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.
Bee Health
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
Lords Debate Honey Bee Decline
On January 9th the House of Lords debated the decline of honey bees. Some interesting statistics were mentioned: the number of beekeepers has doubled in the past ten years; the number of [colonies] has reduced by 75% over the past 100 years - [but this should be seen against Leslie Bailey's conclusion in 2000 that … Continue reading Lords Debate Honey Bee Decline
Keeping Medicine Records
Honey bees are currently defined as a food producing species and current legislation requires that you keep a record of the purchase, use and disposal of any honeybee medicines. Owners or keepers of food-producing animals intended for the food chain, must keep specific records: at the time of purchase; at the time of administration to … Continue reading Keeping Medicine Records
Pembrokeshire Beekeepers' Association 