Bee Health

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

Neonicotinoids given approval for use!

apiarymanager Environment, Neonicotinoids, Stories of Interest

The UK government has given emergency approval for the use of a pesticide banned because of the harm it can cause bees, for the fourth year in a row.

Permission to use the neonicotinoid on sugar beet seeds has been needed despite a vow by the industry to find an alternative by the end of 2023.

The Wildlife Trusts said the decision was a “deathblow” for wildlife.

See BBC report for further details!