FILENAME: NOVAPIS.T9X
Apis--Apicultural Information and Issues
Florida Extension Beekeeping Newsletter
Volume 7, Number 10, November 1989
WARM WEATHER--TWO EDGED SWORD
It's been warmer than usual this time of year. Late honey flows are
being reported even as this November newsletter goes to press. This nectar is
a boon for colonies going into winter, but the conditions are also ripe for
disaster. Strong, active colonies not only collect nectar, but they also eat
a lot of pollen and honey in a short time. Therefore, colonies may actually
be short on stores going into winter despite the late flow. They will
certainly require more frequent inspection than usual.
SWARM COLLECTING
A few years back, the Africanized Honey Bee Task Force appointed by
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Doyle Conner issued information on the bee.
It was printed and continues to be available as Hints for the Hive Number 114,
available from all 67 Florida county extension offices. The following is
quoted from that publication: "As a precaution, the traditional method of
hiving of maintaing wild swarms (those from unmanaged apiaries) should be
discouraged. Experience has shown that wild swarms probably will be
associated with aggressive bees; they should be avoided and aggressively
eliminated as a matter of course."
One of the reasons to justify the above actions besides
overdefensiveness, which could lead to stinging incidents, was that wild
swarms might also be a source of diseases or pests. Now that Varroa has been
introduced and spread to most of Florida, the question of the impact of feral
or wild swarms on beekeeping outfits takes on more significance. This has
become an issue with regulators for a number of reasons. If wild swarms are
considered a liability, who or what agency will deal with those that
beekeepers were willing to collect in the past? When do the rules about
managed colonies become effective for wild swarms?
A Florida Extension office recently received a request to provide a
list of beekeepers who might pick up troublesome swarms. Personnel at the
office were aware that there exist rules and regulations about Varroa. They
also knew that any beekeeper collecting a swarm ran a risk of contaminating
the rest of his/her colonies by collecting it. What should the office do?
After some consultation, it was decided that there is no potential
legal problem in providing a list of beekeepers to those who inquire about
swarms. Once collected, however, the particular beekeeper involved is
then responsible for following appropriate regulations. Legally this means
that before moving, the swarm should be examined by a bee inspector. If
Varroa is found, the bees would have to be treated before being moved.
Complicating matters, however, is that it might take a while before the bee
inspector would be available. There is also the risk that a beekeeper who
might collect the swarm would not know that the potential existed for
contamination by Varroa. There is evidence that many apiculturists are as yet
unaware of the presence of Varroa. Finally, the beekeeper might not realize
that it is illegal to move the swarm until after it is inspected.
The upshot of all this is that new guidelines concerning the process
of identifying and notifying beekeepers who pick up wild swarms are in order.
To provide the best possible service to clientele, beekeepers willing to pick
up wild swarms should be informed by extension offices and other agencies that
the rules have changed and in all probability will continue to change. At the
very least, they must be notified that collecting swarms might contaminate
their outfits with Varroa mites, that in Florida they should contact their
local bee inspector, and if mites are found, the bees must be treated before
being moved. The best course of action in most cases is to mail a summary of
this information to each beekeeper as he/she expresses interest in collecting
swarms. In addition, when persons call concerning swarms, they should also be
informed that although a name or names are provided, the rules have changed
and there may be less inclination on the part of beekeepers to collect bees
than in the past.
Obviously, this turn of events means more effort by all parties
concerned, including extension offices and others referring wild swarms to
beekeepers, the beekeepers themselves and the people who want to be rid of
feral swarms and colonies. The only consolation is that these guidelines will
help all parties adjust to the realities of collecting wild bees when the
African honey bee enters Florida in the near future.
STOPPING BEES
Dr. Eric Mussen, California Extension Apiculturist, in the latest
issue of his newsletter, From the U.C. Apiaries, writes about stopping bees:
"There are certain situations when individuals wish that they could do
something to immediately eliminate an exposed group of bees. A swarm hanging
in an unappreciative home owner's yard or somewhere on a school grounds might
be an example. An overturned truck load of bee hives is a more graphic
example."
In many of these cases, Dr. Mussen continues, the question arises as
to what chemical can be sprayed on those bees to get them under control.
The word "control" means totally immobilized and/or dead. The answer in many
cases, especially in areas of Africanized bees, is "soap water," a detergent
solution formulated with one cup of dishwashing detergent in a gallon of
water. The solution can be applied using various sprayers.
Dr. Mussen suggests the reason this works is because the detergent
acts as a wetting agent. The result is less surface tension present in the
solution being sprayed. Instead of beading and running off, the water sticks
to the bee. This makes it difficult to fly because the wings of the insect
cannot get up to speed soaked with water. Also, Dr. Mussen suggests the
insects' spiracles, or breathing holes designed to ward off or repel water,
are entered by the "wetter" detergent-water mixture. The bee can no longer
breathe and it suffocates. The reason it works is not so important as the
result, Dr. Mussen concludes, emphasizing that the technique is as effective
as many others, including flame throwers.
Despite its effectivenss, however, Dr. Mussen holds reservations about
the practice of applying wetter water on exposed bees. He is especially
concerned about applying detergents to comb that might be used in the future.
It may take the bees a good, long time to clean contamination of comb by the
detergent solution, if it can be done at all. Nevertheless, Dr. Mussen
believes that this technique should not be overlooked by regulators and others
who under certain conditions want to get an otherwise difficult bee situation
under control.
DRUGS AND DISEASE
The official focus at the recent Apimondia meeting in Rio de Janeiro
was Africanized bees, but the real ruckus raised had to do with a remark
about bee disease. During a session, it was unofficially reported that
American foulbrood (AFB) had been found in Argentina near the Brazilian
border. Although it was emphasized that the report was unofficial, the stir
this created was considerable. To date, American foulbrood had not been
reported in Brazil and the country's beekeepers were understandably concerned.
It is ironic that beekeepers in the United States are concerned about
Varroa and have AFB under control, while in Brazil, AFB is feared and there is
no treatment recommended for Varroa. This shows how complex trying to control
diseases and pests in the honey bee colony is. Not only must the bee's
genetics be taken into consideration, but also the geographical area in which
the insects are found.
A major concern in Brazil is that many persons will implement a control
program using drugs for AFB control. Most Brazilian beekeepers have
heretofore avoided chemical control, even for Varroa, which they say is a
tolerable problem in their climate. At the other end of the spectrum is the
U.S. beekeeping industry, which is heavily reliant on chemical fixes. AFB is
routinely controlled using the antibiotic oxytetracycline, for example, and
the country has continued to jump on the pesticide treadmill as recent
practices using menthol for tracheal mite and fluvalinate for Varroa control
attest.
Another country concerned about chemicals is New Zealand. The nation
continues to have a "drug-free" status, according to the February, 1989 issue
of Buzzwords---, the newsletter for National Beekeepers' Association members
of New Zealand. A recent article entitled "Drugs and Disease" provides some
perspective on the debate presently going on in the country.
There continue to be beekeepers in New Zealand talking about using
drugs as a quick fix for AFB, the article begins. However, it suggests three
major problems that appear with use of drugs. These are residues, resistance
and reliance: (1) using drugs in beehives will result in drug residues
contaminating honey; (2) employing a limited range of chemicals against one
disease or pest is a sure recipe for developing resistant populations; and (3)
developing a reliance on drugs to the exclusion of cultural control is a long-
range prescription for more problems. The article concludes that the world is
moving towards more control of pesticides used in food production, not less.
Another article entitled "Drug Residues" adds fuel to the fire. It
says New Zealand's no drug use policy is an advantage for the Island because
markets are becoming increasingly sensitive about drug residues in honey.
There was a great fuss sometime back about a load of Chinese honey being
rejected because it was found to contain miticides. The rumor was that 10,000
tons of the sweet were affected.
The article continues with the observation that even the Australians
are not immune and that in fact any country where drugs are used in beehives
will end up with residue problems. For example, oxytetracycline residues were
recently found in honey from New South Wales, Australia. The honey was traced
back to an excellent beekeeper who wasn't one to "chuck a hivetool full of
antibiotic into any hive that looked crook." The person was a very careful
operator, but a combination of unfortunate circumstances led to drugs getting
through. The antibiotic apparently did not break down as it was supposed to.
Sulpha residues have been found in Canadian honey as well. Thus, the article
concludes, any drug feeding is going to cause some problems and loss of
markets, especially in Japan and Europe.
MENTHOL REGISTRATION--CAVEATS
By now most beekeepers are aware that menthol has finally been
registered for tracheal mite control in over-wintered colonies. Dr. Dale
Pollet from Louisiana State University said in his September newsletter: "We
can all breathe a sigh of relief. They've made us legal and upright citizens
again. Thank you EPA!" Although most share Dr. Pollet's enthusiasm for the
legalization of the material, several caveats about the use of the material
are in order as listed on the label. I am summarizing the information found
on two labels in my possession. It must be remembered, however, the only
legal way to apply the material is going strictly by a single label in one's
possession during application.
Both labels call for using 1.8 ounces (50 grams) of menthol per colony
during the period when there is no surplus honey flow and daytime temperatures
are expected to reach at least 60 degrees F. The material should be enclosed
in approximately seven inch square screen mesh bags or similar material.
Placing the material on the top bars is preferred provided the daytime
temperature does not exceed 80 degrees F. If daytime high is above 80 degrees
F., then the packet should be placed on the bottom board.
Ten to twelve weeks after treatment the menthol packets should be
removed. The material must not be applied during honey flows, and should be
taken out of a colony at least one month before any anticipated flow.
Although the material is a natural product and not thought to be
toxic, menthol must be treated with care. It can cause irreversible eye
damage and may be fatal if swallowed. Of major importance is that the
material be applied within the temperature limits shown on the label.
Menthol is a fumigant and must change from a solid crystal state to a gas to
become effective. Applying the material below the 60 degree threshold is a
waste of time and money. The label also cautions that bees may be repelled
from the hive and honey production reduced if colonies are treated during a
honey flow (strictly forbidden on both labels). Finally, use of the material
in areas where there is no stop in brood production may result in a reduction
in honey production. The last statement is particularly relevant to Florida
beekeepers.
The labels also include detailed instructions on storage and disposal
of the product. The accompanying letter from IR-4, the organization applying
for the label, says that several companies have already received labels and
more will likely obtain them in the future. Remember to INSIST ON GETTING A
LABEL when purchasing the product. It is the only way to be sure you are
complying with the law.
Sincerely,
Malcolm T. Sanford
0312 IFAS
202 Newell Hall
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL 32611-0312
Phone (904) 392-1801
BITNET Address: MTS@IFASGNV
INTERNET Address: [log in to unmask]
DIALCOM Address: AGS559
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