From LISTSERV@UACSC2.ALBANY.EDU Sun Oct 2 15:51:35 1994 Date: Sun, 2 Oct 1994 16:46:51 -0400 From: BITNET list server at ALBNYVM1 To: Allen Dick Subject: File: "BEE-L LOG9311" ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 31 Oct 1993 22:11:28 -0700 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jerry J Bromenshenk Subject: Re: Drying Bees In-Reply-To: (null) Initially, I responded directly to this question, not to the List Server. Since we have analyzed bees for chemical residues for over 20 years, we have tried many different drying regimes. Freeze drying retains the best color. However, it requires a freeze dryer (a good one) and it seldom provides a really good constant weight (unless you have a really good dryer). Forced air drying in an oven works well. Overnight at 95 degree C, 3-4 days at 40 degree C. Higher temperatures may volatize chemicals of interest. Too high and the samples scorch. Lower temperatures may result in mould if you have lots of insects and don't stir them once or twice a day. The only reason to use low temperature is to better retain vol Specimens to be used for dissection can be preserved in a frost-free, standard freezer. With care, specimens also can be dried in a mircrowave oven. However, put some liquied in the oven or risk damaging the microtron. Don't put on paper - you may start a fire. Hope this helps. Jerry J. Bromenshenk Division of Biological Sciences The University of Montana Missoula, MT 59812-1004 406 243-5648 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 1 Nov 1993 10:59:00 BST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Guy M. Poppy" Subject: Bernd Heinrich's address I am trying to get in touch with Bernd Heinrich. The address I have is: Zoology Dept, Vermont University, Burlington, Vermont. Is this the right one and can he be contacted via e-mail. Guy Poppy ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 1 Nov 1993 11:10:28 WET Reply-To: MunnPA@cardiff.ac.uk Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Dr Pamela Munn Subject: drying bees - agin A guy working on bumble bees in my lab used a very simple method: he just shredded up laurel leaves (they are poisonous - releases cyanide in small quantities, I think), put them under a cottonwool plug in a specimen tube and popped the bee in on top, then stoppered the tube. You leave them in there for some time - they don't go stiff or brittle and keep their colour - then they can be pinned out. Pam Munn _____________________________________________________________________________ | E-mail : MunnPA@Cardiff.AC.UK | Mail: IBRA, | | Phone : +44 222 372409 | 18, North Road, | | Fax : +44 222 665522 | Cardiff, | |---------------------------------------| South Glamorgan | | Please state if the message is for | CF1 3DY | | someone else within IBRA | United Kingdom | |_______________________________________|___________________________________| ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 1 Nov 1993 08:55:44 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: DAN VOGT Organization: SUNY at Plattsburgh, New York, USA Subject: Re: Bernd Heinrich's address Date sent: 1-NOV-1993 08:51:47 >From: IN%"BEE-L@ALBNYVM1.BITNET" "Discussion of Bee Biology" 1-NOV-1993 07:0 2:38.53 >To: IN%"BEE-L@ALBNYVM1.BITNET" "Multiple recipients of list BEE-L" >CC: >Subj: Bernd Heinrich's address > >Return-path: <@UBVM.CC.BUFFALO.EDU:owner-bee-l@UACSC2.ALBANY.EDU> >Received: from UBVM.CC.BUFFALO.EDU (MAILER@UBVM) by splava.cc.plattsburgh.edu > (PMDF #3312 ) id <01H4SJD4X7Q89JV9VZ@splava.cc.plattsburgh.edu>; Mon, > 1 Nov 1993 07:02:32 EST >Received: from UBVM.CC.BUFFALO.EDU (NJE origin LISTSERV@UBVM) by > UBVM.CC.BUFFALO.EDU (LMail V1.1d/1.7f) with BSMTP id 8239; Mon, > 1 Nov 1993 06:02:15 -0500 >Date: 01 Nov 1993 10:59:00 -0300 (BST) >From: "Guy M. Poppy" >Subject: Bernd Heinrich's address >Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology >To: Multiple recipients of list BEE-L >Reply-to: Discussion of Bee Biology >Message-id: <01H4SJD4X7QA9JV9VZ@splava.cc.plattsburgh.edu> >X-Envelope-to: MENARDAE, VOGTFD >Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT > >I am trying to get in touch with Bernd Heinrich. The address I have is: >Zoology Dept, Vermont University, Burlington, Vermont. Is this the right one >and can he be contacted via e-mail. >Guy Poppy yes, at zip: 05405 phone: 802-656-0443 no Email Dr. F. Daniel Vogt Dept. of Biology Beaumont Hall Rm 446 SUNY, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 518-564-5167 VOGTFD@SNYPLAVA.BITNET VOGTFD@SPLAVA.CC.PLATTSBURGH.EDU ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 1 Nov 1993 10:28:12 EST Reply-To: Harald.E.Esch.1@nd.edu Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Harald E. Esch" Subject: Re: Bernd Heinrich's address In Message Mon, 1 Nov 1993 10:59:00 BST, "Guy M. Poppy" writes: >I am trying to get in touch with Bernd Heinrich. The address I have is: >Zoology Dept, Vermont University, Burlington, Vermont. Is this the right one >and can he be contacted via e-mail. >Guy Poppy Bernd's address is: Department of Zoology University of Vermont Marsh Life Science Building Burlington, Vermont 05405-0086 Tel. 802-656-2922 Fax 802-656-2914 Harald Esch Department of Biological Sciences University of Notre Dame =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Harald E. Esch ("Harald.E.Esch.1@nd.edu") Professor, Dept. Biological Sciences University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame IN 46556 Phone: (219) 631-7025 FAX: (219) 631-7413 Dept. Office: (219) 631-7186 =-=-=-==-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 1 Nov 1993 10:59:29 -0400 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: stephen j clark Subject: phone numbers Should we really be giving out phone numbers over the Internet without checking with the owners of those numbers? Stephen Clark Vassar College ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 1 Nov 1993 13:12:08 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Ray Lackey Subject: American Foul Brood American Foul Brood spores are reported to remain viable for over thirty years. In New York state, the only approved treatment of infected hives is the burning of the bees, wax, honey, and frames. Outer woodenware may be salvaged by scorching. Scorching is tricky. Boxes are to be scraped to remove propolis and wax before scorching. NYS recommends stacking up to eight boxes high, using some kerosene, and creating a hot fire up through the stack. I am not satisfied with the uniformity of scorching using this method. I'm sure corners do not have exposure to temperatures as high as centers of walls just from scorch evidence. I've had burn- through at the handholds with no scorching in the corners. I really question whether attempts to salvage using this method are effective, or worth the effort. I have also read that some wax melters/ honey liquefiers can be used to treat AFB. My questions: 1) Does anyone know the temperature/time profile necessary to destroy the AFB spores? 2) I've read of using paraffin to treat hives for preservation. Does the temperature of the paraffin dip destroy the AFB spores or suitably seal them away from bees? 3) Does anyone have a different way of treating for AFB spores in a small way? We have sections of the Island with high incidence of AFB year after year. Timing of treatment and supering can get tedious. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + Raymond J. Lackey + + Beekeeper 10 years with 25 colonies on Long Island, NY+ + INTERNET: rjl7317@hazeltine.com + + Mail: 1260 Walnut Avenue, Bohemia NY 11617 + + Home Phone: 516-567-1936 FAX: 516-262-8053 + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 1 Nov 1993 13:38:00 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: JOHN HARBO Subject: marking varroa Does anyone know of a way to mark varroa mites? I haven't done extensive testing , but I have tried one lacquer based and one water based paint applied to the dorsal side of a mite. Neither seemed to stay on the mites after they were returned to the bee colony. However, it is also possible that my marking method killed the mites or that all the marked mites escaped my search. I am also interested in learning about marking attempts that have failed. John Harbo Baton Rouge, LA USA JHARBO@ASRR.ARSUSDA.GOV ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 1 Nov 1993 19:49:42 +0100 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Staffan Str|m CRsn Subject: BIDATA SOFTWARE Hello all bee-lovers! I can now annonce that you have the possebility by anonymous-FTP can get the following files from ftp.sunet.se. -r--r--r-- 1 9500 1100 36758 Oct 22 21:59 beefiles.txt This file contains sample of Bee files circulating inside the Beenet. -r--r--r-- 1 9500 1100 16763 Oct 22 22:00 beeinfo.txt This file contains info about BEENET. -r--r--r-- 1 9500 1100 2690 Oct 22 22:00 bidata.txt This file contains info about the DEMO-version of BIDATA. PC Databasprogram develooped for Beekeepers by a beekeeper. -r--r--r-- 1 9500 1100 435809 Oct 22 22:01 bidata.zip This file contains the BIDATA DEMO program, in compressed form. You find all files on ftp.sunet.se in directory: /pub/Science/Agriculture/beenet. You are wellcome to get the files, if you have some articels or other intresting for beekeepers you can put it on ftp.sunet.se under /uploads. If you dont know how ftp is working, ask your computersupport. _______________________________________________________________ Staffan Str|m Telia Data AB Mail: Telia Data AB, G|ta Ark, S-118 81 STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN Telephone: (+46) 8 45 614 33 FAX: (+46) 8 642 10 47 INTERNET: STAFFAN@SPARCY.C.TVT.SE _______________________________________________________________ ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 1 Nov 1993 14:56:43 PST Reply-To: uc779@freenet.victoria.bc.ca Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Conrad A. Berube" Subject: HOW TO SUBSCRIBE How do I subscribe to the BeeLine? Requests for subscription made to the list-server @albany.edu are returned to me saying there is no list-server @albany.edu. -- Conrad A. Berube, Jr. 244 Linden Ave. Victoria, B.C. V8V 4E5 (604)480-0223 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 1 Nov 1993 15:15:43 PST Reply-To: uc779@freenet.victoria.bc.ca Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Conrad A. Berube" Subject: NEVER MIND SUBCRIPTION INFO REQUEST Please disregard the previous posting regarding subscription request info-- when I posted that request the list-server sent me back its own complete address (with that UACSC2 incorporated into it) that allowed me to complete my subscription. Thanks, Swarmest regards, -- uc779@freenet.victoria.bc.ca ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 1 Nov 1993 17:55:02 -0600 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "La Reine de la Cite' des Phoques (Liz Day)" Subject: bee museums in Dallas I will be spending a week in Nov. in Dallas, and want to spend some time looking at collections of Bombus, if any exist. Is anyone aware museums or schools there that may have insect collections? (The friend I'm visiting is a physicist and has no clue..!) Thanks, Liz Day University of Illinois at Chicago day@eecs.uic.edu ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 2 Nov 1993 09:27:34 +0200 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "SEPPO KORPELA, e-mail teo2%MTTK@cc.Helsinki.FI" Subject: Re: marking varroa > > Does anyone know of a way to mark varroa mites? I haven't done > extensive testing , but I have tried one lacquer based and one water > based paint applied to the dorsal side of a mite. Neither seemed to > stay on the mites after they were returned to the bee colony. However, > it is also possible that my marking method killed the mites or that all > the marked mites escaped my search. I am also interested in learning > about marking attempts that have failed. > For marking of varroa mites see an article by A.E. Schulz in Apidologie, vol. 15 (1984), pp. 401-420. He used a mixture of cyanacrylate and a fluorescent pigment. Total number of the marked mites was 1323 whereof 666 were lost. ============================================================================= * Seppo Korpela Agricultural Research Center of Finland * * Phone INT + 358 16 188 576 Institute of Plant Protection * * FAX INT + 358 16 188 584 FIN-31600 Jokioinen * * E-mail TEO2%MTTK@cc.Helsinki.FI Finland * ============================================================================= ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 2 Nov 1993 20:40:00 +1300 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: NICKW@WAIKATO.AC.NZ Subject: Paraffin wax dipping... Paraffin wax dipping is used extensively by beekeepers in New Zealand for both preservative treatment and to treat equipment infected with AFB. Earliest reference I have (as a preservative) goes back to 1939: Robinson, D.S. 1939. Paraffin wax for preserving hive parts. NZ Journal of Agriculture 58:79. It refers to the practice having been 'tried out for a number of years'. Method has changed very little in the 50 years since! A follow up article appeared a few years later: Line, S. 1953. Preserving hive parts with paraffin wax 87: 249-250. It refers to supers that had been in use for over 20 years, making the practice appear to have been about for about 60 years now! That article also referred to the use in sterilising supers and bottom boards contaminated with AFB. I've seen dippers fired with kerosene and with two 2000 watt electric elements. The most basic unit is just a tank over a fire, with a considerably higher consequent risk of fires. Tidier 'over the fire' units involve baffling to get more heat transfer into the wax, chimneys up through the middle, etc. There have been several designs in NZ Beekeeper mags over the years. Two on hand are: Matheson, A.G. 1980. Easily constructed paraffin wax dipper. NZ Beekeeper 41(4):11-12. Reid, G.M.; Matheson, A.G. 1978. Waikato version of a paraffin wax dipper. NZ Beekeeper 39(2):27-28 Another reference to the method is: Cook, V.A. 1968. Preserving beehive parts with paraffin wax. N.Z. Journal Agriculture 117(1): 60-61. When using paraffin dipping as a preservative, and yet still wanting to paint the supers, you have to slap the paint on while it the box is still VERY hot, letting the paint get sucked into the wood. I've worked with pre-soaking in Metelex (copper napthenate) as a fungicide, but not sure how much stayed in/on the wood after the wax dipping... And as there is no inherent fungicidal activity, if the wax surface is (1) not really 'sucked' into the wood adequately or (2) broken through use, etc, rot can still set in... But redipping is a relatively simple matter, too. For use in sterilising gear, keep in mind that New Zealand does not feed drugs to control AFB. When AFB is detected, the 'general' rule is that the bees and all gear are burned to destroy. In fact, most commercial outfits are geared up to wax dip the boxes, floors, lids, excluders, etc so as to reuse them. For use as a sterilant, the boxes/floors need to stay in the dipper for about 10 minutes or so. I can't remember the 'proper' temperatures, but the rule of thumb is (for both purposes) to keep the wax below the flash point (good idea that...) but damn hot. There's a point that there's a white vapour that comes off the surface of the wax that indicates 'hot enough'. Buying out an 'infected' outfit and *serious* dipping of all the boxes, floors and lids has cleaned up many a ready-to-abandon outfit. You can't do anything about saving the frames and comb, but the economics are often such that you can melt out the lot and get enough from the beeswax to get at least some of the cost of frames and foundation back. And I've been repeatedly assured that the beeswax (after going through the foundation process) no longer has active AFB spores. Steam treatment can also be used, but you've got to have access to plenty of and for a long enough period (10 to 15 minutes). I'd be a little concerned to make sure the steam was baffled about to get/stay soundly in contact for the full period required. NZ has used scorching of gear in the past, but general concensus is that it simply wasn't consistently effective enough. It can be done, the older guys say, but the line I heard was 'The best way to make sure you've scorched them properly is make sure the scorching from the inside of the box meets up with scorching from the outside!' ------------------------------------- Nick Wallingford Bay of Plenty Polytechnic (East coast, N Island, New Zealand) Internet nickw@waikato.ac.nz ------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 2 Nov 1993 19:10:10 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology Comments: Warning -- original Sender: tag was jmvandyck@CC.FUNDP.AC.BE From: Jean-Marie Van Dyck Subject: Re: American Foul Brood >From file item: BUZZ0793.TXT 7/26/93 9:32AM (Terry Dahms) > About the "SIOUX HONEY ASSOCIATION PIONEER ..." > > During the thirties the Browns developed the famous Brown > strain of bees that was resistant to American foulbrood. The > apiary containing these bees was located near their wax rendering > plant. These bees would rob the combs Sioux members would bring > to the plant to have melted. Therefore, the bees were exposed to > American foulbrood from many different sources. This apiary was > the source of the famous Brown genotype of bees that Dr. > Rothenbuhler and others have used in their genetic studies on > American foulbrood resistance in honey bees. > Bert attended Iowa State College at Ames where he worked with > Dr. Floyd Paddock and Frank Pellett. The Browns also cooperated > with Paddock, Pellett and others in the development of bees > resistant to American foulbrood. >From file item: AUGAPIS.93 9-Aug-93 (Malcolm Sanford) > A CHALKBROOD/AFB CONNECTION > Dr. H. Shimanuki, our featured speaker at this year's Florida > Beekeepers Institute, and colleagues at the Beltsville Bee Lab in > Beltsville, Maryland were highlighted in a recent spread in > Agricultural Research, the information organ of the USDA's > Agricultural Research Service (July 1993). In conjunction with > their efforts to diagnose diseases in samples sent in by the > beekeeping industry, Beltsville researchers noticed a decline in > European foulbrood samples from New Jersey bees (1980-1990) while > the number of chalkbrood samples remained constant. > > Further investigation has shown that Ascosphaera apis, the > causative organism of chalkbrood disease, produces a substance that > inhibits growth of bacteria causing both American and European > foulbrood. This material has been isolated and could provide the > basis for a new, inexpensive control for both foulbroods. Thus, > like the bees themselves, the microorganisms found in the nest also > are interrelated in a complex community. >From the questions of Ray Lackey 1 Nov 1993 13:12 > 1) Does anyone know the temperature/time profile > necessary to destroy the AFB spores? > 2) I've read of using paraffin to treat hives for > preservation. Does the temperature of the paraffin dip > destroy the AFB spores or suitably seal them away from bees? > 3) Does anyone have a different way of treating for AFB > spores in a small way? It seems the Nick Wallingford talk giving the usual way of life with AFB in NZ answers more or less (temper.?) the two first questions. See : Paraffin wax dipping... Date: Tue, 2 Nov 1993 20:40:00 +1300 During 40 years I knew bees and bees world in Belgium, I never ear about AFB. We got here mite Acarapis (end about 1962), Varroa (we have it), Wax Moth (2 sp), we've chalkbrood (difficult to get pollen without some white stones). => This year we had 2 hot-beds of AFB (7 km between the 2). The beekeepers didn't know each other. Asking Pr. Van Laere who centralizes the different cases : he found a case of two by one or 2 years in whole Belgium. My questions : 4/ Does anyone know about this resistant to AFB line of bees ? 5/ Does anyone know the researcher (and may be paper, I don't find anything) who works on the relation chalkbrood - AFB ? 6/ Does anyone can explain how these isolated cases could arrive ? 7/ Does anyone know about a serious epidemiological investigation on AFB (including bees lines and usual beekeeper works) Thanks for your minds. Regards JMVD ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jean-Marie Van Dyck email : bitnet jmvandyck@bnandp51 B.P. 102 internet jmvandyck@cc.fundp.ac.be B-5000 NAMUR (Belgium) School Med. - Physiol. Chem. dept ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 2 Nov 1993 13:30:13 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Ray Lackey Subject: BIDATA files I tried sending this direct but must have something wrong: >From MAILER-DAEMON Tue Nov 2 12:11 EST 1993 Return-Path: Date: Mon, 1 Nov 93 16:18:41 -0500 >From: MAILER-DAEMON (Mail Delivery Subsystem) Received: by hazeltine.com (16.8/3.1.090690-Hazeltine Corporation) id AA26723; Tue, 2 Nov 93 12:11:25 -0500 Subject: Returned mail: User unknown Message-Id: <9311021711.AA26723@hazeltine.com> To: rjl7317 Status: R ----- Transcript of session follows ----- While connected to sparcy.c.tvt.se [131.115.136.209] (tcp): >>> RCPT To: <<< 550 ... User unknown 550 staffen@sparcy.c.tvt.se... User unknown ----- Unsent message follows ----- Return-Path: Date: Mon, 1 Nov 93 16:18:41 -0500 >From: rjl7317 (Ray Lackey) Received: by hazeltine.com (16.8/3.1.090690-Hazeltine Corporation) id AA24003; Mon, 1 Nov 93 16:18:41 -0500 Message-Id: <9311012118.AA24003@hazeltine.com> To: staffen@sparcy.c.tvt.se Subject: bidata *.txt files ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + Raymond J. Lackey + + Beekeeper 10 years with 25 colonies on Long Island, NY+ + INTERNET: rjl7317@hazeltine.com + + Mail: 1260 Walnut Avenue, Bohemia NY 11617 + + Home Phone: 516-567-1936 FAX: 516-262-8053 + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ I was able to successfully ftp the mentioned files but was unable to read them. They appear to be written by some word processing program. I tried Word Perfect 5.1, DOS, and a text editor. Could they be made available in a test format and/or identify the format so I can find a translator. (text format - sorry) I was able to ftp the .zip file, unzip it, and run it, although without the other files, I didn't know what I was doing. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 2 Nov 1993 21:55:21 +0100 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Staffan Str|m CRsn Subject: Re: BIDATA files Hi! Sometimes the comuniction between 2 computers can get &%##?+!. The txt-files are "pure" ASCII, I have try them. They are ok. You have too get them by ascii not bin. My E-mail adress is STAFFAN@SPARCY.C.TVT.SE Try once more! Staffan Staffan Str|m Telia Data AB Mail: Telia Data AB, G|ta Ark, S-118 81 STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN Telephone: (+46) 8 45 614 33 FAX: (+46) 8 642 10 47 INTERNET: STAFFAN@SPARCY.C.TVT.SE _______________________________________________________________ ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 3 Nov 1993 16:49:16 PST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Son Trinh Subject: Height Hello, I'm a novice hobby beekeeper..I have an observation hive on a second floor. It seems the air pressure of outside is much stronger than indoor. Thus, there is a strong rush of air into the opening of the beehive..The bees don't seem to appreciate the constant cold air..i can't not open the window to equilibriate the air pressure..Does anyone have any suggestions and recommendation of how I should correct this problem..Thank you in advance. Son Trinh Dept of Entomology UC Davis E-Mail: sxtrinh@bullwinkle.ucdavis.edu ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 3 Nov 1993 21:09:27 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Michael Moroney Subject: Re: American Foulbrood I read somewhere (one of the several beekeeping books) that AFB-infected hive bodies can be salvaged by brushing on a concentrated lye solution. I do not know if this is recommended (or even allowed) by any authorities. The bees, honey, frames and wax must be burned in a pit and the ashes buried. -Mike ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 4 Nov 1993 08:33:00 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Ed Beary Subject: Re: Height I have about a two foot walkway between the entrance to the hive and the exit out of the building. During the cold months, I use a block of wood with a narrow entrance and a sliding door which is closed at night and opened during the day. The block of wood has screened side vents opening into the room which allows most of the cold air to bypass the opening to the hive walkway so most of the cold air does not enter the hive. The walkway has a removable plastic top that allows me to see and remove debri which the bees deposit when it is too cold for them to go outdoors. The walkway is about 5 cm wide and 3 cm deep cut into a 2 x 4. During the summer, I change the top and remove the block so the opening is wider to the outside. I could send you a couple of photos of the setup if yougive me a snil-mail address. I still have not been successful at overwintering my observation hive. I need a better mechanism to feed them and provide pollen for the hive in january. ED Beary BEARY@UNO.CC.GENESEO.EDU Biology Dept SUNY GENESEO GENESEO, NY 14454 ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 4 Nov 1993 07:52:00 -0800 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Kerry Clark 784-2225 fax (604) 784 2299" Subject: Re: Height I had an observation hive with a similar problem. If you make a tube out of metal window screen or hardware cloth (mesh small enough to stop the bees, 3mm or 8 mesh/inch), 6 inches long or more, to form the passageway for the bees from the observation hive to the window, at least the air flow at the hive entrance is dissipated and in my case the bees did OK. good luck Kerry Clark, Apiculture Specialist B.C. Ministry of Agriculture 1201 103 Ave Dawson Creek B.C. V1G 4J2 CANADA Tel (604) 784-2225 fax (604) 784-2299 INTERNET KCLARK@GALAXY.GOV.BC.CA ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 4 Nov 1993 15:04:40 EST Reply-To: Harald.E.Esch.1@nd.edu Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Harald E. Esch" Subject: Re: Height In Message Wed, 3 Nov 1993 16:49:16 PST, Son Trinh writes: >Hello, > > I'm a novice hobby beekeeper..I have an observation hive on a second floor. >It seems the air pressure of outside is much stronger than indoor. Thus, >there is a strong rush of air into the opening of the beehive..The bees don't >seem to appreciate the constant cold air..i can't not open the window to >equilibriate the air pressure..Does anyone have any suggestions and recommendat ion of how I should correct this problem..Thank you in advance. > >Son Trinh >Dept of Entomology >UC Davis >E-Mail: sxtrinh@bullwinkle.ucdavis.edu It is not the height of the second floor that creates the pressure, your building probably has a negative pressure inside. I had a similar problem. Connect a "runway" between window and hive (possible 20 cm long) and have the runway open to the room , keep bees with wire mesh from escaping. The cold air will rush into the room but not into the hive, water will not condense at the hive entrance. Harald Esch Department of Biological Sciences University of Notre Dame =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Harald E. Esch ("Harald.E.Esch.1@nd.edu") Professor, Dept. Biological Sciences University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame IN 46556 Phone: (219) 631-7025 FAX: (219) 631-7413 Dept. Office: (219) 631-7186 =-=-=-==-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 4 Nov 1993 15:10:00 CST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: tdahms@SLEDGE-PO.WEEG.UIOWA.EDU Subject: October 'Buzz' - Iowa Beekeepers newsletter Submitted by Terry Dahms - President East Central Iowa Beekeepers internet: terry-dahms@uiowa.edu ----------------------------------------------------------------- THE BUZZ SEPTEMBER, 1993 ----------------------------------------------------------------- A newsletter published monthly as a cooperative effort by The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and The Iowa Honey Producers Association (IHPA), an affiliate member of the Iowa Horticultural Society. Copy deadline is the 20th of each month. Your ideas, comments and letters are welcomed and encouraged. EDITOR: Bob Cox, State Apiarist, Iowa Dept. of Agriculture, Wallace Building, Des Monies, IA. 50319 phone: (515) 281-5736 IHPA MEMBERSHIP: Membership dues in the Iowa Honey Producers Assn. are $5.00/year. Send to Robert Shepherd, IHPA Treasurer. ----------------------------------------------------------------- STATE APIARISTS REPORT What beautiful fall weather we've been having! It is high time to harvest your honey. Be sure to check a little of your honey for moisture content before you extract. It should be 18.5% or less or else it may ferment and be ruined. You may send me a sample in a sealed plastic container and I'll check it with our refractometer and give you a call on the results. If the moisture level is too high then you can place your supers in a small room with a dehumidifier and/or fan running to dry out the honey. Anyone moving bees out of the state needs to contact me soon about getting a Certificate of Inspection. Get your supers off as soon as possible, so you can treat for the Varroa mite. To gain entry into most states colonies must test free of Varroa mites or be treated with an EPA-approved product for a period of time. It is getting pretty late to benefit from tracheal mite treatment because brood rearing will cease before too long. Menthol or any other tracheal mite chemical will only benefit the colony if there is a lot of brood rearing in progress at the time of treatment. In addition to mite treatments, supplemental feeding of your colonies may be necessary this time of the year. If you remove the surplus honey early and we have a good fall nectar flow from goldenrod, spanish needle or asters then you may not need to provide supplemental feed. Colonies should have 60-90 pounds of honey (not including the weight of bees, pollen, old dark comb, frames, hive bodies, bottom board and cover) to get through the winter. A heavy sugar syrup (2 parts sugar : 1 part hot water), high fructose corn syrup or frames of honey make the best fall feed. Fumadil-B or Nosema-X can be added to the syrup this fall to reduce the loss of bees or spring dwindling due to Nosema disease. State Fair attendance, the number of apiary exhibits and gross sales of honey products were down this year due to cool rainy weather. However, its still the largest event of its kind for promoting our industry in Iowa. The results of the judging of Apiary exhibits are reported on page 2. We also rely on the Fair to generate significant income for the Iowa Honey Producers Association. We are very concerned about Bob Gott who helped at the Honey Booth until he became ill and is still in the Intensive Care Unit at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines at the time of this writing. 1993 IOWA STATE FAIR RESULTS Sweepstakes Plaque Winner - Lynette Kellogg $213 1st runnerup - David Tull $211 2nd runnerup - Jesse Kellogg $100 3rd runnerup - Tim Laughlin $ 90 4th runnerup - Melissa Laughlin $ 79 Observation Hive Empty Frame 1st Place David Tull 1st Place Melissa Laughlin 2nd Place Jesse Kellogg 2nd Place Ray Tull 3rd Place Brian Powell 3rd Place Tim Laughlin 4th Place Tim Laughlin 4th Place Bill Van Roekel Cut Comb in Plastic Box White Extracted Honey 1st Place Tom Schuster 1st Place Melissa Laughlin 2nd Place Herman Bickle 2nd Place William Baker 3rd Place David Tull 3rd Place Herman Bickle 4th Place Bill Van Roekel 4th Place Matt Stewart Amber Extracted Honey Chunk Honey Combination 1st Place Ray Tull 1st Place David Tull 2nd Place David Tull 2nd Place Lynette Kellogg 3rd Place Lynette Kellogg 3rd Place Mike O'Hearn 4th Place Shane Kellogg 4th Place Lanny Buttz Plain Creamed Honey Frame of Extracting Honey 1st Place Lynette Kellogg 1st Place Tim Laughlin 2nd Place Jesse Kellogg 2nd Place Bill Van Roekel 3rd Place Lanny Buttz 3rd Place Melissa Laughlin 4th Place Bill Van Roekel 4th Place David Tull Block of Beeswax Beeswax Art (poured-mold) 1st Place Lynette Kellogg 1st Place Maxine Burns 2nd Place Maxine Burns 2nd Place Lynette Kellogg 3rd Place Tim Laughlin 3rd Place Norman Burns 4th Place David Tull 4th Place Jesse Kellogg Flavored Creamed Honey Handcrafted Beeswax Art 1st Place Lanny Buttz 1st Place Shane Kellogg 2nd Place Lynette Kellogg 2nd Place Lynette Kellogg 3rd Place Jesse Kellogg Beeswax Candles Window Display 1st Place Jesse Kellogg 1st Place David Tull 2nd Place Maxine Burns 2nd Place Lynette Kellogg 3rd Place Lynette Kellogg 4th Place Tim Laughlin White Comb Honey White Round Comb Honey 1st Place Stanley Weiser 1st Place David Tull 2nd Place Mike O'Hearn 2nd Place Ray Tull 3rd Place David Tull HONEY MONTH ACTIVITIES September is a great time to promote honey and beekeeping in your local area. Listed below are some Honey Month activities of which I am aware and are sponsored by Iowa Honey Producers and/or the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. 1. Honey Month Proclamation Signing Ceremony at the Governor's Office August 31. Newsreleases and photos sent to local newspapers. 2. During September a Honey Month window display will be set up at the Wallace State Office Building in Des Moines. 3. Honey Month promotional materials used at the Des Moines Botanical Center's New Cafe all month. Laminated honey posters, table tents, honey recipes, honey bee coloring books, and honey provided in squeeze bears. 4. Richard Peterson, beekeeper from Albia will have a honey booth at Old Threshers Reunion in Mt. Pleasant September 3-5. 5. Honey squeeze bears, recipe brochures, and honey posters provided for the Agriculture - Wheel of Fortune game at the Clay County Fair in Spencer September 11-18. 6. Honey Booth set up on "Celebrate Agriculture" Day at the National Cattleman's Congress in Waterloo September 18. 7. "A Taste of Honey" Day at the Des Moines Botanical Center September 25. The American Honey Princess, Heather Pomeroy of Wayland, Iowa will serve tastes of various types of honey to visitors at the Botanical Center. 8. Members of the IHPA promotional and honey queen committees are making a concentrated effort to send newsreleases and get radio and television interviews to talk about our industry during this month. DID YOU KNOW.... A group of bees is known as a grist of bees (Colloquial U.S.). - from the 1954 Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language - unabridged. (submitted by Stuart Arey of Cresco, Iowa) AFRICANIZED BEES IN ARIZONA At least nine swarms of Africanized honey bees (AHB) have been detected in southern Arizona between Tuscon and Yuma. The majority of the AHB swarms were found near the town of Sasabe and consequently, the area around Sasabe is considered to be generally infested with AHB. Africanized swarms have also been detected in Tuscon and 56 miles northeast of Yuma. USDA/APHIS officials report that the Arizona Department Agriculture is activating its State Action Plan for AHB. Under this plan, ADA will require all bees to be certified as free of AHB prior to movement out of the State. Also as a portion of the plan, the USDA/APHIS will provide technical support, training, and cooperative assistance in monitoring the movement of AHB. HONEY VERSES "A land flowing with milk and honey" (The Old Testament) "Bee Udderly Cool" Drink milk and eat honey. (Saw this sign on the side of a barn in Wisconsin - the editor.) "THE GREAT MITE PLAGUE OF 1993" (Harry Fulton, MS State Apiarist) Varroa mites have humbled some beekeepers and again showed us how little we know and how much more we need research on the practical aspects of pest management in beekeeping operations. Based on the unfortunate necessity of learning from experience, it appears that two treatments (not just one during the fall/winter) will be necessary to keep Varroa at bay in colonies. Beekeepers in Mississippi, Alabama and Florida have experienced a devastating loss of colonies this summer, in spite of having treated hives in the fall/winter with "Miticur Bee Mite Strips" according to label directions. In one case, hives were monitored by using the ether-roll technique and good control was noted. In all cases, the hives overwintered, built up a good population, and made a decent spring crop of honey. In July, when beekeepers went to remove the honey (after inspecting them just 2-3 weeks earlier) they found a big portion of them dead. The ground in and near the apiaries was covered with dead bees. The dead and dying hives contained a tremendous number of Varroa mites crawling on the frames. Pesticide kills were improbable since there were no crops in the area and the apiaries were isolated from mosquito spray programs. The only conclusion based on the evidence is that Varroa killed them. But how could that have happened the beekeepers wonder? They were treated in the winter and strips removed in February. Where did so many mites come from? The answer is really is not too hard to figure out: reinfestation! Unless your neighboring beekeepers treat, your hives will become infested; or maybe you forgot to treat a hive or two. The first thought that comes to mind is "the treatment didn't do the job!" But, where hives were monitored, it did reduce Varroa levels! This all points out that we must take Varroa serious (as the worst pest to honey bees known in the world). Beekeepers must spend time visiting apiaries and monitoring Varroa population levels using the ether-roll or the soapy water technique. Strips must stay in the hives at least six weeks to get good control because at any one time only 10% of the mites are outside the brood cells. (Editor's note: In Iowa, if levels of Varroa exceed 10 mites in a 300-bee ether-roll test, then another treatment is necessary even if bees were treated the previous fall or spring.) FEDERAL DISASTER RELIEF NOTICE (from Dan Cooper, St. Horticulturist) Follow the procedures listed below for crop losses in 1993: 1. Notify the County ASCS office of failed plantings, prevented plantings or reduced yields. 2. Application for Disaster Credit may be filed if you have either a failed or prevented planting. On reduced yields, the harvest will have to be completed prior to filing for assistance. 3. Gather records. If you sell directly to consumers, it is very important to keep the sales records. If this is not done, verifying your losses will be more difficult. If you sell on the wholesale market, keep warehouse receipts. 4. Those who have lost buildings and equipment in flooded areas, contact FEMA offices set up and the SBA if you anticipate applying for disaster loans. This is only for non-crop damage. MITICUR STRIPS WITHDRAWN FROM THE MARKET Hoechst-Roussel Agrivet Company is instructing all beekeepers to stop using Miticur (amitraz) miticide strips packaged in bags of 30 strips as a precautionary measure. Hoechst-Roussel had requested in January of this year that beekeepers stop using Miticur strips packaged in bags of 300 strips. This request was made in response to reports of possible adverse reactions in bees following application of Miticur. Hoechst-Roussel is taking the additional precautionary measure of asking beekeepers not to use strips from bags of 30 strips because the company's investigations have not identified the cause of the reactions which allegedly resulted from the 300-strip package. A letter from Hoechst-Roussel and a reimbursement form for unopened packages of 30 have been sent to all beekeepers who are listed as having bought Miticur miticide in 30-strip packages. Hoechst-Roussel asks that beekeepers who may have purchased Miticur on behalf of other apiaries (beekeepers) advise those apiaries (beekeepers) of this latest precautionary measure from Hoechst-Roussel. Beekeepers who have any questions about Miticur packaged in 30-strip bags may call Hoechst-Roussel at 1-800-723-6516. Inquiries about Miticur strips from packages of 300's should be directed to NOR-AM Chemical Company at (302) 892-3000. Hoechst-Roussel Agri-Vet Company is part of the Life Sciences Group of Hoechst Celanese Corporation of Somerville, N.J., a wholly owned subsidiary of Hoechst AG of Frankfurt, Germany. NEW HONEY RECIPE CARDS FOR SCHOOLS The National Honey Board has developed new bulk honey recipes for noncommercial foodservice operators such as schools, business and industry cafeterias and colleges. The recipes are printed on cards which feature other ideas for using honey and usage tips. Recipes include Honey-Lemon Butter for baked fish or chicken, Honey Tomato Sauce for open-faced sandwiches, a pear and honey dessert and Honey-Orange Peanut Butter Spread. Recipe cards are available on request from the National Honey Board. HONEY BOARD INVITES BEEKEEPERS TO FALL MEETING The National Honey Board will meet in Phoenix, Arizona on October 6 - 9. This meeting will include the National Honey Board's Nominations Committee with representatives from across the country. The Nominations Committee meets once a year to select new candidates for the Board. All interested beekeepers are invited to attend this meeting. Please contact Tina Tindall at the National Honey Board office (303) 776-2337 to make arrangements. HONEY BOARD PROMPTS REVISED STANDARDS FOR HONEY EXPORTS TO MIDDLE EAST The Gulf Standards for Honey have been revised. The previous standards were non-tariff trade barriers which restricted entrance of U.S. honey into the Saudi Arabian market. The new standards lower the diastase enzyme level from 8 to 3 and increases the standard for HMF from 40mg/kg to 80 mg/kg. This revision was initiated following a technical seminar conducted by the National Honey Board on May 25, 1992. The National Honey Board, the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service and the Saudi Arabia Standards Cooperation Program conducted a technical seminar in Saudi Arabia to deliver information on U.S. honey standards, quality control and testing procedures. Attendees included Saudi Arabian government officials, Gulf Cooperation Council country representatives and key Saudi Arabian trade representatives. "There was resistance and opposition to changing the standard from the other major global honey exporters to Saudi Arabia" said Bob Smith, executive director from the National Honey Board. "However, Saudi Arabia was anxious to allow quality U.S. honey in the market." This revision represents expanded opportunities for U.S. honey exporters to the gulf states, said Smith. ***************************************************************** DADANT BEE SUPPLY DEALER specializing in providing supplies for the hobbyist and small sideline beekeeper. AUTUMN APIARIES, INC. - GORDON & BEVERLY POWELL 4012 - 54TH STREET DES MOINES, IA. 50310 PHONE (515) 278-1762 ***************************************************************** (ADVERTISEMENTS) CALENDAR OF EVENTS SEPTEMBER 10-11 Laplanders Honey Conference 6:30 p.m. Friday and Honey-Walnut Classic on Saturday at the Inn of the Six-toed Cat, Allerton, Iowa. 13 Eastcentral Iowa Beekeepers Assn. meeting 7:00 p.m. Montgomery Hall at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Iowa City. 18 Central Iowa Beekeepers Meeting & Fall Field Day. Noon until 6:00 p.m. Topics: Overwintering & Disease Prevention. Evening meal will be catered. More details coming in the next issue of THE BUZZ. Honey Booth at the National Cattleman's Congress in Waterloo, Iowa 23 Scott County Beekeepers Assn. meeting 7:30 p.m. at Riefes Restaurant, 1417 W. Locust, Davenport For more info. contact: Jo Whitwood (319) 263-0992. 25 "Taste of Honey" Day at Des Moines Botanical Center 27-28 American Bee Research Conference, College Station, TX OCTOBER 2 IHPA Honey Queen Committee meeting. 10:00 a.m. at John & Elaine Johnson home in Ames. IHPA Board Meeting. 1:00 p.m. at Royal Cafe in Huxley 9 IHPA Fall Field Day 1:00 p.m. at Doug Schmitz's Honey House in Defiance, Iowa. See map on back cover. NOVEMBER 5 & 6 Annual Meeting of the Iowa Honey Producers Association Starlight Village Best Western Motel in Ames, Iowa. DECEMBER 2-4 Upper Midwest and Minnesota Beekeepers Meeting in Bloomington, MN. For more details see article in the August BUZZ or Contact Marla Spivak at (612) 624-4798 or Darrel Rufer at (612) 658-4645. FOR SALE: 35 Drums of White Honey. Contact: Tim Killeen, Carson, Iowa (402) 551-0973. WANTED: Good light honey in 55-gallon drums. Also looking for a good bee blower. Contact Curtis Barnhart, Monticello, Iowa Phone: (319) 465-3941. WANTED: Beekeeper to place colonies on our land in Northwest Iowa near Manson. Contact: Gayle Moline at Moline Brothers Turkey Farm, 1645 Shelby Avenue, Manson, IA 50563 Phone: (712) 469-2297. FOR SALE: 2800 colony outfit on pallets in central Iowa. All or part. Call (515) 332-1042. WEATHER FACTORS AFFECTING THE HONEY CROP Weather affects the secretion of nectar and also bee flight. Correlations between weather factors and honey yields have been indefinite because the factors are complex and interrelated. Sugar is manufactured by the action of sunlight on leaves. (This is the ultimate source of our food, fiber and much of our power). Healthy, vigorous plants produce more nectar than stunted plants. Certain plant nutrients influence nectar secretion. With plenty of moisture available, it appears that maximum hours of intense sunlight is best for nectar secretion in most important honey plants. Adequate water available to the plant is correlated with nectar secretion. The most favorable amount of rain varies with the soil type. Temperature has a marked influence on plant growth and nectar secretion. Honey flow may be influenced by temperature at the time of flowering and also by the effect of temperature pattern on plant growth throughout the season. Warm days and cool nights favor secretion of nectar as long as the nights are not too cool. Scale records indicate best results in clover areas at the temperatures of 80 to 90 degrees. High humidity makes more dilute nectar but apparently does not affect the amount of sugar produced. Bees must do more work to make honey from dilute nectar. Temperatures below 50 degrees or above 100, high wind, rain and threatened storm keep bees in the hive. The amount and concentration of nectar influences the number of bee visits to plants. This in turn affects pollination, for example bees prefer apple blossoms to pears as apple nectar is more concentrated. Tests indicate that the breeding of plants for high nectar secretions has practical possibilities. (Information compiled by Dewey Caron) (ADVERTISEMENT) ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 5 Nov 1993 22:20:52 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jessica Farris Subject: Why me? I was wondering if you could tell me how I got on this mailing list, and possibly when. Thanks Jessica Farris ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 6 Nov 1993 07:56:34 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Dave D. Cawley, a De Leon Socialist" Subject: Re: Why me? > From: Jessica Farris > I was wondering if you could tell me how I got on this mailing list, and > possibly when. You're on it cos you're as sweet as honey! 8-} ******************************************************************************** Dave D. Cawley | University of Scranton | What next and how? ddc1@jaguar.uofs.edu | ddc1@SCRANTON | -Karl Marx ******************************************************************************** ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 7 Nov 1993 19:30:30 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jackie McMillan Hello, All! Does anyone know of a map showing the range of the honeybee species (or even just Apis mellifera) on a global basis? If not, what about simply North America? From a couple of books on honey, I've been able to find a short list of U.S. plant species which bees a) forage from and b) pollinate ... is there a long list accessible, which includes Canadian plants as well (or even in particular)? Also, is anyone doing studies of wild bee populations in North America? Thanks for any information or references you can provide, Jackie ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 7 Nov 1993 21:14:28 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: BARBARA PARKER Subject: Re: your mail In-Reply-To: <01H51N3XEIWY00704H@pobox.ucs.umass.edu> from "Jackie McMillan" at Nov 7, 93 07:30:30 pm Jackie - There is a map in the book Archaeology of beekeeping, by Eva Crane - page 14-15 which shows world distribution of honey-producing bees. Perhaps this would help you. As to your second question, American honey plants, by Frank C. Pellett is a 467 page compilation of honey plants. It's an old book, but has been reissued by Dadant & Sons in l976. Both books should be available in any large library. If not, they can obtain them on inter-library loan. -- barbara.parker@library.umass.edu Amherst, MA 01003 "Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read."-- Groucho Marx ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 8 Nov 1993 11:12:53 -0600 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Claudio Gutierrez Does anyone know if there is any standard or norm about a small piece of wood (I don't know it name in english) (375x20x20 mm) which is used to reduce the entrance to the hive. In one side it has a small ''door'' of 150x10 mm and in the other side another small 'door' of 50x8 mm. Here beekepers put it in the entrance of the hive to reduce it in certain seasons to avoid other foreign bees come in to robe honey. The height (10 mm in one case, 8 mm in the other) seems to be arbitrary. Thats the reason I am asking for the norm. Any help or sugestions are welcome. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 8 Nov 1993 11:42:17 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jessica Farris Subject: Why me??? It apears that I have been acidentally added to your mailing list, if some one could remove me from it I would greatly appreciate it. Jessica farris ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Nov 1993 09:18:15 WET Reply-To: MunnPA@CARDIFF.AC.UK Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Dr Pamela Munn Subject: Re: your mail In-Reply-To: ; from "Jackie McMillan" at Nov 7, 93 7:30 pm > > > Hello, All! > Does anyone know of a map showing the range of the honeybee species > (or even just Apis mellifera) on a global basis? If not, what about simply > North America? From a couple of books on honey, I've been able to find a > short list of U.S. plant species which bees a) forage from and b) pollinate > ... is there a long list accessible, which includes Canadian plants as well > (or even in particular)? > Also, is anyone doing studies of wild bee populations in North > America? Thanks for any information or references you can provide, > Jackie > Ruttner's book 'The biogeography and taxonomy of the honey bee' has maps, but it is not very new - 1987 (I think). Pam Munn _____________________________________________________________________________ | E-mail : MunnPA@Cardiff.AC.UK | Mail: IBRA, | | Phone : +44 222 372409 | 18, North Road, | | Fax : +44 222 665522 | Cardiff, | |---------------------------------------| South Glamorgan | | Please state if the message is for | CF1 3DY | | someone else within IBRA | United Kingdom | |_______________________________________|___________________________________| ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Nov 1993 11:19:26 +0200 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: nokrian rivka I just wanted to check the address I have here. Thanks. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Nov 1993 09:17:00 CST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: tdahms@SLEDGE-PO.WEEG.UIOWA.EDU Subject: November 'BUZZ' - Iowa Beekeepers newsletter Submitted by Terry Dahms - President East Central Iowa Beekeepers internet: terry-dahms@uiowa.edu ----------------------------------------------------------------- THE BUZZ NOVEMBER, 1993 ----------------------------------------------------------------- A newsletter published monthly as a cooperative effort by The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and The Iowa Honey Producers Association (IHPA), an affiliate member of the Iowa Horticultural Society. Copy deadline is the 20th of each month. Your ideas, comments and letters are welcomed and encouraged. EDITOR: Bob Cox, State Apiarist, Iowa Dept. of Agriculture, Wallace Building, Des Monies, IA. 50319 phone: (515) 281-5736 IHPA MEMBERSHIP: Membership dues in the Iowa Honey Producers Assn. are $5.00/year. Send to Robert Shepherd, IHPA Treasurer. ----------------------------------------------------------------- PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE It's state meeting time again. Be there! Friday and Saturday November 5th and 6th are the dates and the Starlight Best Western Motel in Ames is the place. The motel is located just west of I-35 at the 1st St. Exit on the North side of the street. All the details are printed on page 7 of this newsletter. We have planned a good program of speakers covering such topics as crop pollination, queen management, spring management of colonies, beekeeping in Mexico, Egypt and Eastern Europe, controlling honeybee emergencies, the honey queen program and other topics. Our two out-of-state speakers are: Dr. Gloria Hoffman from the Tuscon Bee Research Laboratory and Mr. Phil May, commercial beekeeper from Harvard, Illinois. USDA DISCOVERS NEW CONTROL FOR FOULBROOD Recently a new chemical has been identified that controls American Foulbrood (AFB) Disease according to an article by Dr. Shimanuki in the October American Bee Journal. It is interesting to note that the discovery was based on the relationship between chalkbrood and AFB. In studies conducted in the 60's, 70's and 80's by the USDA Beltsville Bee Lab they noticed that as the incidence of chalkbrood increased the incidence of European Foulbrood decreased. Later, scientists isolated a substance from chalkbrood that inhibited the growth of both American and European Foulbrood bacteria in laboratory studies. A chemist at the lab identified the active ingredient as linoleic acid. Field tests are now being conducted to determine the best way to treat colonies of bees. AFRICANIZED BEES SPREAD USDA reports that Africanized bees (AHB) were found for the first time in the metropolitan area in Houston, Texas and near the Arizona-California state line. According to USDA officials, the bees were found in a trap eight miles south of Orchard in Fort Bend County, Texas. As a result Fort Bend, Jackson, Wharton and Colorado counties have been added to the quarantined zone regulating the movement of commercial colonies. With this find the Africanized bees have moved 300 miles Northeast in the last three years since first discovered near Brownsville, Texas. At the same time the AHB's have spread to the northwest through Texas, Old Mexico, and Arizona. The westernmost swarm of AHB's was found September 8th in a swarm trap four miles west of Yuma, Arizona near the Colorado River. The river at this point forms the border between Arizona and California. There are now twelve confirmed AHB finds in the state of Arizona. HAVE A HONEY OF A HOLIDAY BREAKFAST If you're in charge of feeding family and friends on Christmas morning, honey can help transform a basic breakfast into a jolly holiday fare. Honey can create a festive breakfast. Try drizzling honey over a mixture of granola and fruit or oatmeal. Top toasted bagels with cream cheese and honey. For the gourmets in your family, try this version of Bananas Foster (made famous by Brennan's in New Orleans) -- halve a banana (still in its peel), drizzle each banana half with honey, top with sliced almonds and broil for five minutes (about four to five inches from the source of heat.) Or, you can try a quick mix of honey with orange and lemon juice, orange peel and ground ginger tops apples for Honey Roasted Apples -- a special breakfast for a cozy holiday morning. HONEY ROASTED APPLES 4 medium baking apples 1/2 cup honey 1/4 cup orange juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon grated orange peel 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger* 1/3 cup hot water Pare top 1/3 of apples and remove core leaving 1/2-inch of core on bottom. Place apples in oiled baking dish. Combine honey, orange juice, orange peel, and ginger; mix well. Spoon over apples allowing mixture to fill centers and coat entire surface. Pour water into baking dish. Bake, covered, at 400oF 15 minutes. Remove cover and bake 30 minutes longer or until apples are glazed and tender; baste with liquid from baking dish every 15 minutes. Makes 4 servings. Microwave Method: Pare and core apples and mix glaze ingredients following directions above; omit water in dish. Arrange apples in a circle, 1/2-inch apart, in a microwave-safe dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 8 to 10 minutes (depending on size of apples) until apples are tender; baste apples and rotate dish every 2 to 3 minutes. Let stand 3 to 5 minutes before serving. Serving Tip: If desired, serve Honey Roasted Apples with plain or vanilla yogurt and granola. *One teaspoon fresh grated or chopped candied ginger may be substituted. STATE APIARISTS REPORT If you haven't prepared your bees for winter yet, this is the time to do it. Colonies should be medicated with Terramycin --and Apistan strips if you have Varroa, entrance reducers put in place, colonies insulated and/or wrapped against the cold and have ample honey (60-80 lbs.) stored for the winter. If you are moving bees or equipment out of state, contact the state apiarist's office soon. The days of good weather for inspecting are few and far between this time of year. I know some of you are planning on moving south and I hate getting calls in December to inspect your bees. There have been many questions about Varroa mite treatments. If you have Varroa, don't wait to treat; do it now! Infested colonies left untreated will die and cause a nuisance to neighboring beekeepers. The only control product available is Apistan strips. They are to be left in for four to six weeks and then removed. People have asked me if they can be left in the hives all winter. The label says only six weeks and so I don't know what will happen if left in all winter. However, when Miticur strips were left in all winter during a research project in Nebraska it seemed to hurt the colonies (i.e. Miticur-treated colonies had fewer frames of brood and adult bees than untreated colonies). That is a different chemical, so it may not relate to Apistan. The other concern would be an increased risk of contamination of hive products with pesticide residues if not removed. Don't give up on your bees because you've had several poor honey crops. You have a large investment in equipment; so protect it and utilize it. If you stick with the bees, we will have good honey crops again. If you neglect your equipment and bees because you are discouraged, you will never be able to take advantage of the honey crops when they can be made. CALENDAR OF EVENTS November 5 & 6 Iowa Honey Producers Annual Meeting, Starlight Best Western Motel at I-35 and 1st Street Exit in Ames (see program on page 7) December 2-4 1st Upper Midwest Regional Beekeepers Meeting and Minnesota Honey Producers Meeting, Comfort Inn-Airport Hotel in Bloomington, Minnesota (just south of Minneapolis) January, 1994 12-15 The 25th Annual Convention of the American Honey Producers Association at Holiday Inn Palo Verde in Tuscon, Arizona. National Honey Board Mtg. following. 18-23 The American Beekeepers Federation Meeting at the Sheraton World Resort Hotel in Orlando, Florida. MARKETING HONEY (reprinted from July/August 1986 Missouri Farm Magazine) In many ways, selling honey is similar to selling other products, but there are some differences, too. Being the first vendor at the farmers' market with sweet corn or tomatoes absolutely guarantees initial sales. Be the first at the market with a new crop of honey, though and it generates about as much excitement as snowballs in Alaska. Differences Honey is a popular item with some people, but since it is non-perishable, the first honey of the summer sells about as fast as the last. It is available year-round and doesn't need to be purchased the day it was harvested, so customers won't beat a path to your door like they will for strawberries or corn or other seasonal items. It is also a relatively low-use item. The average American consumes about 120 pounds of sugar in a year's time, but only one pound of honey. Most people buy three pounds or less a time, but may do this several times a year. This all-season availability can work to your advantage. Although honey sales are almost constantly slow, they are fairly steady throughout the year. It is not necessary to have the whole crop contracted for before it is produced; however, markets should be researched before jumping into full-time beekeeping. The existence of other honey producers in your area can definitely affect your potential sales. Certain seasons offer opportunities that can't be had with other forms of produce. Smaller containers can make nice stocking-stuffers a Christmas time. Attractive gift boxes can also generate sales for gift giving. Honey can be combined with other products for giving at Christmas. Many meat markets put together baskets of sausage, cheese, jams and jellies, tea, crackers, and why not honey, too? Honey and bears are often associated with each other and a fairly standard honey package is a twelve-ounce plastic squeeze bottle in the shape of a popular in recent years and a bear full of honey could make a good companion for a toy bear as a promotional item. Most produce is sold strictly by the pound or bushel in the fresh raw state. Honey's several different forms add to its marketability. Some people prefer comb honey, some extracted, some creamed or spun honey. Most people like light colored honey, but some prefer dark, and the amount a person buys depends on how much they use. A variety of container sizes and forms of honey are necessary to create the most sales of your honey. Another big difference is pick-your-own sales. With honey, this is definitely out! Similarities Marketing honey also shares similarities with other farm products. The work does not end with the production, but continues into the marketing phase. Markets have to be found and maintained, and marketing can be as much work as production. Whether you are selling green beans, Christmas trees, or honey, the first requirement is to have a top quality product. Although honey is not perishable, it requires careful handling to prevent overheating, contamination with dust or debris, and absorption of atmospheric moisture. All these can affect the flavor, appearance, and acceptability of your honey. Honey containers can convince people to buy your honey or to pass it by. I have seen honey packed in tin containers that don't allow any visual inspection. I feel that clear glass or plastic are much more attractive and let the customer see the color and clarity of the honey. Jars may be new or used, but if used, should only have contained a food product. (Editors note: However, not all food jars are acceptable--such as pickle jars and jars should be uniform in size and style). In any case, they should be absolutely clean. Jar lids also need to be neat and attractive. A dented, rusty lid can turn people off, as can one advertising the jar's former contents. I was at a market one time where another beekeeper was also selling honey. After several people told me they chose my honey because I had used new jars, I decided I would never try to cut expenses by using lids labeled for another product. When selling honey to the public, federal law requires that it carry a label. The label can be as plain or fancy as you like, but must contain certain information by law, and should be attractive to the customer. The law requires the label to show the name of the product, name and address of the producer, and net contents of the package. Even though the label is a requirement and may seem like an unnecessary expense, it is a good form of advertisement. Anyone who uses that honey will see your name and think about when the jar gets empty. As with other products, you should convince people to buy your honey specifically. Stress its local origin. As a beekeeper you are somewhat an oddity to many people. Many customers have had a relative who kept bees at some time. This is a good opportunity to share experiences. Remember, however, listen politely and respectfully to your potential customers' stories, no matter how outlandish they might be. Recollections of long-ago events may become muddled. Competition from other beekeepers in your area will have an effect on your sales and marketing strategies. It may be necessary to find your own niche and work on expanding and filling it. A beekeeper with 20 hives won't need as large a market as one 300 hives. I market most of my honey directly to the consumer through fairs, a farmer's market, and sales from my home. I also sell some wholesale in jars for direct resale. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. HONEY COOKING CONTEST Once again this year we will hold a "Cooking with Honey" Contest at our Annual Meeting in Ames. Enter your favorite dish in the following categories: drinks, desserts, main dishes, salads, cookies and snacks. Please provide a copy of the recipe and your name for each item entered on a 3x5" or 4x6" index card. These cards should be turned into the judges by 9:00 a.m. Friday November 5th. Please type or print clearly so others can understand how you made such a delicious food item. ***************************************************************** DADANT BEE SUPPLY DEALER specializing in providing supplies for the hobbyist and small sideline beekeeper. AUTUMN APIARIES, INC. - GORDON & BEVERLY POWELL 4012 - 54TH STREET DES MOINES, IA. 50310 PHONE (515) 278-1762 ***************************************************************** FIRST UPPER MIDWEST REGIONAL BEEKEEPERS MEETING Come to the Bloomington, MN Dec. 2-4 for this regional meeting of beekeepers. Featured speakers are Dr. Shimanuki, Sue Cobey & Dr. Marla Spivak. Advance reg- istration $10.00 For more info. CONTACT: Marla Spivak at (612) 624-4798. A HONEY OF A VERSE The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgements of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. (Psalm 19:9-10) ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Nov 1993 09:16:00 CST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: tdahms@SLEDGE-PO.WEEG.UIOWA.EDU Subject: October 'BUZZ' - Iowa Beekeepers newsletter Submitted by Terry Dahms - President East Central Iowa Beekeepers internet: terry-dahms@uiowa.edu ----------------------------------------------------------------- THE BUZZ OCTOBER, 1993 ----------------------------------------------------------------- A newsletter published monthly as a cooperative effort by The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and The Iowa Honey Producers Association (IHPA), an affiliate member of the Iowa Horticultural Society. Copy deadline is the 20th of each month. Your ideas, comments and letters are welcomed and encouraged. EDITOR: Bob Cox, State Apiarist, Iowa Dept. of Agriculture, Wallace Building, Des Monies, IA. 50319 phone: (515) 281-5736 IHPA MEMBERSHIP: Membership dues in the Iowa Honey Producers Assn. are $5.00/year. Send to Robert Shepherd, IHPA Treasurer. ----------------------------------------------------------------- STATE APIARISTS REPORT We have just finished a good time of honey promotion during National Honey Month and are in the middle of inspecting bees that will be shipped south for the winter. Now we just need a better honey crop to sell and a better price when we do sell it. It is unclear whether any part of the federal honey program will survive this congressional session and administration. During Honey Month and State Fair many people heard about beekeeping and had a taste of delicious Iowa honey. The nice booths and beekeepers left the public with a positive image of honey and beekeeping. The honey queen candidate, Amber Buckley, American Honey Princess, Heather Pomeroy and volunteers at the booths at State Fair, Cattleman's Congress, Honey-Walnut Classic, Living History Farms, and Taste of Honey Day should be congratulated for their extra effort in promoting honey. There are a number of beekeepers who had not previously moved bees south in the winter who are planning on migrating because of poor wintering success lately. The poor honey crops, parasitic mites and unfavorable weather have encouraged beekeepers to examine the way they operate the business. If you are moving bees out of state, be sure to contact me at the State Apiarist's Office (515) 281-5736 with a request for a Certificate of Inspection. All states require this document for entry. All colonies must be free of American Foulbrood Disease and Varroa mites or, in the case of Varroa, treated with an EPA-approved product for honeybee hives. Speaking of Varroa mites; our inspectors have detected some Varroa mites in most counties this year. Most colonies with Varroa had low levels (i.e. less than 10 mites/300 bees by ether roll method). However, in areas where we've detected Varroa for several years, the Varroa infestation was more serious this year. Serious outbreaks occurred in Council Bluffs, Forest City, Jefferson, Waterloo, Charles City and Dubuque areas, as well as most of Northwest Iowa. See the reminder about Varroa mites on page 5. The latest research concerning honey bees were recently presented at the American Bee Research Conference in College Station, Texas. About 1/3 of the papers dealt with mites, 1/3 with Africanized bees and the remainder miscellaneous topics related to bees. (See "Heat Treatment" article on page 2.) Letter to the Editor REPRESENTATIVE GRANDY VOTES AGAINST HONEY BILL - Just a note to say that I think we (honey producers) ought to try to have more representation on boards such as the Iowa Farm Bureau's recent Iowa Farm Bill Study Team (represented by Iowa Dairy Products, Iowa Pork Producers, Iowa Cattlemans, Iowa Soybean, Iowa Sheep Industry and Iowa Corn Growers Associations). We are controlled by the USDA-ASCS offices around Iowa and we have no representation on their boards either. What can we do? Many of us are members of the Farm Bureau. Also more publicity should be given to the fact that U.S. Representative Fred Grandy voted against us in the House bill. The very least that could be done is to explode it in THE BUZZ. I'm sick and tired of being in such a great profession and not fighting back. I'm tired of our trust being violated, and just sitting back while we take a thrashing by the media. Let's vote for people we can trust! - John E. Kroon, Sheldon, Iowa HEAT TREATMENT OF MITE-INFESTED BEES Dr. John Harbo, a researcher from the USDA Bee Lab in Baton Rouge, presented an interesting paper at the Bee Research Conference this week. In his experiment Dr. Harbo treated mite-infested packages with various amounts of heat. The results indicated that 108 F killed tracheal mites in about one day but the bees also died about 2 days later. Package bees kept at 102 F did not die and the tracheal mites were killed in about two days. The bees in the experiment were also infested with Varroa mites. The heat caused the Varroa mites to fall off the bees but were not killed. However, if a sticky paper with vegetable shortening was placed under the cage, the Varroa mites died upon contact with the vegetable shortening. Apparently vegetable oil or shortening made from the oil is deadly to Varroa mites. OBITUARY September 5, 1993 was a sad day for Iowa beekeepers. Bob Gott of Ollie, Iowa passed away at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. Bob did not manage a large number of colonies but he was outstanding in Iowa's honey industry. Bob and his wife, Phyllis gave many hours of labor as officers and members to the Southeast Iowa Beekeepers Association and the Iowa Honey Producers Association. In fact, they were in Des Moines volunteering at the State Fair Honey Booth when Bob became ill. Our thoughts and prayers are with Phyllis and the family. QUOTABLE QUOTE "Breeding bees resistant to Varroa mites is like trying to breed lambs that are resistant to wolves" (Tibor Szabo, Bee Researcher, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada) DEAR FELLOW BEEKEEPERS Here it is almost the first of October and the summer flew past again as usual. With all the rain it hasn't been a very good year for honey again for most of us. Although I've heard some in the southern part of the state had a fair honey crop, our average will only be about 15-20 pounds. Usually we are finished pulling honey by now, but with all the wet weather we are running a little behind. We are finding colonies that had their brood chamber full of honey several weeks ago, but now are getting pretty light. Because these colonies have eaten up their stores already, feeding is going to be a must if you intend to winter them. So we have started feeding high-fructose corn syrup. At the same time were are treating them with Terramycin and putting in our rings and entrance reducers. Hopefully next year will be better. The annual meeting is the first weekend in November (see tentative schedule on page 8. We have a nice array of speakers with many interesting topics. So come join us. We look forward to seeing you there. - Leroy Kellogg, IHPA President USDA/APHIS AFRICANIZED HONEY BEE PROGRAM LEAVING TEXAS The Africanized Honey Bee (AHB) Program field activities administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service have been discontinued in Texas. However, Elba Quintero, coordinator for the program, will be moved to Phoenix, Arizona where she will assist individual states wanting to set up a cooperative AHB management plan. The AHB's are now established in southern Arizona and are not far from southern California. YOUR NEIGHBOR BEEKEEPER (by Tom Schuster) Sitting on the east edge of Lisbon, just north of U.S. Highway 30 there is a small well tended home nestled among the tall pine and oak trees. As you approach the driveway you are greeted by a sign: "Welcome to the Denisons". Now retired from farming, but still keeping a few bees, this happy couple have a little extra time to enjoy their lifelong love: playing and listening to bluegrass music. Earlier this month, seeing Walter's travel trailer backed into the driveway and remembering the sign, I stopped to say "hello". Walter and his wife had just returned from a music festival in southern Illinois. Several cups of coffee later, I mentioned that it would be nice to hear them play sometime. To my surprise and with a gleam in his eye, Walter reached for his favorite Martin guitar and was quickly joined by his wife. For the next hour the music never stopped. As huge weathered hands glided across the strings, the Martin came to life. However, all too soon, the Walter Denison home faded in the rear view mirror as I drove away. Thanks again for the private concert, Walter. Maybe we should all take a little extra time to hear the music in life. (Oh, by the way, Walter's beehives were doing just fine.) LETTER FROM THE AMERICAN HONEY PRINCESS Fellow Iowans, Hi! With the summer finally coming to a close, I can honestly say that I've been as "busy as a bee." July and August kept me travelling throughout Iowa, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Montana. A Renaissance Affair in Des Moines started the month of July. Sponsored by a Methodist church, this fair recreated the times with a king and queen coronation, lancers, jesters, fire-eaters and plenty of homemade goodies. I was introduced as the only "true princess" there--what a surprise! Also in July, I presented honey bees and beekeeping to my local Lions Club. They referred to me as their "entertainment" for the night, and I think by the interest they showed, they were actually entertained. The next group to which I spoke was the Wayland Fire Department. I spoke on "Honeybee Emergencies", showing a video and answering questions. July 26-29, I helped the Eastcentral Iowa Iowa Beekeepers at the Johnson County Fair. It was a pleasure to work with them at their informative and educational booth. Although no honey was sold, I feel their efforts were very helpful in promoting beekeeping and increasing public awareness of what we "beekeepers" really do. The beginning of August took me to Illinois, where I attended an Agricultural Field Day. Dave Hester, a family friend, invited me to promote the honeybee pollination that takes place in their sunflower fields. Pennsylvania was the next stop for this travelling princess. I helped sell honey ice cream at the Pennsylvania Ag. Progress Show. Honey ice cream--does that sound familiar? The Pennsylvania Beekeepers Association hired a company to produce chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and butter-pecan flavors for the ice cream lovers at the show. From Pennsylvania I travelled to Montana where I attended Montana Fair Time. Working with the Eastern Montana Beekeepers, I helped man a honey booth, answered questions about an observation hive, and gave frequent radio interviews. The final event of August was the Iowa State Fair. It was great working with "old friends"! Two days, I gave cooking demonstrations on the gazebo stage in the Agriculture Building. Selling honey, passing out honey samples, and spending time on radio and T.V. were just some of the highlights. Thank you for asking me to attend; I'm glad I could help my home state. Since them, I've travelled to West Virginia, where I had a first-time experience. I wore a bee beard! With the queen bee strapped to my chin, I patiently sat as three thousand worker bees started congregating towards my chin. They actually tickled, and by the time they were all hanging from my chin as a beard, the mass became quite heavy with vibrations. So far, that's all, but I leave tomorrow for Maryland to continue my journey...Next weekend (Sept. 23-26), I'll be in Des Moines for "A Taste of Honey" day at the Botanical Center, so maybe I'll see some of you there! - Heather Pomeroy APITHERAPY SOCIETY Recently, there seems to be a surge of interest in bee venom and bee pollen as a treatment for various human ailments. The TV show about using bee stings to combat Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Senator Tom Harkin's endorsement of bee pollen as a cure for hay fever and allergy symptoms are two factors in this increased interest. Maybe there is another market niche here for beekeepers to explore. Anyone wanting more information on this topic should contact the American Apitherapy Society, P.O. Box 74, North Hartland, VT 05052. This organization publishes a quarterly newsletter: Bee Well. ** R E M I N D E R ** ALL VARROA MITE-INFESTED APIARIES MUST BE TREATED BY OCTOBER 15TH Now that the main nectar flow is over and you've had time to get honey supers removed, it's time to apply an EPA-approved miticide product that will control Varroa mites. The new Iowa Bee Rule requires you to control the parasitic mites to prevent spread of the mite to neighboring apiaries. Our field inspectors will be in contact with you to make sure that treatments are made in a timely and proper manner. The alternative to chemical treatment is to kill the Varroa infested bees and start over again next spring. If you leave the equipment vacant for at least 30 days it is safe to use again. This certainly is the best alternative if colonies are not strong or you have a heavy infestation of Varroa mites. We consider over 10 mites on an ether roll test with 300 bees to be a heavy infestation of Varroa mites. The bees can removed from the equipment with a bee blower by blowing them into a 55-gallon drum containing dish detergent and water. Because the detergent breaks the surface tension on the water the bees quickly drown and die. WARNING: If you use an insecticide to spray or dust the hive to kill the bees, the equipment will be unfit to house bees again. Apistan (fluvalinate impregnated plastic strips) is available from the Beekeeping Supply Houses. Like any other pesticide it must be used according to the instructions on the label. Miticur was withdrawn from the market and so is not generally available. Most areas of the state are now infested with both tracheal and Varroa mite. Therefore, treatment for mites is advised for most Iowa beekeepers. If we work together on controlling these damaging mite parasites, we can maintain healthy, productive colonies. However, if we neglect to treat the infested apiaries, large scale loss of colonies is inevitable, not only for you but for your neighboring beekeepers. HONEY OF A VERSE Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24) THANK YOU: Tom Schuster says "thanks" to all who helped at the honey booth at the National Cattleman's Congress Saturday, September 18th in Waterloo. WANT TO BUY: Light honey in 5-gallon containers. Call Tim Laughlin in Grundy Center at (319) 824-6462. WANT TO BUY: Light honey. Contact Paul Goossen, RR 1, Box 83A Homestead, Iowa (319) 622-6410. FOR SALE: 1966 2-TON Chevy flatbed truck - $2400. E-Z loader and ramps - $1200. Contact Dick Blake, RR 2, Box 112B, Shenandoah, IA 51601 Phone (712) 246-3412. FOR SALE: Three barrels of light amber honey. Dadant 4-frame extractor on wooden stand - $150 hand-crank or $175 w/motor. Three boxes (ca. 50 sheets/box) of medium brood foundation 16 1/2 x 8 in. for craftwax - $14/box. Electric uncapping knife - $25. Assorted 8-frame and modified Dadant equipment available. Contact Phil Ebert in Lynnville, Iowa (515) 527-2639. FOR SALE: Pack-King stainless, water-jacketed 25-gallon honey packing tank. Contact M. Fackler, 5903 SW 13th Pl., Des Moines, IA (515) 285-3917. FOR SALE: Complete bee operation - 100 two-story hives with bees plus equipment for 150 colonies. Call (712) 225-5207. FOR SALE: 8 - 6 5/8 supers of sealed honey ready to extract. 4 - 2-story colonies of bees $45 each. Call Gene Cluney in Pleasant Hill at (515) 265-2819. ================================================================= ** BEEKEEPING AUCTION ** Saturday November 13, 1993 1:00 P.M. Central City, Iowa LOCATION: One block east of State Highway 13 - Gib Sellers Phone no. (319) 438-1324 160 single-story hives with tip and bottom board, contain 8 frames plus an internal feeder, metal entrance closures - no bees. Cappings spinner; 40-frame merry-go-round; Kelley 33-frame extractor; 100-gallon storage tank; sump and pump - all stainless. Power super hoist, 2 electric knives, 20 metal drip pans, 686 shallow supers with 9 drawn combs, 16 deep supers with frames, 38 shallow supers most with frames. Box of new deep frames, 200 all wire metal-bound excluders, 17 all-wire, wood-bound excluders, 11 5-frame nuc boxes, 20-gallon dispenser tank and stand, 4-can liquifying tank, grid and heater, 15 new bottom boards, 18 used bottom boards, super cart, barrel cart, Dadant blower and chute, metal wedge embedder, syrup mixing tank, 150 5-gallon plastic jugs. ================================================================ ***************************************************************** DADANT BEE SUPPLY DEALER specializing in providing supplies for the hobbyist and small sideline beekeeper. AUTUMN APIARIES, INC. - GORDON & BEVERLY POWELL 4012 - 54TH STREET DES MOINES, IA. 50310 PHONE (515) 278-1762 ***************************************************************** --THE BUZZ-- Apiary Bureau IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND LAND STEWARDSHIP Wallace Building Des Moines, IA 50319 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 10 Nov 1993 08:56:00 -0800 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Kerry Clark 784-2225 fax (604) 784 2299" Subject: Re: bee range/Cdn honey plants Perhaps you have easier access to "The hive and the honey bee" which has a map of A. mellifera subspecies distribution, p 38 in 1992 ed, Dietz. Ramsay, J. 1987. Plants for beekeeping in Canada and the northern USA. is a directory of nectar and pollen sources. published by IBRA good luck ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 12 Nov 1993 10:25:25 -0800 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jim Osborn Subject: Feeding Sugar Recently someone mentioned that bees do not process sugar syrup into honey the way they do nectar, and that feeding sugar syrup is good only for short-term sustenance. If true, this could present some real problems for us North-latitude folks, particularly in the Pacific Northwest where we had arguably the worst season in recent memory. Virtually ALL the nectar plants bloomed simultaneously, and were done by mid-July, during which the weather was generally rainy. When the good weather arrived in August, it was hard to find even a clover blosom. Consequently, many of us have been feeding the classic fall 1:1 syrup since the end of August, and were lucky to extract a few drops of Maple earlier in June. The bees seem to eagerly suck up the syrup and pack it away. Are they fooling themselves? How do people in REALLY cold climates rob any honey, if sugar replacement isn't workable? I can't imagine the Peace River folks continually opening their winterized hives to administer this week's rations. What's the real story? Jim Osborn, Camano Island, WA jimo@hebron.connected.com ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 15 Nov 1993 00:43:24 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Michael Moroney Subject: Re: Feeding Sugar I find it highly unlikely that sugar water is only good for "immediate" use. Nectar is just a weak sucrose solution (with various flavoring agents), and cane sugar is sucrose. To the bees sugar water is just a very strong but flavorless nectar. -Mike ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 15 Nov 1993 13:55:59 +0000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Malcolm Roe Subject: Re: Feeding Sugar In-Reply-To: <93Nov12.102536pst.12902@hebron.connected.com> from "Jim Osborn" at Nov 12, 93 10:25:25 am In the UK it is usual, at least for honey producing colonies, to take off all the honey and feed with sugar solution before the winter. This is because the price of honey is sufficiently above that of sugar to make it worthwhile. I believe this practice has gone on for at least 50 years. (Beekeepers got a special sugar allowance during WW2). I do it and so do most of the beekeepers I know. I have never heard of any problems with fermentation or dysentery. I usually feed at the end of August. The bees take it and store it capped in apparently the same way as honey from nectar. There is no significant honey flow again until April so some of the sugar stays in the hive for at least 5 months. -- Malcolm Roe Phone : +44 442 230000 ext 4104 Crosfield Electronics Ltd Fax : +44 442 232301 Hemel Hempstead, Herts. HP2 7RH, UK E-mail : roe@crosfield.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 15 Nov 1993 07:57:07 PST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Adrian Wenner >Hello, All! > Does anyone know of a map showing the range of the honeybee species >(or even just Apis mellifera) on a global basis? If not, what about simply >North America? From a couple of books on honey, I've been able to find a >short list of U.S. plant species which bees a) forage from and b) pollinate >... is there a long list accessible, which includes Canadian plants as well >(or even in particular)? > Also, is anyone doing studies of wild bee populations in North >America? Thanks for any information or references you can provide, >Jackie 0750 - 15 Nov. 1993 Dear Jackie, Robbin Thorp of the UC Davis campus and I are studying populations of wild bees on Santa Cruz Island, off the coast of Santa Barbara, California. You can find a rather complete account in BEE CULTURE, 121 (5): 272-275; May, 1993. Adrian M. Wenner *************************************************************** * Adrian Wenner E-Mail wenner@lifesci.lscf.ucsb.edu * * Department of Biology Office Phone (805) 893-2838 * * University of California Lab Phone (805) 893-2838 * * Santa Barbara, CA 93106 FAX (805) 893-4724 * *************************************************************** ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 15 Nov 1993 17:05:00 GMT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: PHILIP EARLE Subject: A.I. equipment.. Hi, I am considering getting our workshop to construct an A.I. apparatus. I already have plans for the Laidlaw and Ruttner instruments but really would like to find plans for the Swienty A.I. apparatus as it is supposed to be thbest on the market ...? Does anyone have and be prepared to part with a copy of the Swienty A.I. apparatus plans. I'd be so gratefull Philip Earle Queens University of Belfast School Biology and Biochemistry 97 Lisburn Road Belfast BT7 9BL Northern Ireland. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 15 Nov 1993 13:25:14 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "James E. Tew" Subject: Apiculture Awareness ....................................................................... Item Subject: em APICULTURE AWARENESS A Beekeeping Newsletter of the Extension Service, USDA October-November, 1993 Vol 6, Issue 2 Greetings Electronically. Many of you know "Apiculture Awareness" in hard copy form. The electronic form will be better in some ways, but a loss in others. For the Better: 1. Information will be in computer format should a receiver wish to re-distribute information. 2. Delivery is electronically fast. 3. Distribution will be on a much wider basis internationally. As A Loss: 1. Due to licensing agreement, the Bibliographic Scan that is presented in each issue can only be sent in hard copy. 2. Due to technical restraints, maps or other schematics can only be sent in hard copy. PLEASE NOTE: "Apiculture Awareness" will only be sent to those requesting it - in either form. This introductory transmission will be the only broad distribution of the newsletter. If you wish to receive the publication, please forward both your land address and EM address to me at one of the addresses presented at the end of this publication. Indicate whether or not you want the Bibliographic Scan and any Maps at that time. From then on, they will be automatically mailed. SUMMARIES OF RESEARCH NEOTROPICAL "AFRICANIZED" HONEY BEES HAVE "EUROPEANIZED" MORPHOLOGY RINDERER, THOMAS//BUCO, STEVEN M//SYLVESTER, H ALLEN/ /STELZER, J ANTHONY//KLEINPETER, SANDRA J Technical Abstract: Africanized honey bees have explosively proliferated through the Americas. The processes and genetic outcomes of wholesale Africanization have been debated. A central question is if spreading populations are "pure" African bees or derived in part from hybridization. Programs to mitigate Africanized-bee related problems will differ accordingly. Evidence from a multivariate analysis of morphological data from samples of populations from 5 continents shows that Africanized bees in South America are varied hybrids. They differ from other populations by Mahalanobis distances which indicate that morphologically about (two-thirds) of the average Africanized genotype is derived from East African parentage and one third from European parentage. Brazilian samples analyzed for mitochondrial (mt)DNA restriction fragment polymorphisms showed both polymorphisms common to African bees but more common to no European bees. These are the first data documenting this incongruence of morphology and (mt)DNA. The origins of the asymmetry constitute a central question about the Africanization process SOURCE: THOMAS E RINDERER, HONEY BEE BREEDING LAB, 1157 BEN HUR ROAD, BATON ROUGE LA 70820 CHALKBROOD DISEASE - A CONTROL FOR EUROPEAN FOULBROOD DISEASE SHIMANUKI, H./ /KNOX, DAVID A. Technical Abstract: Preliminary tests demonstrate that a diffusible antimicrobial substance is produced by the fungus, Ascosphaera apis, the causative agent of chalkbrood disease. We have tentatively named this substance Ascosphaerin. Ascosphaerin inhibits the growth of Melissococcus pluton, the causative agent of European foulbrood and seems to be only slightly soluble in water but very soluble in alcohol. Also, it appears that Ascosphaerin is active against other bee pathogens and organisms associated with honey bees, including Bacillus larvae, B. alvei, and B. laterosporus. SOURCE: H. SHIMANUKI, USDA/ARS/BRL, BLDG. 476, BARC-E, BELTSVILLE MD 20705 IMMUNODETECTION OF AFRICANIZED HONEY BEE (HYMENOPTERA: APIDAE) SPECIFIC PROTEINS HUNG, AKEY Technical Abstract: Four native honey bee proteins (P-1, 2, 3, 4) were detected on the IEF gel by the polyclonal antiserum at 1:1,000 dilution in immunoblotting. P-1 and/or P-2 were found in all Africanized honey bee (AHB). P-3 was found in 88% of AHB. All European honey bee (EHB) had only P-4. However, P-4 was also found in 53% of AHB. The same antiserum detected three denatured proteins on the SDS-PAGE gel with MW around 39k, 42k and 60k daltons. All three were found in AHB and EHB. SOURCE: HUNG, AKEY, USDA/ARS/BRL, BLDG. 476 BARC-EAST , BELTSVILLE, MD 20705-2350 BOOK REVIEW [Note: If there are books or publications you wish to have reviewed, forward appropriate information to Jim Tew at the closing addresses.] SOUTHERN FORAGES Though not a text directly related to beekeeping, many beekeeping plants are discussed in the newly published text "Southern Forages". The paperback book, having thirty two chapters, is 256 pages long and printed on high quality paper. Color photos and other graphics are abundantly used in the publication making it a visually pleasing text to use. It practical in nature, and easy to understand. Yet, it is a wealth of new and old information brought together. The authors are all highly qualified experts. In addition to expected chapters on forage crop production and maintenance, there are sections on poisonous plants and plants beneficial to wildlife. The text would be useful for beekeepers interested in nectar and pollen plants or beekeepers providing pollination services. Cost: $20.00 + $3.00 shipping & handling. The text is available from: Potash & Phosphate Institute (PPI), 655 Engineering Drive, Suite 110, Norcross, GA 30092-0335 Phone: (404)448-0439 FAX: (404)448-0439 EVENTS, INFORMATION, AND UPDATES Meetings Held: Technical Working Group, ARS Liaison Committee Meeting, Canadian Border Opening Meeting, American Bee Research Association Upcoming Meetings: Entomological Society of America, December 13-15, 1993 in Indianapolis, IN; American Honey Producers Association, January 12-15, 1994 in Tucson, AZ; American Beekeeping Federation, January 17-23, 1994 in Orlando, FL; Apiary Inspectors of America, January 25-29, 1994 in Columbus, OH; Eastern Apiculture Society, July 11-16, 1994. Updates: The ES USDA beekeeping videos discussed in the last issue of AAN are nearly complete. Editing is finished. Final phases of editing, duplication, and distribution. Topics covered are: Removing bees from a dwelling, Other stinging insects (Yellowjackets and Baldfaced hornets), Destroying AHB swarms and colonies, and Living with the AHB in Texas. If more information is required before these pieces are released, contact Jim Tew at one of the closing addresses. ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE RELEASE DATE: November 12, 1993 CONTACT NAME: Suzanne Sorich, PIO 602/542-0951 Glen Thaxton, Entomology Manager 602/542-0972 Africanized honeybee weekly identification report Following is a summary of honeybee identifications performed by the Arizona Department of Agriculture for the week of November 5 to 11. Fourteen samples of bees identified during this period have been identified as European honeybees. Four samples of bees identified during this period have been identified as Africanized honeybees. This leaves the total positive finds for Africanized bees to date at thirty-eight. Traps serviced, collections and results by county: Maricopa Origin/site of interception Date of interception Determination of sample Remarks Phoenix District 11/04/93 EUROPEAN Feral Colony Pima Origin/site of interception Date of interception Determination of sample Remarks Sasabe, near mile post two on Hwy 286, two miles north of Mexico 7/28/93 AFRICANIZED Feral colony Tucson District 8/12/93 EUROPEAN Trap Tucson District 8/19/93 EUROPEAN Trap Tucson District 9/17/93 EUROPEAN Feral colony Eight miles east of Tucson near Irvington & Pantano Roads 9/21/93 AFRICANIZED Feral colony Tucson District 9/21/93 EUROPEAN Feral colony Six miles northwest of Tucson near La Cholla Blvd & McGee Road 10/18/93 AFRICANIZED Feral colony Tucson near Palo Verde & 36th Street 10/19/93 AFRICANIZED Trap Tucson district 10/25/93 EUROPEAN Feral colony Tucson district 10/25/93 EUROPEAN Feral colony Tucson district 10/30/93 EUROPEAN Feral colony Tucson district 11/02/93 EUROPEAN Feral colony Tucson district 11/02/93 EUROPEAN Feral colony Tucson district 11/02/93 EUROPEAN Feral colony Tucson district 11/02/93 EUROPEAN Feral colony Tucson district 11/02/93 EUROPEAN Feral colony Tucson district 11/04/93 EUROPEAN Feral colony Cochise N/A Graham N/A La Paz N/A Mohave N/A Pinal N/A Santa Cruz N/A N/A no trap lines and/or no collections Sincerely, James E. Tew, Ph.D. National Program Leader, Apiculture Extension Service, USDA The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH 44691 Telephone: (216) 263-3684 -- Fax: (216) 262-2720 Internet: Tew.1@osu.edu ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 15 Nov 1993 12:54:00 -0800 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Kerry Clark 784-2225 fax (604) 784 2299" Subject: Re Feeding sugar I don't think there's any mystery or extraordinary concern with feeding bees sucrose. The original enquirey was from Dick Bonney in Mass... who refered to a paper , Ruttner,1962. Percolation feeder. Bee World V 43 No 1, which stated that bees can't invert more than 2 -3 lb/day of sucrose. Robert Rice from Australia replied asking why does one want to feed the sugar, gave some large scale feeding experience, and mentioned that bees don't use sucrose like they do nectar. Perhaps the Australian experience is from use of sugar syrup to stimulate colonies in warm weather when there is inadequate nectar, rather than for winter feed. Under similar conditions here in the north, bees might stop taking the syrup if nectar became available, and a thin syrup might ferment before being stored by the bees. Perhaps the observation in Ruttner's paper has little or no significance to the bees' removal of syrup from feeders, but only on the subsequent inversion and storage. Certainly in areas with long winters, like here, lots of sucrose syrup is fed in fall, and is a major part of the colonies' food over the following 6 months at least. The mix is heavier than recently mentioned, however (I think that must have been a typing error?) The general description is 2 parts sugar to 1 of water, although beekeepers work on the number of 40 kg bags to a particular tank. It yields a syrup that contains just about all the sugar that readily dissolves in warm water. Until weather turns cold (staying below freezing) the bees store it readily and it doesn't ferment or granulate over winter. Some honeys can be poorly used by bees, if they granulate in the comb. The 1 to 1 syrup mix is used in spring. It stimulates as well as feeds, but it will ferment if not used, especially if the weather is warm. Fermentation is not usually a problem. I've seen colonies doing very poorly, being fed a thin syrup and with a small population, during cold weather. We would advise a thick syrup fed early enough in fall to allow storage (presumably also inversion and evaporation). Hives here since about Nov 1 have been either placed in a wintering building or wrapped with insulation (usually in groups of 4). Either way, they had been fed syrup with the equivalent of 10 to 50 lb of sugar (supplementing the honey they had stored after the crop was removed) to a total weight of 130 to 150 lb ( 2 standard boxes). We're predicting good wintering success, since an unusually moderate fall allowed lots of brood rearing in September and early October. Kerry Clark, Apiculture Specialist B.C. Ministry of Agriculture 1201 103 Ave Dawson Creek B.C. V1G 4J2 CANADA Tel (604) 784-2225 fax (604) 784-2299 INTERNET KCLARK@GALAXY.GOV.BC.CA ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 16 Nov 1993 12:11:44 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: uplow!cp@CSI.UOTTAWA.CA Subject: The "Bombus List" (a new mailing list for bombologists). From: plowright@csi.uottawa.ca Dear BEE-Liners: So many colleagues have now suggested that we bumblebee people need our own LISTSERV (or, to get modern about it, the Internet equivalent of a LISTSERV) that I have decided to set one up. With no great feat of imagination, I have designated the name of the list to be "Bombus", and the address to which messages should be posted is: bombus@csi.uottawa.ca If you wish to join (or to un-join) the list, please send a message to: bombus-request@csi.uottawa.ca and (in the interest of informality), merely give me your Internet address and tell me what it is that you want to do . . . (i.e., don't bother about including any specific keywords, or feel that you have to conform to any IBM-directed formatting conventions). Best regards, Chris Plowright. P.S. My thanks to Keith White (the manager of ) for making it possible to open this list . . . P.P.S. There are quite a few subscribers to BEE-L who, I thought, should probably be included "ex-officio" on the Bombus list. In the end, I decided that to put people on the list unilaterally would be an invasion of their privacy, so if you want to join, please ask . . . -- Chris Plowright - via the University of Ottawa Return addresses: via INTERNET: plowright@csi.uottawa.ca via UUCP : ...uunet!mitel!cunews!csi2!uplow!chris ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 16 Nov 1993 21:30:20 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: GROOMT@JEFLIN.TJU.EDU Subject: subscribe bee-l I would like to subscribe to the bee biology group (BEE-L). Todd M. Groom ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 16 Nov 1993 21:40:08 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: HAAGB@JEFLIN.TJU.EDU Subject: subscribe bee-l I would like to subscribe to your bee biology group. Thank you very much. Burritt L Haag. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 17 Nov 1993 08:06:48 -0400 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Peter Kevan Subject: Re: The "Bombus List" (a new mailing list for bombologists). There is already a list for SOCIAL INSECTS, which seems to be all but dormant. Is there really a need for a Bombus list? Ed Southwick arranged for the SOCIAL INSECTS LIST. On Tue, 16 Nov 1993 uplow!cp@CSI.UOTTAWA.CA wrote: > From: plowright@csi.uottawa.ca > Dear BEE-Liners: > So many colleagues have now suggested that we bumblebee > people need our own LISTSERV (or, to get modern about it, the Internet > equivalent of a LISTSERV) that I have decided to set one up. With no > great feat of imagination, I have designated the name of the list to be > "Bombus", and the address to which messages should be posted is: > bombus@csi.uottawa.ca > If you wish to join (or to un-join) the list, please send a message to: > bombus-request@csi.uottawa.ca > and (in the interest of informality), merely give me your Internet > address and tell me what it is that you want to do . . . (i.e., don't > bother about including any specific keywords, or feel that you have to > conform to any IBM-directed formatting conventions). > Best regards, Chris Plowright. > P.S. My thanks to Keith White (the manager of ) for > making it possible to open this list . . . > P.P.S. There are quite a few subscribers to BEE-L who, I thought, > should probably be included "ex-officio" on the Bombus list. In the > end, I decided that to put people on the list unilaterally would be an > invasion of their privacy, so if you want to join, please ask . . . > > -- > Chris Plowright - via the University of Ottawa > Return addresses: via INTERNET: plowright@csi.uottawa.ca > via UUCP : ...uunet!mitel!cunews!csi2!uplow!chris ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 17 Nov 1993 07:49:05 -0600 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "La Reine de la Cite' des Phoques (Liz Day)" Subject: having difficulty getting onto your new line, Chris Is it working? Bombus away, Liz Day University of Illinois at Chicago day@eecs.uic.edu ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 18 Nov 1993 08:55:23 -0600 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "La Reine de la Cite' des Phoques (Liz Day)" Subject: Re: The "Bombus List" (a new mailing list for bombologists). I guess some social insects are more social than others.... :-) Liz Day University of Illinois at Chicago day@eecs.uic.edu ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 22 Nov 1993 12:01:24 -0600 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "La Reine de la Cite' des Phoques (Liz Day)" Subject: Psithyrus colors in the field Help... I am writing a little bit about Psithyrus color patterns. But I haven't personally seen many living Psithyrus. I have noticed that, in many of the museum specimes Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: di5 Subject: Re: Psithyrus colors in the field In-Reply-To: <9311221804.AA14547@umailsrv0.UMD.EDU> The only Psithyrus I've seen (in the Colorado Rocky Mountains) are black (and yellow), not brown. There are supposed to be 2 similar species in my study site, but I've never tried to make the distinction. David Inouye University of Maryland di5@umail.umd.edu ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 27 Nov 1993 01:48:00 GMT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: ANDY NACHBAUR Subject: Happy Turkey's Bee and Rose [can be printed out] (\o/)___________________________________________________________(\o/) (/|\) (/|\) | .-~~~-. | | / } | | / .-~ | | \ | } | | _ __ ___\.~~-.-~| . -~_ | | / \./ \/\__ { O | ` .-~. ; ~-.__ | | __{^\_ _}_ ) }/^\ ~--~/-|_\| : : .-~ | | / /\_/^\._}_/ // / / | \~ - - ~ | | ( (__{(@)}\__}.//_/__A__/_A___|__A_\___A______A_____A | | \__/{/(_)\_} )\\ \\---v-----V----v----v-----V-----v--- | | ( (__)_)_/ )\ \> | | \__/ \__/\/\/ | | \__,--' | | | (\o/)___________________________________________________________(\o/) (/|\) (/|\) Hope all your Turkeys are having a good holiday. >>-----> ttul andy- ... Turkey? Yea, that's me... Wild Bee's BBS 209-826-8107 ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 28 Nov 1993 13:42:25 CDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Kelly Meier Could you, or anyone else describe to me how bees make honey? Thanks. ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 28 Nov 1993 17:05:22 -0400 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: RBATES@FRMNVAX1.BITNET Subject: Icing on the Cake Dear beekeepers: Does anyone have knowledge of or experience with feeding powdered sugar to bees. I'd want to dissolve it in water for witer feeding. A recent truck accident has dumped several hundred pounds of confectioners' sugar into my hands. Help. Rudy ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 28 Nov 1993 18:25:44 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "James D. Thomson" Subject: Re: Icing on the Cake In-Reply-To: Message of Sun, 28 Nov 1993 17:05:22 -0400 from I have no idea what confectioner's sugar will do for bees, but I can tell you that you will not be able to get it completely into solution. There's starch in it as well as sucrose. Can bee guts handle a little cornstarch? James Thomson ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 29 Nov 1993 10:57:35 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Bruce Halliday Subject: mites Dear bee-netters, Does anyone out there have any recent information about the mite *Melittiphis alvearius*, a nest associate of honeybees? I am looking for information about its geographic distribution, systematics, biology, quarantine interceptions, anything at all. If anyone is doing research on this beast, or knows someone who is, I would love to hear from you. Bruce Halliday, CSIRO Entomology, Canberra, Australia. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 29 Nov 1993 07:14:54 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Dave D. Cawley, a De Leon Socialist" Subject: Re: Icing on the Cake > From: RBATES%FRMNVAX1.bitnet@UACSC2.ALBANY.EDU > A recent truck accident has dumped several hundred > pounds of confectioners' sugar into my hands. Help. Good thing you were standing next to the road, eh? 8-} ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dave D. Cawley | Where a social revolution is pending and, University Of Scranton | for whatever reason, is not accomplished, ddc1@jaguar.uofs.edu | reaction is the only alternative. ddc1@SCRANTON | -Daniel De Leon ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 29 Nov 1993 07:17:56 PST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Adrian Wenner >Could you, or anyone else describe to me how bees make honey? >Thanks. 0715 - 29 Nov. 1993 Kelly, A fairly complete account can be found in Norm Gary's chapter 8 ("Activities and behavior of honey bees) in the massive book, THE HIVE AND THE HONEY BEE, published in 1992 by Dadant and Sons (Hamilton, Illinois). Libraries should have copies; if not, they should order one. The particular information about honey conversion from nectar can be found on pages 326-332. Best wishes. Adrian M. Wenner *************************************************************** * Adrian Wenner E-Mail wenner@lifesci.lscf.ucsb.edu * * Department of Biology Office Phone (805) 893-2838 * * University of California Lab Phone (805) 893-2838 * * Santa Barbara, CA 93106 FAX (805) 893-4724 * *************************************************************** ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 29 Nov 1993 10:46:46 +0000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Rick Hough Subject: Re: Icing on the Cake Date 11/29/93 Subject Re- Icing on the Cake >From Rick Hough To Discussion of Bee Biology Reply to: Re: Icing on the Cake > From: RBATES%FRMNVAX1.bitnet@UACSC2.ALBANY.EDU > A recent truck accident has dumped several hundred > pounds of confectioners' sugar into my hands. Help. It seems a shame to waste so much sugar, but I would not use it on my bees. The word throughout my beekeeping club is "DON'T USE CONFECTIONERS' SUGAR!" I believe the reason is that there is some cream of tartar in confectioners' sugar (used to prevent the powder from clumping). This creates tartaric acid, which can give the bees dysentery. This info is via the grapevine, so I would treat it with an appropriate level of skepticism, but then again, it might be accurate! Anyone with more solid knowledge have any comments??? Rick Hough, rshough@tasc.com a hobby beekeeper from Hamilton, MA (just a bit NE of Boston) ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 29 Nov 1993 10:51:19 -0400 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Peter Kevan Subject: Re: Icing on the Cake If memory serves, honeybees do not digest starch. This, cornstarch would be added fibre to their diet and I would expect that it would be harmless. Peter Kevan On Sun, 28 Nov 1993, James D. Thomson wrote: > I have no idea what confectioner's sugar will do for bees, but I can tell you > that you will not be able to get it completely into solution. There's starch > in it as well as sucrose. Can bee guts handle a little cornstarch? > James Thomson ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 29 Nov 1993 16:43:37 +0000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Malcolm Roe Subject: Re: Icing on the Cake In-Reply-To: <199311291046460901@qmmac.read.tasc.com> from "Rick Hough" at Nov 29, 93 10:46:46 am I don't know what confectioner's sugar contains (apart from sugar, of course). I assume it is the same as what we British call icing sugar. Previous posters have suggested it contains starch and/or cream of tartar. There is certainly something white and completely insoluble. There was some cheap sugar available in my area recently. It was a mixture of icing sugar and plain granulated sugar. The price was attractive so I bought some but my load was almost emtirely granulated sugar. I just used it as normal and had no problems. (I hope - we'll see next spring!) Other beekeepers I know had much a larger proportion of icing sugar. What they did was to mix it with hot water in the usual way and leave it to stand for several days. The white crud settled to the bottom and it was possible to decant the clear syrup which was then used as normal. I've not heard of any difficulties apart from the additional inconvenience in preparation but if there really is a risk of dysentery, as Rick Hough suggests, it won't be obvious until next spring. However, I can't believe that acidity could be the cause of this. Natural honey is suprisingly acidic. -- Malcolm Roe Phone : +44 442 230000 ext 4104 Crosfield Electronics Ltd Fax : +44 442 232301 Hemel Hempstead, Herts. HP2 7RH, UK E-mail : roe@crosfield.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 29 Nov 1993 09:19:08 PST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Adrian Wenner Subject: Re: Icing on the Cake 0915 - 29 Nov. 1993 On page 637 in the volume, HIVE AND THE HONEY BEE, a recipe for "sugar candy" (used in supplemental feeding) includes cream of tartar. That would indicate that cream of tartar should not be a problem. What you might do is try some feeding on a few hives and keep close watch on the bees therein (e.g., experiment). Again, as suggested, starch will settle to the bottom after water is added, so you can eliminate that problem quite easily. Adrian M. Wenner *************************************************************** * Adrian Wenner E-Mail wenner@lifesci.lscf.ucsb.edu * * Department of Biology Office Phone (805) 893-2838 * * University of California Lab Phone (805) 893-2838 * * Santa Barbara, CA 93106 FAX (805) 893-4724 * *************************************************************** ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 29 Nov 1993 09:34:53 PST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jim Bowery Subject: Monomorim Santchii-like parasites in bee hives? Some ants have a rather peculiar type of parasite that "impoersonates" the queen. Quoting from "The Extended Phenotype" by Richard Dawkins: " The drug analogy is especially apt for insect 'cuckoos' that use chemical means to coerce their hosts into acts that are profoundly damaging to their own inclusive fitness. Several species of ant have no workers of their own. The queens invade nests of other species, dispose of the host queen, and use the host workers to bring up their own reproductive young. The method of disposing of the host queen varies. In some species ... the parasite queen rides about on the back of the host queen and then, in Wilson's (1971) delightful description, 'begins the one act for which she is uniquely specialized: slowly cutting off the head of her victim'. Monomorium santschii achieves the same result by more subtle means. The host workers have weapons wielded by strong muscles, and nerves attached to the muscles; why should the parasite queen exert her own jaws if she can subvert the nervous system controlling the numerous jaws of the host workers? It does not seem to be known how she achieves it, but she does; the host workers kill their own mother and adopt the usurper. ... Let me stress again what a feat of mind-control the Monomorium santschii queen achieves. To a sterile worker ant, her mother is a kind of genetic gold-mine. For a worker ant to kill her own mother is an act of genetic madness. " I was just curious if there were any hive parasites that attack the queen bee and then use the workers by impersonating the queen? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The promotion of politics exterminates apolitical genes in the population. The promotion of frontiers gives apolitical genes a route to survival. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 29 Nov 1993 13:58:52 -0400 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Peter Kevan Subject: Re: Monomorim Santchii-like parasites in bee hives? There are numerous "cuckoo" like parasites of various bees. Bumblebees have them within the genus Bombus, even. Bombus polaris, which develops normal colonies in the arctic has the cuckoo parasite B. hyperboreus. The latter usurps the B. polaris nests, using the workers to its adavantage and laying eggs that produce only the next generation of sexuals (no workers). The genus Psithyrus comprises several species which are cuckoo parasites of Bombus. The complex of Nomada (Nomadinae) bees may also be termed cuckoo bees for their similar relationships with various "solitary" bees. Psithyrus may be found in honeybee hives on occasion. They "hotel" there, staying overnight, as it were, but do not take up residence. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 30 Nov 1993 09:39:09 PST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology Comments: MEMO 1993/11/30 09:39 From: "CHARLOTT.KBARRY" Subject: SUBSCRIBE bee -l Ken Barry Microsoft Mail v3.0 IPM.Microsoft Mail.Note From: BARRY, Ken F. To: 'Mail Manager' Subject: SUBSCRIBE bee -l Ken Barry Date: 1993-11-30 12:40 Priority: R Message ID: 93D74E4A Conversation ID: 93D74E4A ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Please add me to the distribution list for Beekeeping Digest. Thanks - Ken Barry (kbarry@charlott.epri.com) ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 30 Nov 1993 13:36:16 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: RICHARD E BONNEY Subject: Icing Under the entry Invert Sugar in the ABC and XYZ of Bewe Culture, 36th edition (1975) is the following statement. "Bailey (1966) has found feeding bees invert sugar with trace amounts of tartaric acid can cause a shortening of life due to dysentery if no natural nectar is coming in." Dick Bonney