Bee Health

Asian Hornet update!

apiarymanager Hornets, PBKA

By the end of 2023 72 asian hornet nests had been confirmed in Britain. This is an enormous increase on previous years but increased awareness and reporting contributed to the total. There were many unconfirmed sightings, including a report from Slebech. As an observation, European hornets seemed to be more abundant in 2023 too. So far in 2024 a dead hornet was found in London, a credible sighting was in Preston at a warehouse handling goods from France. As you start getting you mowers and garden furniture out of the shed, just check there are no hornets waking from their slumber.

Peter Kirkup

Asian Hornet Co-ordinator

 

URGENT:Starvation risk warning!

apiarymanager Bee Health, Feeding Bees and Starvation, PBKA, Varroa

Given the continuing inclement weather and the increasing amount of brood being produced. This is to remind beekeepers everywhere to check their bees for stores (especially nucs), particularly if you didn’t give yours a full winter feed at the end of last season.

So give your hives a heft and if needed, give them some fondant or candy and recheck regularly!

This is also a good time to treat for Varroa while brood numbers are still low.

New Regional Bee Inspector (RBI) for Wales

apiarymanager Bee Health, Stories of Interest
Dear Beekeeper
It is with immense pleasure that I inform you of my recent appointment as acting Regional Bee inspector for Wales whilst recruitment takes place later in the year. Born out of a passion for bees and beekeeping along with choosing to develop my skills and knowledge, plus the desire to work within the apiculture industry, being able to proactively manage bee health over the past five years in the SBI role has been incredibly rewarding.
I am looking forward to being able to lead a team of seasonal bee inspectors to do the same across Wales and to hopefully meet and collaborate with many of you within the industry across Wales and surrounding, offering guidance, support, and knowledge sharing across Wales to work together to manage the ongoing threats to bee health.
I look forward to meeting and engaging with you soon.
Kind Regards
Daniel
Daniel Baxter
Regional Bee Inspector – Wales | Arolygydd Gwenyn Rhanbarthol – Cymru
Email: daniel.baxter@apha.gov.uk
Tel: 07771038646
National Bee Unit | Uned Gwenyn Cenedlaethol
Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) | Asiantaeth Iechyd Anifeiliaid a Phlanhigion

National Bee Unit Website (BeeBase)/ Gwefan: www.nationalbeeunit.com