webmaster].
Do your bees have enough stores?
Given the relatively cool weather we are having at the moment which is limiting foraging activity and the increasing size of our colonies, lack of stores is a serious threat. It is advised therefore, that you check your colonies for stores and feed if required. Do not assume however, that you can gauge the level of stores simply by hefting alone, as the increased brood also adds significant weight to the hive. Better safe than sorry!
Nosema Testing Workshop April 15 2012
Nosema can build up in overwintering colonies and to cause early death of bees.
Members are reminded to bring along a sample of bees from each hive to the Picton Community Centre, Haverfordwest on Sunday April 15th between 2.00 pm and 5.00 pm to test them for nosema. The Association’s new microscopes will be on display and the high powered one will be used for testing.
Click here to find out how to collect the sample.
To find out more about nosema click here to visit the Beebase website (but note that Fumidil B is no longer the recommended treatment although it can be used if you are able to obtain, or have, a supply). The Vita website also has a page on nosema, Vita Feed Gold has, in trials, been shown to helpful in reducing nosema spore levels.
Pembrokeshire Beekeepers' Association 