This is a link to the recently updated Managing Varroa leaflet as well as the new Small Hive Beetle which contains a few small amendments.
It is the NBU’s intention to have a limited number of hard copies available before April. If, and when, these do become available a note will be added to the website.
Unpublished two year old results from research carried out by the US Department of Agriculture’s Bee Research Laboratory heightens the concerns about neonicitinoid use. Read the exclusive report in the Independent reports on unpublished information.
These factsheets have just been brought to our attention by Frank Gellatly.
The HORNET (Vespa crabco) exists in the UK but has not been reported in Pembrokeshire. It is not a pest and is generally docile.
The ASIAN HORNET (Vespa velutina) has not reached the UK but is spreading through France. It is reported as preying on adult bees but not brood although narrowing the hive entrance is recommended.
For both species only the queens overwinter and will start a new nest in the spring.
Both factsheets contain details of how to report any sightings.
On Saturday 4th September Frank Gellatly showed us how to detect nosema. Five members attended this meeting with bee samples from their hives. The results were very encouraging with only one member having bees which were identified as needing treatment in the winter feed.
If you want to find out more about the way spores appear under the microscope have a look at the short video posted on YouTube.
I have used this varroa product on a hive myself and admit to overdosing the measure from a 500 ml bottle – the bees survived and I didn’t have a mite problem in the hive either!
It’s main active constituent is oxalic acid but in a measured dose with other ingredients which can be applied without damaging brood or contaminating honey. The BeeVital website has some interesting research documents supporting the case for the product. I like the fact that 15 ml measured ‘sticks’ are available making application easy.
In my opinion this is worth a try.
This is personal post by the webmaster and is not an endorsement by Pembrokeshire Beekeepers Association.
Pembrokeshire Beekeepers' Association 