Back on February 19th the blog posted an article on significant colony deaths during the almond bloom. This next article indicates the cause may have been found. A mixture of fundicide and insecticide were sprayed when the bees were present. Although OK when applied singly, the combination is lethal. Follow the link.
/www.upi.com/Science_News/2019/02/05/Insecticides-blamed-for-honeybee-deaths-in-California-almond-groves/6061549375916/
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
NEONICS NOT A SIGNIFICANT FACTOR IN BEE LOSSES
Follow the link to an interesting article. Sorry but the conclusion is mites and viruses are the primary causes of bee losses; not neonictinoids. Think about your mite control program now!
geneticliteracyproject.org/2018/04/17/honeybee-population-isnt-crashing-and-seed-pesticides-are-not-driving-health-problems-and-heres-why/
geneticliteracyproject.org/2018/04/17/honeybee-population-isnt-crashing-and-seed-pesticides-are-not-driving-health-problems-and-heres-why/
Saturday, February 23, 2019
ECWBA MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT
The club has purchased 20 pounds of oxalic acid powder in bulk and re-packaged it for members. This reduces the cost of oxalic acid from roughly $10 per pound to $3 per pound. The re-packaged oxalic acid will be distributed at the March club meeting only. (Please remember the March club meeting has been rescheduled from March 16th to March 23rd). There will be one (1) pound and 1/2 pound containers available at $3 and $1.50 respectively.
To calibrate your purchase, remember that one pound equals 454 grams. It requires 2 grams of oxalic acid to vaporize a hive of two 10 frame deeps. Most hobbyists will not use more than a pound throughout the year. Those beekeepers with one to two hives can get by with 1/2 pound for the year.
If you would like to reserve a container you can email Fred at "fredransome@aol.com". Specify the size of container you desire. If you do not show at the meeting your reservation becomes void and the container will be available for other club members.
If the club receives reservations far in excess of the 20 pounds available the club will contemplate an additional bulk purchase.
To calibrate your purchase, remember that one pound equals 454 grams. It requires 2 grams of oxalic acid to vaporize a hive of two 10 frame deeps. Most hobbyists will not use more than a pound throughout the year. Those beekeepers with one to two hives can get by with 1/2 pound for the year.
If you would like to reserve a container you can email Fred at "fredransome@aol.com". Specify the size of container you desire. If you do not show at the meeting your reservation becomes void and the container will be available for other club members.
If the club receives reservations far in excess of the 20 pounds available the club will contemplate an additional bulk purchase.
WILL MUSHROOMS SAVE THE BEES?? submitted by beekeeper Jon
Here is a link to a YouTube video, which states the mycelium in mushrooms is beneficial for bees. ECWBA has no evidence yet that the claims are valid.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xwH5eQ71QQ.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xwH5eQ71QQ.
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
ANOTHER BAD WINTER???submitted by Beekeeper Gerard
It appears that some of the big commercial beekeepers are having a bad winter as far as hive survival is concerned. Follow the link below to the article. Will this affect package supply or prices?
https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2019/02/18/694301239/massive-loss-of-thousands-of-hives-afflicts-orchard-growers-and-beekeepers
https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2019/02/18/694301239/massive-loss-of-thousands-of-hives-afflicts-orchard-growers-and-beekeepers
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