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
Bee Health
Treating Varroa – Apiguard
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 … Continue reading Treating Varroa – Apiguard
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 … Continue reading Starvation Risk – Advice from the National Bee Unit
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 … Continue reading Do your bees have enough stores?
