North Staffordshire Beekeepers Association

Affiliated member of the British Beekeepers Association : Charity No:511576.

Secretary's Message

• Next meeting is on Wed 3rd Sept Introduction to beekeeping equipment & methods
• Varroa Control- look at the 'Useful Articles' page for some interesting info on siting hives and open-mesh screen floors

Colony Collapse Disorder - What have pesticides to do with it?

Conclusions from an article in the American Bee Journal:
There is growing evidence that a number of factors, including IAPV, pesticides, varroa mites and other stress factors such as poor nutrition are most likely involved in the overall declining health of honey bee colonies in the US. However at this time, members of the CCD working team agree that there are steps that can be taken to help minimize stress on honey bee colonies and to improve their chances for survival.

1. Monitor and control varroa mite populations using “soft” chemicals. These soft chemicals include formic acid (Mite- Away II®), Apiguard®, and Apilife var®.
2. Reduce pathogen and pesticide build-up in combs by regularly culling old comb, recycling comb and/or irradiation of old comb. This is particularly recommended for dead-out colonies.
3. Fluvalinate should only be used as a material of last resort. Use of off-label products should NOT be considered.
4. If coumaphos must be used, only the registered product, CheckMite+® should be considered.
5. Communicate with growers where bees are used for pollination to minimize colony exposure to agricultural-use pesticides. Some pesticide labels permit application during blooming periods, but this is definitely not the best procedure for honey bee safety, so work with your grower.
6. Monitor and control Nosema disease using fumagillin.

Introduction

Welcome to the North Staffordshire Beekeepers Association (NSBKA) website. The aim of the site is to promote the many benefits of the beekeeping craft by providing resources for active beekeepers, people who may be interested in starting or those who would just like more facts about the fascinating life of european honey bee (Apis Mellifera).

The site contains information on the activities of the NSBKA, including a potted history of beekeeping in Britain and the NSBKA, details of the upcoming NSBKA meetings and of shows you can find us at. We also tell you about the activities we undertake at our apiary. In addition we have included details on how to get started with beekeeping and other related articles, for example preparing hive items for shows and making your own mead (honey wine). New for 2007 is the notice board which is intended to act as an initial contact point for all NSBKA members to let each other know what equipment or stores they have or may require in the forthcoming months. Furthermore you can find out about the many benefits of NSBKA membership and how to find us. Finally we have included links to other beekeeping related websites including a number relating to beekeeping courses, held in Staffordshire and other Counties, whose content is aimed mainly at beginners.

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Much of the site content, provided by members of the NSBKA and other reputable sources, is the result of many years of practical and theoretical beekeeping experience, including undertaking the many processes involved in making and presenting bee related products. It can sometimes feel like there is an overwhelming and occasionally confusing amount of information available for the beekeeping beginner. Sources ranging from a multitude of books, DVD's, Videos and beekeepers alike can (it seems) promote a particular practice or method as being 'the best' way to do something. But please don't let this put you off!

What is most important is how you use this information to develop the techniques and methods best suited to your own lifestyle, location and beekeeping aspirations. Joining your local Beekeeping Association is one of the best ways of doing this. One of the many benefits for members of the NSBKA is that you don't have to have start by having your own bees to begin learning and enjoying the practical aspects of the craft. The facilities available at our apiary will allow you to emerse gently into the practical aspects of beekeeping with expert guidance and tutalidge enabling you to develop your skills and confidence before embarking upon the important step of keeping your own bees and hopefully producing your own honey! You will also make some useful contacts and good friends along the way.

We hope this has whetted your 'beekeeping' appetite so please explore the site and feel free to contact us if you want to to find out more about beekeeping and the NSBKA in North Staffordshire. We are also able to provide willing and experienced beekeepers (and bees!) to give beekeeping presentations and demonstrations for your group, school, club or agricultural show. To find out more about about how we could help you e-mail our secretary or telephone 01538 361048 for more details.

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