Using cube vans or detachable van boxes on flatdecks to move bees was a common
practice in the days when hundreds of thousands of packages were shipped from
the US to the Canadian west every spring. As recently as a couple of years ago I
heard of beekeepers trying to get rid of those vans, for ridiculously low
prices. Most of the units were well ventilated and some even had sprinkling
systems to keep the bees cool on the long hot runs from California. Perhaps you
could find one of those, Allen.
 
Lost bees at truck stops and along major routes seem to be a major cause of
Varroa spread in B.C. The monitoring we have done in the last couple of years
has detected isolated Varroa infestations along highways used by migratory
beekeepers travelling between Alberta and B.C. destinations. A lot of the
infestations were found in yards closest to truck stops. In many cases we have
found no other sign of Varroa in the area.
 
We've also had an increase in complaints from Truck stops about clusters of bees
hanging on lamp stands or flying around building lights at night after the bee
trucks have moved on. A few stinging incidents have occurred. Truck stop
personnel and customers are usually not amused.
 
Not all migratory beekeepers are to blame. Some are conscientious and do a good
jog of enclosing their bees, limit their stays at truck stops and travel as much
as possible after dark. Others don't seem to give a damn and chuckle at the
commotion they cause.
 
Migration is a legitimate part of beekeeping here. Some Alberta beekeepers take
advantage of the relatively mild winters in B.C. and earn some pollination
income from fruit crops while here in the spring. Some B.C. beekeepers move
their hives to Alberta for the potentially larger honey crops. Ministries of
Agriculture in both provinces cooperate in a system of inspection that is easy
for beekeepers to comply with and offers a chance of disease control for
cooperators. Unfortuneately, the few that do not comply cause problems for
everyone.
 
If Africanized bees become more of an issue in the U.S. I'm afraid the public up
here won't put up with swarms of bees hanging around gas stations. The issue
will then be one of public health rather than bee disease control and
beekeepers' freedom of movement could be sharply curtailed.
 
As you said at the end of your last message Allen, this bothers me.
 
Regards,
 
John Gates, Apiculture Specialist
B.C. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
4607, 23rd. St. Vernon, B.C. Canada, V1T 4K7
Ph:( 604) 549-5580
fax:(604) 549-5488
Internet:[log in to unmask]
 
PS. how's your snowboarding coming along?