Honey Bees

Every year we manage our colonies to live their healthiest lives possible. Raising bees these days is not like it used to be. When the Varroa Mite entered into our country (from Asia) in the late 80's, it wreaked havoc on the western honey bee. Beekeepers had to learn how to handle this invasive pest. It was a dramatic shift in beekeeping management.

We only use mite treatments considered organic or do non-treatment "Brood Breaks" to stop the Varroa from reproducing temporarily. Robert presents at the York County Beekeepers Association on brood breaks for Varroa management every year. Check out YCBA for upcoming dates. 

From Honey Bee Health Coalition - "Every honey bee colony in the continental United States and Canada is susceptible to infestations with Varroa destructor mites (varroa). Varroa infestation represents one of the greatest threats to honey bee health, honey production, and pollination services. Untreated or ineffectively treated colonies can fail, causing economic losses to beekeepers, and, ultimately, impacting agricultural food production through the loss of pollination services. In addition, colonies infested with varroa are a potential source of mites and diseases that can spread to other colonies and apiaries, through drifting, robbing, and absconding activity of bees. Management actions such as introducing brood frames, packaged bees or swarms to colonies or adding external splits, nucs or full size colonies to apiaries can further contribute to the spread of varroa. All beekeepers should remain vigilant in monitoring for varroa levels and be prepared to take timely action to reduce mite loads. Effective varroa control will reduce colony losses and avoid potential spread of infectious disease among colonies. This Guide will explain practical, effective methods that beekeepers can use to measure varroa infestations in their hives and select appropriate control methods. The Honey Bee Health Coalition offers this Guide free of charge and asks that you please reference the Coalition if distributing."

We offer free demonstrations on Varroa Mite testing using the alcohol-wash method  to our bee customers every summer. We feel it is one (of several)  most important management tools you must have in your tool box.