Many beekeepers are starting to find out how their bees have survived the winter, although the weather is still cold and starvation a possibility. At a Bee Farmers' Association meeting recently losses of 35% were being mentioned - mainly due it seems from poorly mated queens last summer. Presumably this meant too few bees going … Continue reading Winter Losses
Bee Health
VMD Approve MAQS Beehive Strip
Press Release - February 27th 2013, MAQS® Beehive Strip has received registration in the United Kingdom for beekeeper’s use. It has received approval by VMD (Veterinary Medical Department). The beekeepers of the United Kingdom now have a new tool to combat the most serious threat to its honeybees, the Varroa destructor parasitic mite. Left untreated, Varroa mites will transmit … Continue reading VMD Approve MAQS Beehive Strip
EU Says Pesticides Linked to Bee Decline Should Be Resticted
BBC News website reports on a proposal from the EU on neonicotinoid insecticides with the European Commissioner for health and consumer policy Tonio Borg saying it was time for "swift and decisive action." Read the story here.
Are Your Bees Short of Supplies?
Remember to keep an eye on the stores in your hives by giving them a heft periodically. The queen is likely to start laying in earnest soon and the remaining winter stores can soon get used up. Late winter and early spring are the danger periods for lack of stores, so don't risk your colonies. … Continue reading Are Your Bees Short of Supplies?
Neonicotinoids Pose Danger to Bees Concludes EFSA
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), an independent body, released its report into the effects of neonicotinoid pesticides on bee health on Wednesday (16 January). The report concluded that: Exposure from pollen and nectar. Only uses on crops not attractive to honey bees were considered acceptable. Exposure from dust. A risk to honeybees was indicated … Continue reading Neonicotinoids Pose Danger to Bees Concludes EFSA
Pembrokeshire Beekeepers' Association 