Wow! Check out the news channels……an Asian Hornet’s nest has been discovered in Southampton, estimated to hold about 3000 insects! This is a worry, it demonstrates the Asian Hornet populations are spreading west. Please continue to be vigilant and report suspected sightings to me Peter Kirkup, Asian Hornet Co-ordinator; the PBKA’s Apiary Manager, Paul Eades, or the National Bee Unit.
Bee Health
Managing Varroa
Now is the time of year when we are preparing for Winter, and this would seem an opportune time to remind PBKA members about the importance of monitoring and managing Varroa. It is important not to get complacent about this highly destructive pest and the damage it can cause to colonies.
In order to avoid any confusion or mixed messages therefore, we have included a link to the latest advice from the National Bee Unit. We recommend that you study the information and act on its recommendations.
If you have any queries, please get back to us.
Wasps and Asian Hornets!
Hi fellow beekeepers, bees are going flat out right now so have an extra super ready in case you need it. The wasps are starting to appear now so you should consider reducing the entrance size to your hive. It is also a good time to be on the lookout for the Asian Hornet, remember, it has only one band of yellow on the abdomen, European hornets have the full yellow abdomen like the wasps. If wasps are bothering your hives, here are some possible remedies, move the affected hive to another location, the chances are there is a wasp nest nearby. You could use an underfloor entrance to your hive, or in a desperate solution, seal the entrance to your hive with foam or sponge but fit a length of hose pipe to extend beyond the landing board a few inches, the bees seem to figure it out . Anything is better than losing the hive. Be sure to stock up with syrup to feed towards winter, if the temperature is still above 15 degrees keep the feed topped up, once it goes colder you will need to rely on fondant. Our mild winters mean the bees eat more than they would otherwise so always have fondant ready if stores dwindle. You can insert pencil size pieces of fondant through the entrance rather than risk cooling the hive. (I prepare small sticks of fondant, then freeze them separated from each other, this is the easiest way to top up feed in the winter months).
Peter Kirkup
Asian Hornet Co-ordinator
Wasps Alert!!
Wasps and European Hornets are starting to make an appearance around the hives.
To keep the pesky invaders out:
Reduce the entrance size of the hive, to give the bees a smaller area to defend.
Put out wasp traps, these can be bought or easily made with a jam jar with a hole made in the lid or from a plastic drinks bottle as shown. Jam attracts wasps, but not bees. Do not use honey in the bait of course!
Be tidy, keep rubbish away from the apiary which could attract wasps and other pests!
Pembrokeshire Beekeepers' Association 