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Pests
Wax Moth infestation warning!
Would PBKA members please take appropriate action to reduce the risk of Wax Moth in their hives and the possible damage it can cause to wax comb.
We have been advised by one member of serious damage to their stored supers, as a result of this pest.
For advice, please check your stored comb and look at the NBU website for information
Bee treatments and the recording of veterinary medicines
Beekeepers should regularly check their bees for signs of disease and infestations.
Now is a good time to check and treat for Varroa, before Winter feeding commences. There are numerous permitted treatments available and you are required to keep records of treatment given.
See below the advice given by the National Bee Unit (NBU).
Record of Veterinary Medicines
You must keep records of all veterinary medicines administered to colonies for at least five years, irrespective if the colony concerned is no longer in your possession or has died during that period.
The ‘veterinary medicine administration record’, is a useful template for you to use to meet these requirements.
Your medicines records can be requested at any time by the relevant authority and/or bee inspector. Failing to keep records of veterinary medicines applied to honey bee colonies, as set out in the Veterinary Medicines Regulations (VMR) 2013, is an offence.
Further information is available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bee-medicines-availability-in-the-uk
Asian Hornet Coordinator Report
A brief comment on the Asian Hornet or Yellow Legged Hornet, it seems the new term is preferred, in June, Kent and East Sussex provided the only confirmed reports. PLEASE DO NOT try to deal with a nest if you find one, REPORT IT. https://risc.brc.ac.uk/alert.php?species=asian_hornet
Let’s talk about… WASPS, that time of year is upon us, time to reduce the entrance gap to one bee space. I am reluctant to kill wasps, they have their role to play in nature, perhaps my observations and ideas will be helpful to you when you inevitably face a wasp invasion. Putting out wasp traps I abandoned long ago, they cause the demise of wasps and other insects, even worse, the wasps that escape seem to tell other wasps they found a sweet drink and more start appearing. It is likely a wasp nest is near by, to find it can be tricky. Wasps are easy to catch so you can glue a bit of foil to one, release it and see where it goes. This year, if I get a problem (shouldn’t do as hives are big and strong) I will offer the wasps a sweet liquid treat away from my hives, they might choose the easy option and not harass my colonies. What do you think, do you have other solutions? If my attempt fails I plan to adopt a biological weapon, watch this YouTube video to see how organised wasps can be and what secret defense you can employ. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9RfjS6rVoE&t=216s&pp=2AHYAZACAcoFFEFjcm9iYXRpY3MgbWluaXNjdWx
Peter Kirkup
PBKA Asian Hornet Coordinator
NBU Fact Sheets
Please find attached links to the recently updated NBU factsheets that you may be interested in distributing in your newsletters etc to your members.
Small Hive beetle advisory leaflet: This leaflet details the biology and impact of the invasive small hive beetle and provides guidance on how to identify and monitor for the presence of the beetle in colonies, what to do if you suspect its presence, and it also describes the NBU’s surveillance programme and how we work to prevent this invasive pest from entering the UK. It has a section dedicated to explaining the legislation regarding imports and includes links to the relevant documentation for individuals wishing to import bees. The leaflet has a practical step-by-step method for performing a hive check for SHB.
Starting Right with Bees advisory leaflet: This leaflet describes the basics of beekeeping for new beekeepers or for those who are considering beekeeping as a hobby. It explains the basic biology and management of honey bee colonies and provides plenty of links to our content that is especially relevant to those new to beekeeping. The messaging in this booklet urges beekeepers: to join their local associations, to source bees locally, to consider hygiene both when purchasing bees and when performing inspections, to learn more about pests and diseases, particularly foulbrood, and Varroa. Also included is a section outlining the legal responsibilities of beekeepers and a step-by-step guide to performing a simple hive inspection. I hope this updated leaflet will be particularly useful for you to share with new and less experienced beekeepers.
There are 3 fact sheets newly updated on BeeBase
Wax moth: This fact sheet has been significantly reworked to provide more information on the damage that wax moth can potentially cause and more detail on the prevention of wax moth and treatment of infested frames.
Fumigating comb: Our fact sheet providing a step-by-step guide to acetic acid fumigation of frames has been updated to include more information into the hazards of using this method to treat frames and mitigations that need to be observed to prevent damage to yourself or equipment.
Small hive beetle: This fact sheet now focusses on how to identify SHB, what to do if you think you suspect SHB, surveillance and the importance of observing import regulations. The key messages are know what it looks like & how to report it and observe import regulations.
I do hope you find these useful and are able to forward them on in monthly emails/newsletters.
Kind Regards
Dan
Daniel Baxter
Regional Bee Inspector – Wales | Arolygydd Gwenyn Rhanbarthol – Cymru
National Bee Unit | Uned Gwenyn Cenedlaethol – Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) | Asiantaeth Iechyd Anifeiliaid a Phlanhigion
Mobile: 07771038646 Email: daniel.baxter@apha.gov.uk
National Bee Unit Website (BeeBase)/ Gwefan: www.nationalbeeunit.com
Follow us on / Dilynwch ni ar
Twitter/ Trydar: @NBU_APHA | Facebook/Gweplyfr: @APHANationalBeeUnit
Instagram: @NationalBeeUnit_APHA | YouTube: National Bee Unit – Animal and Plant Health
Address/ Cyferiad: National Bee Unit, APHA, Room, 11G03, York Bioteh Campus, Sand Hutton, York, YO41 1LZ
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Pembrokeshire Beekeepers' Association 