========================================================================= Date: Wed, 1 Mar 1995 03:05:00 GMT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Andy Nachbaur Organization: Wild Bee's BBS (209)826-8107 Subject: Re: Your help needed to protect Hawai'i's honey bees / . --- start quotes --- / . <>Date: Tue, 28 Feb 1995 11:20:00 -0800 <>From: "Paul van Westendorp 576-5600 Fax: 576-5652" Subject: Re: Your help needed to protect Hawai'i's honey bees <> <> 1. I don't have the figures in front of me of the actual volume of be <> shipped from NZ to Canada. I have requested this info from Agricultur <> Canada and I may be able to offer that in a few days. It sure would help to know in risk assessment the quantitative risk. One shipment under guard is much different then hundreds of small routine shipments. <> I like to make the point however (which I should have done yesterday), <> most of the bees sent from NZ to Canada involve queens, not packages. <> queens do not pose any risk because of the manner in which they are <> packaged and handled. It are packages that are the contentious issue. That sounds a little too good to be true. I suspect that the queens will have attendants, and also suspect that there are viral and genetic diseases that are spread by queens. Most of these problems are not detectable by visual inspections of the queens at time of shipment or by the normal bee regulatory service that exists in the states. <> 2. In your e-mail you mention that Hawaii remains the only Varroa fre <> state of the US. I fully agree, it should remain that way. But NZ is <> free of Varroa and I suspect it is equally determined to keep itself f <> the mite. So, in regards to Varroa, NZ does not pose any risk to Hawai <> The previous discussion was focusing on a list of some exotic, inciden <> pathogens reported to be present in NZ and whose distribution in other <> of the world is not well known. As far as I know Hawaii is the only state in the United States that has not reported the mass unexplained decline, or death of bees from unknown causes, referred to lately as PMS, and in the past as fall collapse, disappearing disease, t. mite, v. mite, isle of wright, or whatever the popular common name of the day we want to use that has been a plague on beekeepers in the US for the last thirty years and more. <> 3. The need of transshipment via Hawaii has been strictly logistical. <> There are no non-stop flights from NZ to Canada. Different carriers a <> involved to cover the Pacific routes with fuel stops in Hawaii. Last <> when former Sec. of Agric. Mike Espy did not authorize bee transshipme <> through Hawaii, NZ suppliers and Canadian buyers were in a scramble an <> looked for alternate routes. L.A. was an alternative but was not auth <> either. Singapore, Bangkok and Hong Kong were possible alternatives b <> uncertainty about the handling of such shipments under tropical condit <> and in locations where Tropilaelaps clarae is known to exist, these ro <> were considered unacceptable. The only remaining connection was via T <> and indeed, some shipments did go through at considerably higher expen A dumb question, how have these bee's or queens with bee's been getting to Canada in the past? <> 4. I think it is also important to put the issue in perspective. Some <> think that NZ may inundate North America with their bees. That will n <> happen. Although NZ bees may not be very expensive, the total cost wi <> freight make these bees pretty expensive livestock. So, there is a <> substantial economic constraint to package importations. With queens, <> is similar because other sources (eg. Hawaii and on the continent) are <> competitively priced. In addition to the economic issue, I believe <> the stresses of intercontinental shipments place limitations on the be <> themselves. Anyone having flown accross the Pacific knows the after <> effects, of being 'under the weather' for a few days. Well, I suspect <> if you are only 280 mg in weight of which at least 1/3 is comprised of <> swollen, sensitive ovaries, and you are placed in a box, subjected to <> pressure changes, vibrations, temperature and humidty fluctuations, <> increased ozone levels and physical shocks (not to mention the change <> season), you will be under the weather too. In some cases, these quee <> started beautifully in their new Canadian home for about three weeks a <> boom, they were superseded. This is not happening all the time, nor <> it reflect on the quality of the NZ stock but instead, I believe, the <> cumulative stresses of shipment may have been responsible. I agree and this reflects the information I have received from beekeepers, and thats why it is hard to understand the effort some are putting into breaking down the little protection Hawaii has enjoyed. <> In short, accessing NZ for bees, has mostly been treated as a valuable <> complementary source of good quality stock for Canadian producers. Fo <> industry as a whole, it has never been regarded as the principal and s <> supplier of beestock in the spring (as California used to be for Weste <> Canada prior to 1988). I believe American buyers will regard the NZ <> in a similar manner in the future. / . --- end of quotes --- / . Hi Paul, I have serious doubts that American bee breeders or bee buyers will ever consider New Zealand as a good source of genetic material. But you may be privy to some information as to the origin of their stock that I am not. I understood that it was mostly Northern Californian stock to begin with. If it has real genetic value there are other means to incorporate it into Canadian bee breeding programs other then bringing in the live queens and risking Hawaii's bee population. Today what we need and are looking for is stock that can survive and I would not think stock from a country that advertises no disease is the place to find that kind. Brazil, maybe, but not NZ. But the real question in my mind is not the quality, quantity, or availability of bee's from NZ, it remains the environmental risk to the bee's and beekeepers in Hawaii. And their right to protect their own interests in that environment. That may be different from my own or other's interests and even if based on poor information or fear because of the lack of information. I believe they have a right to protect their bee's health without inside or outside interference from bureaucrats, or so called regulatory scientists turned politicians. (no reference to anyone you or I know). No one can possibly be proud of the record to date on protecting America's Honey Bee's for introduction of new and disastrous disease, pest, predators or genetic disorders. In my opinion only a fool would believe any new promises of protection for bee's from any agency of the US Government without long and a complete study of the issue. I believe that is lacking and we are asked to take the word of bureaucrats who may not know any more then enough to do a sales job on other bureaucrats and politicians. Hawaiian beekeepers don't want to assume the risk of bee's from NZ then I don't think they should be told by any government that they must have that risk because that government, my own, or others feels it is almost safe because they did a literature search or want to risk the whole ball of wax for their own connivance to save a few bucks in transportation costs. Direct air transportation is available to anyone who wants to work out the logistics and pay the price. It really is interesting that the danger to Hawaii is being minimized, but the danger of picking up some pest on a alternative route is real. I know that all Canadian's and all New Zealand er's are honest people, but sadly I can't say that about the people who work at airports in the US and millions of pounds of materials are lost despite the best efforts, iron clad guarantees, insurance and regulatory efforts. ttul Andy- ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 1 Mar 1995 15:51:48 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: MSYVRET@VMS1.GMU.EDU Subject: Honey bee nest/hive thermoregulation I have been assigned a presentation for a physiology course, in which the topic is "Thermoregulation in Honey Bee Nests", and have to coem up with a "complete" bibliography. My library database searches thus far have yielded a paucity of references on this specific topic, and I would be grateful if any readers of this list could provide me with some additional references to get my research going a little faster. Thanks in advance Mark Syvret M.S. student George Mason University Fairfax, VA ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 1 Mar 1995 13:24:00 -0800 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Paul van Westendorp 576-5600 Fax: 576-5652" Subject: Re: Your help needed to protect Hawai'i's honey bees Andy, Well spoken arguments. I love to continue the dialogue but I have too many other things on my plate. However, I like to make a brief response to your points. If I would be an Hawaiian, my sentiments and arguments would be as passionate and determined as many have already made. But, it is important to recognize that the trend towards globalization of trade and relations has and will have a profound effect on the manner we deal with such issues in the future. My colleagues and I were advised by the Canadian Governmet some years ago, that the issue of border closure (to the importation of bees from the US mainland) could in the future no longer be enforced by arguments such as, 1) the importation ban "happens to be on the books" (analogous to your 1922 statutes) or 2) because the majority of the Canadian beekeeping industry wishes such ban to be in place (because of perceived threats, etc). Under GATT and NAFTA rules, countries may only legitimately impose an importation ban on grounds of scientific evidence and risk assessments. In my e-mail epistle a few days ago, I tried to point out that the Hawaiian question faces exactly the same problem and that Hawaii was not likely to be succesful in obtaining this complete quarantine status without convincing scientific data. It is a reality that we all have to become accustomed to. I suppose in the future we can no longer have these trade barriers set up for patriotic or economic reasons (as was done for decades). But personally, I look on the map and I can not help but sympathize with Hawaii's arguments. best regards, Paul van Westendorp PVANWESTEN@galaxy.gov.bc.ca Provincial Apiarist British Columbia ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 1 Mar 1995 13:56:00 -0800 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Paul van Westendorp 576-5600 Fax: 576-5652" Subject: Re: Honey bee nest/hive thermoregulation MArk, You may look for some of Dr. Tibor Szabo's work he carried out in the early 80's. You could also contact him at the University of Guelph where he currently is. Paul van Westendorp pvanwesten@galaxy.gov.bc.ca Provincial Apiarist British Columbia ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 1 Mar 1995 15:06:28 +0000 Reply-To: IBRA@cardiff.ac.uk Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Dr Pamela Munn Subject: B.mail - March isuue Comments: To: socinsct@albnyvm1.BITNET, "hugo.veerkamp" , polpal-l@uoguelph.ca ====================================================== B-MAIL A monthly newsletter on issues and events in the bee world, provided by IBRA, the world information service for bee science and beekeeping. **March 1995** ====================================================== APIS CERANA AS AN ECONOMICALLY IMPORTANT BEE FOR ASIA Probably the hottest subject of debate in Asian apiculture is the choice of species for beekeeping: the native Apis cerana or the introduced Apis mellifera. The argument is not simple, and is not yet settled, but it revolves on the choice between a greater honey producer which is an introduced species or a local bee which is said to support a sustainable beekeeping industry. In general A. cerana beekeeping is regarded as a low-input, low-return enterprise, with A. mellifera beekeeping in Asia generating much higher production, but requiring greater inputs (especially in mite control measures and queens which usually must be imported). How do the economics of the two forms of beekeeping in Asia compare? Unfortunately there is little in the way of rigorous analysis. The straightforward answer was given by a Thai beekeeper who once said to me: "When I kept cerana I owned a push bike; now that I keep mellifera I drive a Toyota". Of course as true as that might be for an individual, the greater picture isn't as simple as that. At last August's Asian apiculture conference in Indonesia a very interesting study from Vietnam was presented on this subject, which appeared to show that beekeeping with A. cerana was more profitable than that with A. mellifera. Unfortunately the study was flawed: comparing cerana in one year with mellifera the next, using different honey prices and including interest on capital in the mellifera analysis but not the other. However, the study shows promise if these deficiencies are corrected before it is published. More investigation along these lines is needed to help answer the question of which bee species is more economically successful for Asian beekeeping. Of course A. mellifera is an established part of Asian beekeeping, and it is not possible to turn the clock back and remove it from that part of the world. It may be that the two types of beekeeping can be complementary, with one a high input, high return enterprise and the other more suited to subsistence or smallholder lifestyles. The other part of the argument is ecological, with some people claiming that A. mellifera is out-competing A. cerana, and as a result the latter is endangered or that some races of A. cerana have been made extinct. These assertions are being made with little supporting evidence, and the fact that the number of managed A. cerana colonies is declining in some areas is likely to be more an expression of economic forces than ecological ones. The impact of introducing A. mellifera to areas where A. cerana is autochthonous is largely unknown (and in any case is likely not to be the same throughout Asia). Bald assertions that 'the situation (with cerana) is approaching a crisis', and that this species is endangered, contribute little to the scientific debate. A further part of the equation is that management of A. cerana has not been progressed as far or as fast as that of A. mellifera, meaning that colony management techniques and bee breeding for cerana is generally less advanced and comparisons of the two types of beekeeping is in fact unfair. At the Indonesian conference an exciting advance in management of A. cerana was reported; a practically-based trial to predict and reduce swarming behaviour in cerana. As excessive swarming is one characteristic that really reduces its manageability, these results have considerable potential for enhancing the practical importance of the eastern hive bee. The studies on natural mating, including the discovery of A. cerana drone congregation areas, also have management possibilities in allowing controlled mating in the open. So, for more informed debate on the mellifera/cerana debate for Asian beekeeping, we need: more thorough economic analysis of the two forms of beekeeping research on the effects of mellifera on feral populations of cerana development of better management techniques for cerana. THAILAND AS AN EXAMPLE In the latest issue of Bee World, currently being mailed to IBRA members and subscribers, Siriwat Wongsiri and Ping-Ping Chen look at the effect of agricultural development on honey bees in Thailand. After a few unsuccessful starts, beekeeping with mellifera in that country has undergone exponential growth over the past two decades. In the last ten years the number of managed cerana colonies has declined, though the authors are careful to point out that 'no research has been done on the decrease of A. cerana in natural habitats'. Another interesting point they make is that while cerana has the advantage of greater mite resistance, the colonies suffer more from poisoning by agricultural chemicals than mellifera ones because cerana beekeepers generally do not have the logistical or financial means to shift colonies away from danger. EXCITING NEW BOOK ON APIS CERANA I said that finding better management techniques for cerana was an important step in allowing a fair comparison between that species and mellifera. A new book will go a long way towards improving cerana management in Asia. Many previous books about beekeeping with cerana have been founded on adaptations of techniques for temperate-zone apiculture using mellifera, but at last we have a comprehensive manual for beekeeping with Apis cerana, based soundly on research and practical beekeeping experience with that species. 'Beekeeping for honey production: management of Asiatic hive honeybee Apis cerana in its natural and tropical monsoonal environment', by R W K Punchihewa, first reviews honey bee biology, concentrating on A. cerana but considering the other two species found in Sri Lanka (A. florea and A. dorsata). The majority of the book is directly practical, with chapters on the principles of beekeeping, the relationships between animal husbandry and beekeeping, hive design for A. cerana, colony population increase and management, swarming management and making increase, supplementary feeding, preventing absconding, pest incidence, use of the smoker, extracting honey, the economics of beekeeping. There is also a glossary, a short reference section, an appendix of historical documents on beekeeping in Sri Lanka, and a subject index. The book is well illustrated by 116 colour photographs, 42 diagrams and a map of Sri Lanka's natural resource zones. Though this book is written for Sri Lankan conditions much of it will be directly applicable to A. cerana beekeeping in coconut- and rubber- growing zones elsewhere in Asia, and will be of use to anyone interested in the management of A. cerana. The book will be available for purchase from IBRA (contacts at the end of the newsletter). LOTS OF MEETINGS THIS MONTH BUMBLE BEES IN THE NEWS The widespread interest in bumble bees will be focused on a unique symposium being held in September. Some bumble bee species are endangered, disappearing from Europe's changing countryside at an alarming rate. Some are bursting to prominence as 'technobees' - at the heart of sophisticated pollination systems for crops. There's huge interest in bumble bees at the moment, so IBRA has put together a programme that will appeal to crop growers, farmers, entomologists, teachers, beekeepers - in fact anyone interested in nature or the countryside. 'Bumble bees for pleasure and profit' covers why bumble bees are special, what part they play in the environment and how they are being threatened. It also deals with rearing and using them: on covered crops, field crops, and even at home and in schools. The excellent line-up of speakers all have wide scientific or practical experience with bumble bees, and are drawn from across UK and Europe. 'Bumble bees for pleasure and profit' will be held in London on Saturday 23 September 1995. Further details from: IBRA at the address given at the end of this newsletter. INVERTEBRATE PATHOLOGY MEETING The Society for Invertebrate Pathology will be holding its 28th annual meeting at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA, on 16-21 July 1995. For information contact John D Vandenberg, USDA ARS US Plant, Soil & Nutrition Lab, Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853 (jdv3@cornell.edu; phone: 607-255-2456; fax: 607-255-2459) or H Alan Wood, Boyce Thompson Institute, Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853 (haw5@cornell.edu; phone: 607-254-1200; fax: 607-254-1242). IBRA DAY 1995 This year we have an exciting programme for IBRA Day. Set aside Saturday 27 May for a good day out: details in next month's B.mail. WORLD TRADE IN BEES AND BEE PRODUCTS IBRA is organizing a symposium on this subject to provide a forum for discussion of important issues in trade of bee products and bees. It will be held as part of the international beekeeping congress in Lausanne, Switzerland, and through the congress proceedings will give people worldwide access to current information on this subject (which is generally hard to come by). The meeting is for a wide range of people interested in this subject, including commercial beekeepers, traders in bee products and bees, government officials, representatives of intergovernmental agencies and hobby beekeepers. It won't be a direct 'how-to-do' programme, giving information about setting up a trading business. Rather it will analyse and discuss current and future trends in the commercial production and trading of major bee products (and bees). First there will be a keynote address by an invited speaker, looking at changing patterns in the world honey trade: the immediate past, current trends in the main producing and trading nations, and a look at the future. This will be followed by papers from invited speakers on: The effects of the latest Gatt agreement and European regulations. Niche marketing of honey from developing countries. Using quality assurance in bee product trade. Beeswax production and trade. The international trade in live bees. Developing markets for other hive products (such as propolis, pollen, royal jelly, venom). The European regulations for bee products (including a discussion of 'organic' honey). There will be opportunities for submitted papers to be presented as posters, as an important part of this half-day symposium. People wishing to take part in this symposium, or present posters, should register with the Apimondia congress organizers in the normal way. MEET US IN THE TROPICS Lastly in the meetings, but by no means least, here is the first announcement for the Sixth IBRA conference on tropical bees: management and diversity. It will be held in San Josi, Costa Rica, from 12-17 August 1996, and is being organized by the International Bee Research Association and hosted by the Universidad Nacional Costa Rica and Programa Regional de Apicultura y Meliponicultura. This conference is for anyone interested in the scientific or applied aspects of these themes: Ecology of native bees and native flora Pollination of crops Biology and management of stingless bees Parasites, pests and diseases of tropical bees Bees and sustainable forest management Conserving biodiversity of tropical bees Developing markets for bee products Information networks on tropical bees and beekeeping Management and selection of Africanized honey bees. Conference sessions will include presentations of oral and poster papers, workshop discussions, and technical visits to places of interest. The venue is ideal for looking at beekeeping with Africanized honey bees and stingless bees, as well as the interactions between introduced honey bees and native bees. Costa Rica provides a superb opportunity for private tours to look at a variety of unspoilt tropical habitats. This meeting continues the well-known series of conferences on bees and beekeeping in the tropics, held by IBRA every four years since 1976. Delegates at previous meetings have included scientists working in many different fields, commercial and hobbyist beekeepers, development workers, people from government and intergovernmental agencies, agriculturalists, foresters and extension agents. The proceedings of these conferences have become valued references for people working in subjects related to bees and beekeeping in the tropics. The International Bee Research Association is a non-profit making scientific foundation, and not an organization which can fund the attendance of delegates. If you will need funding to participate in this conference you should apply to appropriate agencies well in advance of the conference. If you wish to receive the second circular and registration form when they become available in August 1995 send your name and address to the appropriate contact: If you live in Costa Rica reply to: Sixth IBRA Conference on Tropical Bees C/ Dr Johan Van Veen Apartado 475-3000 Heredia Costa Rica If you live anywhere else contact: Sixth IBRA Conference on Tropical Bees International Bee Research Association 18 North Road Cardiff CF1 3DY United Kingdom (ibra@cardiff.ac.uk) TIME FOR REFRESHMENT If you've made it this far you deserve some refreshments. We all know that the waggle dance is the name given to one of the most important parts of the honey bee dance language (taken from von Frisch's term 'tail-wagging dance'), but did you know it's also the name of a beer made with honey in addition to barley malt? (I assume the name comes from the honey connection, and not only from the behaviour of heavy consumers). This honey beer uses 500 kg of honey in every 100-barrel batch, so it's definitely not a token effort. The resulting brew is (I'm told) golden in colour, with a notably firm and smooth body, a touch of sweetness with suggestions of orange and lemon, and a flowery dryness in its long finish. It has 5 percent alcohol and is a cask-conditioned draught. Waggle Dance is available in around 200 pubs, mainly those owned by the brewers Vaux in the north of England, at around 1.45-1.65 pounds per pint (an ancient British measurement, still used by drinkers, of just over 0.5 litre). Cheers! Andrew Matheson Director Return address: E.mail: ibra@cardiff.ac.uk Fax: (+44) 1222-665522 Telephone: (+44) 1222-372409 Snailmail: 18 North Road, Cardiff CF1 3DY, UK ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 1 Mar 1995 20:57:11 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "La Reine de la Cite' des Phoques (Liz Day)" Subject: killing jars revisited Comments: To: bombus@csi.uottawa.ca As you may remember, many months ago there was a thread on the best chemicals to use in killing jars. Now I must disturb the list with more questions about this toxic and unuplifting topic.... please help. The manuscript I'm working on is for laypeople. One of the chemicals I wish to recommend to them is ethanol. The problem is that it's hard to obtain ethanol in the higher percentages. Drugstore denatured is only 70%; pure grain alcohol is illegal to buy in many areas. One can order ethanol from companies like Fisher and Sigma, but usually one has to buy it in quantity or at high prices (relative to how much you need and what it's worth for what you're doing - killing or cleaning a few bees for a hobby). So: a) Does anyone know of any other ways someone who is not affiliated with an institution (you know, a normal person :-) ) can get pure ethanol? b) A possible substitute is methanol. Nearly pure methanol is avail at pharmacies. Does anyone have any experience using this with bumblebees? (Since there aren't any live ones out now for me to test it on.) Thank you all for your extensive help in the past. Liz Day La Reine de la Cite' des Phoques presently in New York City, USA lday@indy.net (Please note my new email address. The gluon one is defunct.) ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 1 Mar 1995 22:04:28 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Val Matthews Subject: Work in NZ Date sent: 1-MAR-1995 21:52:44 I have no idea if this is the right place to post this, but here goes... I am completing my BS at U Mass Boston. For my senior thesis, I analyzed follower behavior of waggle dances. I located only one paper on this that was from Slovenia published in the Journal of Apicultural Research. Does anyone know of anyother articles published on this subject. I don't mean mere mentions of it in various articles and books, but more in depth sort of work. I am aware of the von Frisch work and Wehner and Wells arguements. I posted this same request to the ethology listserv and was told to try posting it here....I am living and working in NZ from April-October. I will have the proper work visa. I hope to find employment in a biology or zoology lab. If anyone knows of any work, I can forward a resume with references. Waggle dance beer sounds great! Too bad von Frisch isn't around to try some! Valerie Valerie Matthews Aotearoa, you're driving me crazy When the sun shines down University of Massachusetts On that sleepy little place at Boston I wanna be there Jenny Morris ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 2 Mar 1995 04:10:15 GMT Reply-To: geoff@butt.demon.co.uk Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: geoffrey butt Subject: Re: Honey bee nest/hive thermoregulation In message <9503012057.aa09906@post.demon.co.uk> BEE-L@uacsc2.albany.edu Mark asked: > I have been assigned a presentation for a physiology course, in > which the topic is "Thermoregulation in Honey Bee Nests", and have to > coem up with a "complete" bibliography. My library database searches > thus far have yielded a paucity of references on this specific topic, and > I would be grateful if any readers of this list could provide me with > some additional references to get my research going a little faster. > Thanks in advance Hello Mark Have you found the material which was published by Bernard Mobus in the late '80s when he was based at the Scottish Agricultural College, Aberdeen? I do not follow the academic literature so don't know in what form it was published there. However Bernard wrote some fascinating (to me) articles in the 1987 and 1988 issues of Beekeepers Annual on the interaction between broodnest temperature/humidity/laying rate/etc. and he sent me some more material when I wrote to him. I believe Bernard was in Holland when I last saw a reference to him. Hope this helps - best wishes for your research Geoff (who is an amateur beekeeper in Cheshire, England) geoff butt geoff@butt.demon.co.uk ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 1 Mar 1995 20:58:47 -0800 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Bill Fernihough Subject: RE>killing jars revisited- Reply to: RE>killing jars revisited Isn't methanol the same as wood alcohol, and if it is, try your local auto repair shop, because its commonly sold as de-icer and is available copiously in most hardware stores in the paint section. Its the stuff that is poured into the gas tank to absorb water from the gas tank. -------------------------------------- Date: 3/1/95 5:57 PM To: Bill Fernihough From: Discussion oB Biology As you may remember, many months ago there was a thread on the best chemicals to use in killing jars. Now I must disturb the list with more questions about this toxic and unuplifting topic.... please help. The manuscript I'm working on is for laypeople. One of the chemicals I wish to recommend to them is ethanol. The problem is that it's hard to obtain ethanol in the higher percentages. Drugstore denatured is only 70%; pure grain alcohol is illegal to buy in many areas. One can order ethanol from companies like Fisher and Sigma, but usually one has to buy it in quantity or at high prices (relative to how much you need and what it's worth for what you're doing - killing or cleaning a few bees for a hobby). So: a) Does anyone know of any other ways someone who is not affiliated with an institution (you know, a normal person :-) ) can get pure ethanol? b) A possible substitute is methanol. Nearly pure methanol is avail at pharmacies. Does anyone have any experience using this with bumblebees? (Since there aren't any live ones out now for me to test it on.) Thank you all for your extensive help in the past. Liz Day La Reine de la Cite' des Phoques presently in New York City, USA lday@indy.net (Please note my new email address. The gluon one is defunct.) ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 2 Mar 1995 11:25:14 GMT Reply-To: geoff@butt.demon.co.uk Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: geoffrey butt Subject: Re: Honey bee nest/hive thermoregulation After my follow-up to <9503012057.aa09906@post.demon.co.uk> BEE-L@uacsc2.albany.edu: > "Thermoregulation in Honey Bee Nests" > Mark Syvret Jeremy Burbidge contacted me to say that these copies of Beekeepers Annual are still available. Contact him on ruxbury@delphi.com if you want more information Geoff ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Geoff Butt at GTBT Network geoff@butt.demon.co.uk (who finds wonderful examples in the hive of self-regulating systems - which then prompt thought about the needs of organisations and businesses in C21) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 2 Mar 1995 17:43:49 -0500 Reply-To: Ian Stuart McLean Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Ian Stuart McLean Subject: Re: newsletters >If you publish a beekeeping newsletter please send me information on >how to subscribe. If it is available through email, please add me to >your mailing list. Also, please advise me if you wish to receive the >newsletter I will begin publishing soon. Hi Marion, Yes please include me on your mailing list, if your News Letter refers to bees & beekeeping. My principal interest is disease and its treatment as you would guess from my job, but we teach beekeeping too. Thanks Ian ianmac@lancsbk.win-uk.net - Northern Regional Bee Inspector - Bee Curious ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 3 Mar 1995 16:50:42 +0100 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Christiane Courant Subject: Re: honeybee nest thermoregulation Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "La Reine de la Cite' des Phoques (Liz Day)" Subject: killing jars more Comments: To: bombus@csi.uottawa.ca The killing jar question should be rephrased. It is now, "Have any of you ever used the following chemicals for killing or cleaning bumblebees, and if so, did it work without leaving a messy residue on the fur or damaging the specimen in some other way? Methanol; Isopropanol; Acetone." Sigh. I get to the end of this. Thank you all ... Liz Day presently in New York City, USA lday@indy.net ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 4 Mar 1995 16:48:22 -0500 Reply-To: Ian Stuart McLean Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Ian Stuart McLean Subject: Re: killing jars more >The killing jar question should be rephrased. It is now, > >"Have any of you ever used the following chemicals for killing or cleaning >bumblebees, and if so, did it work without leaving a messy residue on the >fur or damaging the specimen in some other way? > >Methanol; >Isopropanol; >Acetone." Sorry to come in when you thought you were getting a short list. As an sometime organic chemist, now Bee Inspector your above list is not very helpful. The best solvent is Ethyl acetate, because it is quick, effective not too hazardous. Doesn't mess the fur, but I've only worked on honeybees. It is Flammable, less than 73F. It is at least in the UK available from any Laboratory Suppliers, and in particular ones specialising in Microscopy & biological supplies. The important practical aspect is that it relaxes the muscles if you wish to disect the insect. Methanol- is easily available as Methylated spirits - denatured with Pyridine & a purple dye in UK. -never used it. Denatured because it intoxicates but has a nasty effect on the human body! Blind drunk! Ethanol - difficult to get so that we don't have too many drunken lab workers! Isopropanol, the next alcohol up the chain- I would think -never used it- is slow to work. Again bad for humans. Many samples you see pinned have been killed with a solvent which tenses the muscles and they appear unnaturally small.All my work has bee either for disease determination or anatomical dissection. Hope you are not too confused. ianmac@lancsbk.win-uk.net - Northern Regional Bee Inspector - Bee Curious ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 4 Mar 1995 18:01:37 -0800 Reply-To: uc779@freenet.victoria.bc.ca Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Conrad A. Berube" Subject: THERMOREGULATION OF BEE COLONIES Someone asked about references on the thermoregulation of honeybee colonies-- unfortuneately I forgot to clip out the address of said person. If you're out there, and still interested, send me e-mail directly at the e-address below and I'll reply with the three or four citations I came across. - Conrad Berube " ` ISLAND CROP MANAGEMENT " ` 1326 Franklin Terrace _- -_`-_|'\ /` Victoria, B.C. _/ / / -' `~()() V8S 1C7 \_\ _ /\-._/\/ (604)480-0223; fax (604)656-8922 / | | email: uc779@freenet.victoria.bc.ca. '` ^ ^ ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 4 Mar 1995 18:23:46 -1000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Thomas W. Culliney" Subject: Re: Killer Bees In-Reply-To: <9503022241.AA00950@hinc.hawaii.gov> For those who think there's nothing worth watching on TV, the made-for-TV movie, Deadly Invasion: The Killer Bee Nightmare, will be aired Tuesday night, March 7, on the Fox network. I hear that Norman Gary served as the technical advisor, so maybe the movie will present more accurate information and less exaggeration than have some similar potboilers in the past. =================================== Thomas W. Culliney Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture Division of Plant Industry 1428 South King Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ Phone: (808) 973-9529 Facsimile: (808) 973-9533 E-mail: tcullin@hinc.hawaii.gov =================================== ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 4 Mar 1995 23:18:09 -0600 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Rick Snyder Subject: Re: Killer Bees In-Reply-To: <9503050439.AA09512@aac.MsState.Edu> On Sat, 4 Mar 1995, Thomas W. Culliney wrote: > For those who think there's nothing worth watching on TV, the made-for-TV > movie, Deadly Invasion: The Killer Bee Nightmare, will be aired Tuesday > night, March 7, on the Fox network. I hear that Norman Gary served as the > technical advisor, so maybe the movie will present more accurate > information and less exaggeration than have some similar potboilers in > the past. But, then, why would it even make it as a TV movie? I think we can expect all the gore that the term "killer" implies. Rick ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 5 Mar 1995 01:56:08 -0700 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Allen Dick Subject: Re: Killer Bees In-Reply-To: <9503050426.AA21735@cuugnet.cuug.ab.ca> On Sat, 4 Mar 1995, Thomas W. Culliney wrote: > For those who think there's nothing worth watching on TV, the made-for-TV > movie, Deadly Invasion: The Killer Bee Nightmare, will be aired Tuesday > night, March 7, on the Fox network. I hear that Norman Gary served as the > technical advisor, so maybe the movie will present more accurate > information and less exaggeration than have some similar potboilers in > the past. I saw 'behind the scenes' coverage on some 'Movie Show'. The crew and cast were pretty positive about bees and showed people literally covered with bees and happily saying how they weren't being stung and that if you know how to behave that bees are fun. So, I guess we'll see how the film turns out. W. Allen Dick, Beekeeper VE6CFK Rural Route One Swalwell Alberta Canada T0M 1Y0 Email: dicka@cuug.ab.ca or allend@internode.net Virtual Art Gallery: http://www.cuug.ab.ca:8001/~dicka __________________Why not drop by?____________________ ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 5 Mar 1995 07:14:45 -0800 Reply-To: uc779@freenet.victoria.bc.ca Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Conrad A. Berube" Subject: Killer Bee Movie >... Deadly Invasion: The Killer Bee Nightmare, will be aired Tuesday >night, March 7, on the Fox network. I hear that Norman Gary served as the >technical advisor, so maybe the movie will present more accurate >information and less exaggeration than have some similar potboilers in >the past. I doubt it. Norm doesn't have creative control over the films, he's just the bee-jockey (and sometimes extra-- he was the guy driving the tractor that got "killed" by a hat-full of bees in some other B-movie, I think it was "The Swarm"). Can't say that I'd pass up the big consulting fees, either, even if they were making "Bees: The Most Horrible Little Varmints You Could Possibly Imagine". But it is a shame that a lot of people are likely to believe the crap that this flick is likely going to perpetuate. I worked with African(ized) honeybees in Ecuador, Guatemala and Paraguay and society as a whole was not greatly impacted by the "killer bee invasion". There were, of course, pros and cons to the dynamic of the surplanting of bee-stock but, in the subtropics at least, I think the introduction of the bees has been a boon (note the long-term increase in net productivity-- such as the (eventual) doubling of honey production in Brazil compared to pre-AHB levels-- in those countries with the AHB). Conrad ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 5 Mar 1995 21:33:23 -0800 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Paul Cronshaw, D.C." Subject: BEEKEEPERS HAVE LOWER RATES OF ALLERGY, ARTHRITIS Comments: To: BEE-L%ALBNYVM1.BITNET@UBVM.cc.buffalo.edu To Bee-list How many of you beekeepers can attest to this? Are there any references on this subject?/ Paul Cronshaw DC Beekeeper cronshaw@rain.org ************ BEEKEEPERS HAVE LOWER RATES OF ALLERGY, ARTHRITIS BY JASON KAHN c.1995 Medical Tribune News Service NEW YORK _ Beekeepers get stung an average of 2,000 times a year, but they may have little reason to complain. A new study shows that the stings may make them healthier. Researchers from Bridgeport, Conn., found that beekeepers are less likely than average to suffer from allergies and arthritis, and take fewer sick days per year than the average U.S. worker. The venom in bee stings is the reason, the scientists believe, and they called for increased efforts to find the specific compound in the venom that is responsible. A total of 936 beekeepers responded to a questionnaire asking about their rates of disease and their overall health. About 11 percent of the beekeepers said they had some type of allergy, while 5 percent reported having arthritis. In the general population, the rates are 15 percent and 12 percent, respectively. Beekeepers also took an average of 2.3 sick days per year, compared to 7.6 per year in the general population, the scientists reported here Tuesday (Feb. 28) at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology. Lead researcher Dr. John Santilli, co-director of the allergy research center at Bridgeport Hospital, said that bee venom may work by affecting the immune system. ``I think we're at a point where we need to pull [the bee venom] apart and find out what the active ingredient is,'' he said. The theory that bee venom may be an effective treatment for certain types of arthritic conditions is centuries old, according to Santilli. Studies in animals have suggested that bee venom fights the inflammation typical of arthritis. Santilli said that while beekeepers often are seen on television wearing protective gear, they seldom use it in the field. ``These people walk around bare-chested,'' he said. ``They love to get stung, and they're basically very healthy.'' Donald Hoffman, a professor of pathology and laboratory medicine at East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C., said that previous smaller studies also have shown lower rates of allergy and arthritis among beekeepers. But these people may be healthier to begin with, he noted. ``There is probably some selection bias here, because allergic people are not likely to be in a situation where there is a lot of pollen around, like open fields'' where beekeepers work, Hoffman said. He was quick to point out, however, that bee venom contains a number of compounds that are thought to have a positive impact on health. Some are anti-inflammatory agents, while others stimulate the heart. ``The biggest component of bee venom, though, is mellitin, which interacts with hormones,'' Hoffman said. ``It is very plausible that some of these agents can be beneficial. There's just no objective evidence in humans at this point.'' ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 6 Mar 1995 16:51:51 +0100 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Bruzzi Giacomo Subject: I will be sacked? Comments: To: beelist Hello everybody! I'm an amateur beekeeper. I just placed my two hives in my friend's wood. Yesterday the local professional beekeeper told me that my two hives will be sacked by other bees because there are in zone (some 350 meter) about 80 hives (professional hives !). What do you think about? Is he fooling me? Sorry for possible English mistakes. Thanks. Ciao. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 6 Mar 1995 12:27:46 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Carl Mueller Subject: Re: I will be sacked? >Yesterday the local professional beekeeper told me that my two hives >will be sacked by other bees because there are in zone (some 350 meter) >about 80 hives (professional hives !). > : :I think that he is trying to tell you that the two new hives may be :weak and that his hives might rob them out. You can avoid this by :keeping your hives strong and by restricting the hive entrance to :an opening small enough for only 4 or 5 bees. The small opening will :allow the guard bees to defend the hive with out being overwhelmed by :the invaders. I would not open these hives unless it is really needed :or if there is a good nectar flow on. The chance of robbing occurring :is least during a nectar flow. : :He might be trying to keep you out of his area also. : :Good luck ------------------------------------------------------- cmueller@emi.com *** I think, therefore I am politically incorrect!! *** ------------------------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 6 Mar 1995 13:54:30 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: George Clarkson/SC <70641.2067@COMPUSERVE.COM> Subject: Foulbrood Bee-l'ers: I have just had a colony diagnosed with American Foulbrood. I know I need to burn the frames and combs. I have heard however that the body, bottom board and cover can be reused if they are thoroughly scorched with a propane torch. Is this correct? Secondly, despite preventative terramycin treatments, the nearby strong colony that was robbing the diseased colony appears to also have AFB. It is not widespread yet, only on a few combs in a 2 deep super hive. They are otherwise strong and there is a lot of healthy brood. Is there any hope to continue treating it? I would like to think I could pull it through since it is otherwise in good shape. Thanks for any advice. George ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 7 Mar 1995 08:47:17 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Kelley Rosenlund 904-392-5551 Subject: plywood As I have some plywood around the yard, is it ok to use plywood for the outer cover and bottom board of a hive? Thanks, Kelley rosenlk@freenet.ufl.edu ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 7 Mar 1995 07:49:36 -0800 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Bill Fernihough Subject: RE>plywood- Reply to: RE>plywood yes, if its not treated for water resistance or rot, using plywood is quite common -------------------------------------- Date: 3/7/95 5:47 To: Bill Fernihough From: Discussion oB Biology As I have some plywood around the yard, is it ok to use plywood for the outer cover and bottom board of a hive? Thanks, Kelley rosenlk@freenet.ufl.edu ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 7 Mar 1995 11:49:40 +22300129 Reply-To: adamf@vtaix.cc.vt.edu Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Adam Finkelstein Subject: Beekeeping faq: how to get (periodic mailing) Comments: To: bee_l@uacsc2.albany.edu Hello, If you would like to get the latest copy of the beekeeping FAQ, pointing you toward internet beekeeping resources, here's what you do: * WWW URL http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu:80/hypertext/faq/usenet/top.html Once here (using a web browser of course) look for beekeeping. The FAQ starts with "sci.agriculture..." but is archived alphabetically under "B" for beekeeping. * FTP: FTP rtfm.mit.edu log on anonymous, then cd to /pub/usenet/news.answers/beekeeping-faq can also FTP to: ftp.uu.net /usenet/news.answers/beekeeping-faq If you can't use FTP, you may email for the faq. Here's how: * email mail-server@rtfm.mit.edu no subject in body of letter put: send usenet/news.answers/beekeeping-faq * Usenet The beekeeping faq is posted every month to: news.answers, sci.answers, misc.answers, alt.answers, rec.answers as well as sci.agriculture.beekeeping, misc.rural, alt.sustainable.agriculture, and rec.gardens. As a last resort, you may mail me and I'll send you the latest version, but I might take longer than the above sources.... As always, please send suggestions, comments, criticisms, and I'll do what I can. Wishing you the best in the beekeeping world, Adam -- ______________________________________ Adam Finkelstein adamf@vtaix.cc.vt.edu ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 8 Mar 1995 08:58:14 +0100 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: johan calis Subject: Faulbrood In addition to George Clarkson, In the Netherlands Faulbrood (AFB) was controlled succesfully up to now, with a stamping out method. Normally, less than once a year, an infected colony is found which is than, together with neigbouring hives, tools etc., distructed (burned). Last year, however, about a dozen outbreaks occured. All appeared to have spread from one or two original infections from imported material. It may be the case that this stamping out method cannot be paid in future when outbreaks occur at a similar high rate. What I'm interrested in is what are the rule's for AFB disease control in your countries? What are your experiences with AFB? Can you for example keep your colonies healthy just by working as hygienic as possible, a.o. renewing combs regularly? Are there diagnostic methods used that can show the presence of spores before the disease actually becomes visible? What are the differences between commercial and hobby beekeepers attitudes in this respect? Thanks for any information! Johan.Calis@medew.ento.wau.nl ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 8 Mar 1995 07:56:07 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: JB SHEPHEARD Subject: Re: plywood >As I have some plywood around the yard, is it ok to use plywood for the >outer cover and bottom board of a hive? > >Thanks, >Kelley >rosenlk@freenet.ufl.edu Kelley; Plywood works fine for most components of a hive. You should however, make sure it gets a good coat of paint for both the bottom board and outer cover. In addition the outer cover should be covered with in order of preference; metal, shingles, tar paper or an extra coat of paint. You can get metal skins or covers from the bee supply store. The only other caution I have regarding plywood is that porcupines love the stuff and will chew through metal and paint to get it. So if you have a porcupine population near your hives you may want to reconsider or at least test the porcupines appetite first. Good luck ............. Jim> ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 8 Mar 1995 08:00:00 CST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Matt Ter Molen Subject: Apistan in the Spring Last year I used Apistan in my hives in the fall for 30 days to treat for varroa. However, in the spring I had problems with weak hives and I noticed that several of the weaker hives had serious varroa infesta- tions. I used Apistan this past fall for 40 days and my question to the list is, how many beekeepers use Apistan again in the spring? I would like to avoid as much as possible using medications in my hives, but it would be nice to have a crop this year as well. I am in Northern Illinois so I would consider applying the Apistan in April. Thanks. Matt Ter Molen. dwbmjtm@uchimvs1.uchicago.edu. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 8 Mar 1995 09:20:35 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Carl Mueller Subject: Re: Apistan in the Spring >>Last year I used Apistan in my hives in the fall for 30 days to treat >>for varroa. However, in the spring I had problems with weak hives and >>I noticed that several of the weaker hives had serious varroa infesta- >>tions. I used Apistan this past fall for 40 days and my question to the >>list is, how many beekeepers use Apistan again in the spring? I would >>like to avoid as much as possible using medications in my hives, but it >>would be nice to have a crop this year as well. I am in Northern >>Illinois so I would consider applying the Apistan in April. Thanks. >>Matt Ter Molen. dwbmjtm@uchimvs1.uchicago.edu. >> Last spring I didn't use any strips and lost several hives. This year I have used them and I have a very good build up going. I will remove the strips this week in anticipation of the citrus bloom which is just starting. I have buckfast and italian bees. One hive of italians has shown restiance to varroa. It was weak last year and when I placed srtips in the hive the build up was very quick. ------------------------------------------------------- cmueller@emi.com *** I think, therefore I am politically incorrect!! *** ------------------------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 8 Mar 1995 10:17:00 -0800 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Paul van Westendorp 576-5600 Fax: 576-5652" Subject: Re: Apistan in the Spring Matt, HEre in the south western corner of British Columbia, we have had some major losses of colonies as a result of Varroa (probably in combination with A. woodi). Many beekeepers did apply their apistan strips in the fall for the recommended treatment period and pulled them out. But consider that the mild weather conditions allowed the bees to maintain some brood longer in the fall, and with some limited flying weather allowed for re-infestation and mite development. In early spring (jan-feb) the bees became broody again especially when beekeepers added a nice pollen patty. During the spring months of 94, we saw massive bee kills. The varroa mites that had survived the mild winter had the opportunity to expand enormously by feasting on all the young bee brood. By April and May, many colonies were primarily comprised of old, wintered bees, and collapsed. We now recommend beekeepers apply a single strip to a two-supered winter colony in early February and leaving it in for a month. Perhaps in the future such a second treatment may not be necessary when high rates of re-infestation (by feral and non-treated colonies) have levelled off but for now such an 'interim' treatment may be a good precautioonary measure. So far, this recommendation has not been extended to producers in the interior (of BC where colder climates prevail) because the much longer, broodless period limits Varroa's ability to winter as successfully. regards, Paul van Westendorp PVANWESTEN@galaxy.gov.bc.ca Provincial Apiarist British Columbia ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 8 Mar 1995 20:59:57 GMT Reply-To: ibra@matheson.demon.co.uk Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: ibra Subject: Prevention and control of AFB Johan Calis commented on the increase in AFB in the Netherlands and asked about control and prevention methods in other countries. A three part article in the American Bee Journal in 1992 (132(6): 399-402; 132(7): 471-475; 132(8): 534-537, 547; Apicultural Abstracts reference 207/93) answers some of those questions. There are > diagnostic methods used that can show the presence of spores before the > disease actually becomes visible, and this area of AFB diagnosis is very topical in New Zealand and Australia. See AA274/94. -- ******************************************************************************** ** * From Andrew Matheson, Director, International Bee Research Association * * * * Any replies to this message will be read only by me. If you want to leave * * a message for anyone else in IBRA, or one which will be handled in my absence, * * please contact ibra@cardiff.ac.uk * * * * IBRA, 18 North Road, Cardiff CF1 3DY, UK * * Fax (+44) 1222-665522 Telephone (+44) 1222-37209 * * * ******************************************************************************** ** ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 8 Mar 1995 19:29:44 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Kelley Rosenlund 904-392-5551 Subject: Swarm Traps Does anyone know of sources for swarm traps & lures? Kelley rosenlk@freenet.ufl.edu ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 8 Mar 1995 20:58:30 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Brian Tassey Subject: Public AHB Hysteria Hello folks, Does anyone have an E-Mail address for Norman Gary (U.C. Davis). I caught the movie "Deadly Invasion" the other night. Being from a typical "Agrarian California community" (TVguide synopsis) I would like to express my appreciation for helping to intensify the ignorance and hysteria of the general public. Part of that public is landowners that allow me to keep my locations even with liability claims being what they are, and not really realizing great profits from their generosity. With the general public losing connections with their agrarian roots at the pace we experience, it is unconscionable that a beeman would participate in a venture that presents half-truths, promotes hysteria, and harms the beekeeping industry as this film did and will continue to do for some time. There are many conditions in beekeeping that are out of our control (human that is). Proper forethought is not among those conditions. Brian Tassey Alta Apiaries Kaykin@aol.com ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 8 Mar 1995 19:54:47 -0800 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Bill Fernihough Subject: RE>Swarm Traps- Reply to: RE>Swarm Traps There was a company making them, but I beleive they went out of business. A box of new frames and foundation does a good job. -------------------------------------- Date: 3/8/95 16:29 To: Bill Fernihough From: Discussion oB Biology Does anyone know of sources for swarm traps & lures? Kelley rosenlk@freenet.ufl.edu ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 8 Mar 1995 23:02:27 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Carl Mueller Subject: Re: Swarm Traps >Does anyone know of sources for swarm traps & lures? > >Kelley >rosenlk@freenet.ufl.edu > > I purchase my swarm traps from BRUSHY MOUNTAIN BEE FARM, phone 1-800-233-7929 in the U.S. Fax 910-2681. They sell two different types of traps and have lures also. The styles are a box type and a cone type. I feel that the box style is best because it will accept 5 frames. It measures 23 inches long by 13 inches high. The box style sells for $19.95 each or $87.50 for five(5). The lures sell for $2.30 each or $11.00 for five(5). Contact Brushy Mountian for shipping charges. ------------------------------------------------------- cmueller@emi.com *** I think, therefore I am politically incorrect!! *** ------------------------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 9 Mar 1995 09:06:06 +0100 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: maarten van helden Subject: RFD sci.bio.entomology.misc REQUEST FOR DISCUSSION This is a formal request for discussion (RFD) for the creation of a newsgroup on general entomology and related issues. All discussion of the proposed new group should take place in the news.groups Usenet newsgroup. Interested parties unable to read news.groups should contact the principal proponent, Maarten van Helden. Unmoderated group sci.bio.entomology.misc Newsgroup line: sci.bio.entomology.misc General entomology and related issues. Proposer: Maarten van Helden Co-proposers: Yvan Rahbe Lou Bjostad Rod Crawford Peter Rauch Christopher Majka Mentor: Ed Bailey This RFD is being issued in concordance with the guidelines set in the "How to create a new usenet newsgroup" FAQ regularly posted to news.announce.newgroups. Please refer to this article if you have any questions about newsgroup creation. This is not a call for votes. Please do not vote now. CHARTER: Discussion, news, and queries concerning the study of insects and other (non-marine) arthropods not covered in more specialised newsgroups. The newsgroup is meant to cover a wide variety of entomological topics, including postings about arachnology, myriapodology and other studies with affinities to entomology. Sci.bio.entomology.misc is *NOT* intended as a forum for the buying and selling of insect specimens nor for the advertising of commercial products and services. However, it is permissible to use the newsgroup to post brief comments with pointers to addresses where readers can obtain information about such products. All participants are expected to respect the environment and the law. Efforts to encourage trespassing or to subvert conservation laws are *NOT* welcome on this newsgroup. Communication will be welcomed from all those interested in entomology, including serious amateurs as well as professionals and students, since these groups have much to contribute to one another and are in need of better communication channels. We hope that through interest and involvement by participants, documents of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) will in time be developed on many topics of interest to participants and the general public. Though intended mainly for communication among entomologists, some queries from the general public are to be expected; those which can be answered will be answered politely. RATIONALE: Entomology (the study of insects) is the focus of numerous organizations and people, both professional and amateur, all over the world. Entomology is a highly diversified field in which most workers, however specialised their research, retain an interest in other entomological topics. It is also one of the few scientific fields in which amateurs can still make important contributions. The sci.bio.entomology.misc newsgroup is intended for all general entomological postings. There are also some specialised newsgroups (e.g. sci.bio.entomology.lepidoptera) and entomological listservers. The charter of sci.bio.entomology.misc includes consideration that existing or future non-newsgroups/lists dedicated to entomological topics may be gated to/from a suitable sci.bio.entomology subgroup. Since sci.bio.entomology.lepidoptera passed its vote just a few months ago, there is a pre-existing sci.bio.entomology hierarchy. "Big 7" standards require that the general discussion groups for hierarchies end with .misc, so sci.bio.entomology.misc is the recommended group name. The proponents sympathize with those who would prefer a shorter name, e.g. sci.bio.entomology. The newsgroup should be unmoderated, since the subject matter of entomology is not highly contentious in any event, and the mandate of the newsgroup as presented in the charter is sufficiently encompassing that moderation was not deemed necessary. We would like to encourage wide participation in the newsgroup. It is unlikely that inappropriate postings will be a serious problem. If sufficient interest and volume of traffic should develop on one taxon (e.g. Coleoptera, bees, etc.) or subfield (e.g. economic entomology), there is provision within the sci.bio.entomology.* structure for further newsgroup creation to accommodate more specialized interests. Creation of such additional newsgroups would not change the mandate of sci.bio.entomology.misc but would merely allow the creation of additional forums for more detailed discussions among students of certain insect taxa or subject areas. PROCEDURE: Please post any responses to this message to news.groups. If you use the followup feature on your newsreader, this should happen automatically but please double-check anyway. All discussion about the merits of this proposal should occur on news.groups. Unless the discussion indicates a need to resubmit a new RFD, a call for votes (CFV) will be posted approximately four weeks after the posting of this RFD. Please do not post any votes. When the CFV is posted, instructions will be given on how to mail your votes to the independent vote counter. DISTRIBUTION: This RFD will be posted to news.announce.newgroups and then cross-posted to the following: news.groups, sci.agriculture.beekeeping, sci.bio, sci.bio.ecology, sci.bio.entomology.lepidoptera, sci.bio.ethology It is also being sent to these mailing lists: entomo-l@uoguelph.ca bee-l@albnyvm1.bitnet socinsct@albnyvm1.bitnet taxacom@cmsa.berkeley.edu pestcon@uiowa.edu When Call For Votes (CFV) is issued, it will also be cross-posted in these groups and mailing lists. A copy of this RFD can also be found via WWW at: http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/Entomology/sbemrfd.html gopher://yuma.ACNS.ColoState.EDU:70/00/ON/ACADEMIC/AGSCI/ENTOMOLO/sbemrfd.txt and on Gopher at Colorado State University (yuma.acns.colostate.edu) under menus as follows: On Campus> Academic> College of Agric. Sci.> Entomology> sbemrfd.txt ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ||\\ //|| Maarten van Helden || \\// || Dept. of Entomology || \/ || Wageningen Agricultural University |||||||||| Binnenhaven 7, 6709 PD || || Wageningen, the Netherlands || || Tel +31-8370-85118 Fax +31-8370-84821 || || Email: +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 9 Mar 1995 12:46:26 -0400 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "GARY M. DeBERRY" Subject: Re: Swarm Traps Hi Kelly swarm traps and lures can be obtained from the folowing sources Brushy Mountain bee farm 1-800-233-7929 . I am thinking of giving them a try myself . Let me know how successful you are and Iwill do the same. Gary M. DeBerry ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 9 Mar 1995 15:33:23 CST Reply-To: mailid@nd.edu Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Harald E. Esch" Subject: Re: Public AHB Hysteria In Message Wed, 8 Mar 1995 20:58:30 -0500, Brian Tassey writes: >Hello folks, > Does anyone have an E-Mail address for Norman Gary (U.C. Davis). I >caught the movie "Deadly Invasion" the other night. Being from a typical >"Agrarian California community" (TVguide synopsis) I would like to express my >appreciation for helping to intensify the ignorance and hysteria of the >general public. Part of that public is landowners that allow me to keep my >locations even with liability claims being what they are, and not really >realizing great profits from their generosity. With the general public >losing connections with their agrarian roots at the pace we experience, it is >unconscionable that a beeman would participate in a venture that presents >half-truths, promotes hysteria, and harms the beekeeping industry as this >film did and will continue to do for some time. There are many conditions in >beekeeping that are out of our control (human that is). Proper forethought >is not among those conditions. > >Brian Tassey >Alta Apiaries >Kaykin@aol.com Well said!! Harald Esch ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 9 Mar 1995 13:04:40 -0800 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Ken Umbach (kumbach@library.ca.gov)" Subject: Re: Public AHB Hysteria Comments: To: "Harald E. Esch" In-Reply-To: <9503092051.AA25849@agency> I would not lose a lot of sleep over the "killer bee" movie ... the only person I know who actually tried watching it said it was "stupid" and turned it off after half an hour. Not a scientific sample, but might be representative! ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 9 Mar 1995 17:41:23 -0500 Reply-To: Mason Harris Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Mason Harris Subject: Terrapatties Comments: To: bee-l@uacsc2.albany.edu. Does anyone on the Bee-L have the formula-recipe for home made terrapatties? I have the 6.4 oz. bag of terramyicin. Thanks! Mason Harris, MA, MST, CCC/A Educational Audiologist San Mateo County of Education (415)737-8460 Internet address: SMHARRIS@ED.CO.SANMATEO.CA.US ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 9 Mar 1995 16:18:12 -0700 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Eric Abell Subject: Re: plywood In-Reply-To: <9503071345.AA91768@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca> On Tue, 7 Mar 1995, Kelley Rosenlund 904-392-5551 wrote: > As I have some plywood around the yard, is it ok to use plywood for the > outer cover and bottom board of a hive? > Sure, use plywood for most any part of the hive. The only problem may be one of weathering and perhaps difficulty painting the open grain. > Eric Abell eabell@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 9 Mar 1995 16:26:10 -0700 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Eric Abell Subject: Re: Foulbrood In-Reply-To: <9503061852.AA98187@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca> > I have just had a colony diagnosed with American Foulbrood. I know I need to > burn the frames and combs. I have heard however that the body, bottom board and > cover can be reused if they are thoroughly scorched with a propane torch. Is > this correct? > > > Secondly, despite preventative terramycin treatments, the nearby strong colony > that was robbing the diseased colony appears to also have AFB. It is not > widespread yet, only on a few combs in a 2 deep super hive. They are otherwise > strong and there is a lot of healthy brood. Is there any hope to continue > treating it? I would like to think I could pull it through since it is > otherwise in good shape. > A common situation is for the weakest hive to be the first to have an AFB problem and the strongest hive to be second. It is likely the strongest hive that will be the first to rob the weakened hive. I wouldn't burn the frames, comb or bees unless it was extremely bad and there were no bees left. Here is a suggestion: Remove any frames displaying more than 1 or two cells of AFB. Treat with 2 times your normal amount of Terramycin. Repeat every 10 days. (both the culling and the TM) until 2 weeks before the honey flow and repeat after the flow. After a few treatments go back to normal amount of TM. Treat any colonies in the vicinity. Good luck. Eric Abell eabell@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 9 Mar 1995 16:31:02 -0700 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Eric Abell Subject: Re: Faulbrood In-Reply-To: <9503080812.AA119787@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca> > to have spread from one or two original infections from imported material. It > may be the case that this stamping out method cannot be paid in future when > outbreaks occur at a similar high rate. What I'm interrested in is what are > the rule's for AFB disease control in your countries? What are your > experiences with AFB? Can you for example keep your colonies healthy just by > working as hygienic as possible, a.o. renewing combs regularly? Are there > diagnostic methods used that can show the presence of spores before the > disease actually becomes visible? What are the differences between commercial > and hobby beekeepers attitudes in this respect? > Thanks for any information! > The big difference is that the hobby beekeeper loses a little money and the commercial beekeepers loses a lot. Eric Abell ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 9 Mar 1995 16:04:25 -0600 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Ed Bailey Organization: Physics Department, University of Texas Subject: Re: RFD: sci.bio.entomology.misc In-Reply-To: Due to some confusion, I'm unsure which mailing lists have seen this RFD already. My sincere apologies to those that are receiving a duplicate copy. All discussion should take place on the Usenet group news.groups. Thank you, Ed Bailey Mentor for sci.bio.entomology.misc REQUEST FOR DISCUSSION This is a formal request for discussion (RFD) for the creation of a newsgroup on general entomology and related issues. All discussion of the proposed new group should take place in the news.groups Usenet newsgroup. Interested parties unable to read news.groups should contact the principal proponent, Maarten van Helden. Unmoderated group sci.bio.entomology.misc Newsgroup line: sci.bio.entomology.misc General entomology and related issues. Proposer: Maarten van Helden Co-proposers: Yvan Rahbe Lou Bjostad Rod Crawford Peter Rauch Christopher Majka Mentor: Ed Bailey This RFD is being issued in concordance with the guidelines set in the "How to create a new usenet newsgroup" FAQ regularly posted to news.announce.newgroups. Please refer to this article if you have any questions about newsgroup creation. This is not a call for votes. Please do not vote now. CHARTER: Discussion, news, and queries concerning the study of insects and other (non-marine) arthropods not covered in more specialised newsgroups. The newsgroup is meant to cover a wide variety of entomological topics, including postings about arachnology, myriapodology and other studies with affinities to entomology. Sci.bio.entomology.misc is *NOT* intended as a forum for the buying and selling of insect specimens nor for the advertising of commercial products and services. However, it is permissible to use the newsgroup to post brief comments with pointers to addresses where readers can obtain information about such products. All participants are expected to respect the environment and the law. Efforts to encourage trespassing or to subvert conservation laws are *NOT* welcome on this newsgroup. Communication will be welcomed from all those interested in entomology, including serious amateurs as well as professionals and students, since these groups have much to contribute to one another and are in need of better communication channels. We hope that through interest and involvement by participants, documents of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) will in time be developed on many topics of interest to participants and the general public. Though intended mainly for communication among entomologists, some queries from the general public are to be expected; those which can be answered will be answered politely. RATIONALE: Entomology (the study of insects) is the focus of numerous organizations and people, both professional and amateur, all over the world. Entomology is a highly diversified field in which most workers, however specialised their research, retain an interest in other entomological topics. It is also one of the few scientific fields in which amateurs can still make important contributions. The sci.bio.entomology.misc newsgroup is intended for all general entomological postings. There are also some specialised newsgroups (e.g. sci.bio.entomology.lepidoptera) and entomological listservers. The charter of sci.bio.entomology.misc includes consideration that existing or future non-newsgroups/lists dedicated to entomological topics may be gated to/from a suitable sci.bio.entomology subgroup. Since sci.bio.entomology.lepidoptera passed its vote just a few months ago, there is a pre-existing sci.bio.entomology hierarchy. "Big 7" standards require that the general discussion groups for hierarchies end with .misc, so sci.bio.entomology.misc is the recommended group name. The proponents sympathize with those who would prefer a shorter name, e.g. sci.bio.entomology. The newsgroup should be unmoderated, since the subject matter of entomology is not highly contentious in any event, and the mandate of the newsgroup as presented in the charter is sufficiently encompassing that moderation was not deemed necessary. We would like to encourage wide participation in the newsgroup. It is unlikely that inappropriate postings will be a serious problem. If sufficient interest and volume of traffic should develop on one taxon (e.g. Coleoptera, bees, etc.) or subfield (e.g. economic entomology), there is provision within the sci.bio.entomology.* structure for further newsgroup creation to accommodate more specialized interests. Creation of such additional newsgroups would not change the mandate of sci.bio.entomology.misc but would merely allow the creation of additional forums for more detailed discussions among students of certain insect taxa or subject areas. PROCEDURE: Please post any responses to this message to news.groups. If you use the followup feature on your newsreader, this should happen automatically but please double-check anyway. All discussion about the merits of this proposal should occur on news.groups. Unless the discussion indicates a need to resubmit a new RFD, a call for votes (CFV) will be posted approximately four weeks after the posting of this RFD. Please do not post any votes. When the CFV is posted, instructions will be given on how to mail your votes to the independent vote counter. DISTRIBUTION: This RFD will be posted to news.announce.newgroups and then cross-posted to the following: news.groups, sci.agriculture.beekeeping, sci.bio, sci.bio.ecology, sci.bio.entomology.lepidoptera, sci.bio.ethology It is also being sent to these mailing lists: entomo-l@uoguelph.ca bee-l@albnyvm1.bitnet socinsct@albnyvm1.bitnet taxacom@cmsa.berkeley.edu pestcon@uiowa.edu When Call For Votes (CFV) is issued, it will also be cross-posted in these groups and mailing lists. A copy of this RFD can also be found via WWW at: http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/Entomology/sbemrfd.html gopher://yuma.ACNS.ColoState.EDU:70/00/ON/ACADEMIC/AGSCI/ENTOMOLO/sbemrfd.txt and on Gopher at Colorado State University (yuma.acns.colostate.edu) under menus as follows: On Campus> Academic> College of Agric. Sci.> Entomology> sbemrfd.txt ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 10 Mar 1995 09:50:41 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Ray Lackey Subject: Re: RE>Swarm Traps- The practice around here is to use an old, ready for the scrap pile hive body with a single frame of old comb and frames with 1/2 inch starter strips of foundation. Good work was done at Cornell as to placement and size. The hive body is a good size. Ten feet up is supposed to be good. We just throw them up on shed and garage roofs with some leveling blocks. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + 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 + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ exit ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 10 Mar 1995 09:57:48 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Ray Lackey Subject: Re: Foulbrood Eric, I object!! Burn them if they have AFB. The spores are not visable and the novice does not have the resources to identify the spread of the spores. In the mean time his neighboring hives are getting the desease. I believe it is cheaper in the long run. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + 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: Fri, 10 Mar 1995 09:25:06 -0700 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Eric Abell Subject: Re: Foulbrood In-Reply-To: <9503101500.AA57345@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca> On Fri, 10 Mar 1995, Ray Lackey wrote: > Eric, I object!! Burn them if they have AFB. The spores are not > visable and the novice does not have the resources to identify > the spread of the spores. In the mean time his neighboring hives > are getting the desease. I believe it is cheaper in the long run. > I may not have been clear. When I suggested that the frames with evidence of foulbrood should be removed, I should have suggested that they be destroyed. I would not, however, destroy the entire hive and all of its inhabitants just because I found a few cells with foulbrood. I agree that the spores cannot be seen and that they are likely on all of the equipment. It is likely that the spores already exist in most of our hives at some level and we would likely not destroy all of our equipment. There is a point at which a hive must be burned but in most cases it is just luck that I see cells with foulbrood. A few days earlier or later, or if I examined a different frame, and I may not have noticed AFB at all. Eric eabell@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 10 Mar 1995 09:31:34 -0700 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Eric Abell Subject: unusual brood Last fall, after the honey flow and in a time of relative dirth I happened upon something I have not seen before. The colony appeared fine but patches of brood had been uncealed and the appearance of the pupae was that the upper portion (head and part of thorax) had been chewed off. As I remember, the age of the larvae must have been around 15 - 18 days. One suggestion was that there was a shortage of protein and when I checked a few days later I was able to find very little pollen in the hive. Any other ideas? Bye the way, this situation was not found in any other colonies in this yard. Eric Abell eabell@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 10 Mar 1995 08:44:35 PST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Adrian Wenner Subject: Re: RE>Swarm Traps- Comments: To: Discussion of Bee Biology > Reply to: RE>Swarm Traps > A box of new frames and foundation does a good job. ********* I would like to comment on the above response. I have now done experiments comparing swarm occupation of swarm hives of the following types: large tub (9 gal.), small tub (6 gal.), rectangular without frames, and rectangular with frames of foundation. The only one of those four types that failed to become occupied by swarms were the rectangular types with frames of foundation. The mice loved them, though and eventually destroyed the foundation. In a related tally, I found that natural cavities that have been formerly occupied by colonies actually became occupied more frequently than any of the swarm hive types (see Wenner and Thorp. Dec. 1993. AMERICAN BEE JOURNAL, p. 870, abstracts 19 and 20). That is true, even if filled with wax moth coccoons and detritus from their leavings. Now, in cooperation with Justin Schmidt, I am running an experiment directly comparing the efficacy of small swarm tubs against formerly occupied natural cavities. Perhaps I will have sufficient results by the end of the season to report on them at the ABRC meetings in Georgia next fall (Do I have the place correct?). A final point: Old time beekeepers have told me that a used super with a couple of old combs is all one needs for a "decoy hive" as some of them term it. Adrian *************************************************************** * 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: Fri, 10 Mar 1995 18:10:23 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Paul Sasseville Subject: POLLEN SUBSTITUTE I would like to feed my colonies pollen substitute to boost brood production to make splits. The bees start bringing in regular pollen around April 4-7, when should I start to feed this pollen substitute that I purchaced from a bee supply store? I do not have real pollen to add to it unless I get it from an unknown source. I winter my colonies on 2 deeps should I place this pollen patty under the inner cover or between the deeps. Millhouse Farm Poland Me USA Paul Sasseville GSassevill@aol.com ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 12 Mar 1995 12:59:12 +1000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Bruce Halliday Subject: ADIZ Dear colleagues, If any kind person out there has a subscription to the German beekeeping magazine ADIZ (Allgemeine Deutsche Imkerzeitung), could you spare a moment to look up a small piece of information for me? I need to refer to articles in the May 1988 and December 1988 issues. I know the May issue is part number 5 and the December issue is part number 12, but of what volume number? Thank you for your help. Bruce Halliday =================================================================== Dr R. B. Halliday Principal Research Scientist (Acarology) CSIRO Division of Entomology GPO Box 1700 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia International Fax 61-6-2464000 Local Fax (06) 2464000 Telephone (06) 2464085 Internet bruceh@ento.csiro.au =================================================================== ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 11 Mar 1995 05:09:08 -0800 Reply-To: uc779@freenet.victoria.bc.ca Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Conrad A. Berube" Subject: Norm Gary's address/Killer bee movie Comments: To: Kaykin@AOL.COM From: Brian Tassey Subject: Public AHB Hysteria > Does anyone have an E-Mail address for Norman Gary (U.C. Davis). I >caught the movie "Deadly Invasion" the other night. Being from a typical >"Agrarian California community" (TVguide synopsis) I would like to express >my appreciation for helping to intensify the ignorance and hysteria of >the general public. Norm's e-mail address is: NEGARY@UCDAVIS.EDU but I believe he recently retired and may not check his e-mail very often-- you can write to him via snail mail care of: Department of Entomology; University of California/Davis; Davis, California 95616. Norm has always struck me as someone who enjoys notoriety and that he'd rather be the center of attention for something negative than not get noticed at all. I'm sure he'd enjoy hearing from you even if it's to get flamed ;-) I've often thought that "bee experts" were blowing that "killer bee" horn too hard ;-) Alerting the public to a relatively rare hazard is one thing, alarming them with misinformation is quite another. The problem will always be more of a beekeeping issue than one of public safety. Compare how much more public awareness there is around "killer bees" as compared to german yellow jackets, the latter being of similar nastiness as far as hazard potential. But public panic means more research bucks can be generated. Just my perceptions-- any dissenters out there may flame me at their leisure (although I would just as soon _not_ receive the attention :-p - Conrad Berube " ` ISLAND CROP MANAGEMENT " ` 1326 Franklin Terrace _- -_`-_|'\ /` Victoria, B.C. _/ / / -' `~()() V8S 1C7 \_\ _ /\-._/\/ (604)480-0223; fax (604)656-8922 / | | email: uc779@freenet.victoria.bc.ca. '` ^ ^ ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 12 Mar 1995 11:30:00 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Crawfords Electronics <0006173164@MCIMAIL.COM> Subject: Re: RE>Swarm Traps- >box of new frames and foundation does a good job. For nearly 30 years I've been putting out bait boxes around remote out-yards and for customers in commercial and residential buildings The first, worst mistake, I made was to place foundationed frames in the bait box. This not only never attracted / caught warms, but wasted the foundation. Returning to the bait box several months later always showed the wax curled, and/or melted, slumped down in the bottom of the super. Several times, I've observed that scouts looking at the stored supers will enter the empty boxes, ignoring the ones with frames. If they like the box, they pause at the entrance and spray their marker - even, in several cases, I've observed the scouts removing cob-webs and garbage from the box several weeks before the swarm arrived. If you don't have several dozen extra old supers in reserve, a new box (even as quick as a cardboard apple box) can be rendered attractive by rubbing it down across the entrance with a piece of old comb and then tossing it into the box before screwing a top board down. A good rule is to always place the bait box off the ground. This is usually an easy in a home situation - just put it on the garage roof (or equivalent). In the out-yards, garages are scarce, so the solution is a pallet or a piece of plywood under the super and make the entrance at the top side instead of the bottom. Also remember to observe that if only 2 or 3 frames of old, solid, dark comb are used (this is the step taken after the foundation lesson is learned) that the bees will fill the empty space of the hive with natural comb before they'll touch the old frames. David Crawford ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 12 Mar 1995 10:07:37 -0700 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Allen Dick Subject: Re: RE>Swarm Traps- In-Reply-To: <9503121628.AA22856@cuugnet.cuug.ab.ca> On Sun, 12 Mar 1995, Crawfords Electronics wrote: > >box of new frames and foundation does a good job. > > For nearly 30 years I've been putting out bait boxes around remote out-yards > and for customers in commercial and residential buildings > The first, worst mistake, I made was to place foundationed frames in the bait > box. This not only never attracted / caught warms, but wasted the foundation. > Returning to the bait box several months later always showed the wax curled, > and/or melted, slumped down in the bottom of the super. > > Several times, I've observed that scouts looking at the stored supers will > enter the empty boxes, ignoring the ones with frames. If they like the box, > they pause at the entrance and spray their marker - even, in several cases, > I've observed the scouts removing cob-webs and garbage from the box several > weeks before the swarm arrived. > > If you don't have several dozen extra old supers in reserve, a new box (even as > quick as a cardboard apple box) can be rendered attractive by rubbing it down > across the entrance with a piece of old comb and then tossing it into the box > before screwing a top board down. A good rule is to always place the bait box > off the ground. This is usually an easy in a home situation - just put it on > the garage roof (or equivalent). In the out-yards, garages are scarce, so the > solution is a pallet or a piece of plywood under the super and make the > entrance at the top side instead of the bottom. > > Also remember to observe that if only 2 or 3 frames of old, solid, dark comb > are used (this is the step taken after the foundation lesson is learned) that > the bees will fill the empty space of the hive with natural comb before they'll > touch the old frames. This is about as good advice as I've ever seen on the matter. I wonder if you have any advice as to whether a single or double is better? My experience has been mostly with brood chambers left in a yard because of lack of room on a truck, or stacks of supers stored outside under cover. I also wonder where you are located and what percentage of swarms you think you catch -- and how many pass by? What you mention about seeing the scouts there weeks ahead is probably one of the key points. I wonder if you have ever put a box in place, only to find it occupied the next day? Has anyone? Allen W. Allen Dick, Beekeeper VE6CFK Rural Route One Swalwell Alberta Canada T0M 1Y0 Email: dicka@cuug.ab.ca or allend@internode.net Virtual Art Gallery: http://www.cuug.ab.ca:8001/~dicka __________________Why not drop by?____________________ ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 12 Mar 1995 18:28:59 -0700 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Allen Dick Subject: Bees are OK Dear friends, You will doubtless be happy to hear that I went out today to look at the bees I described in an earlier post and was pleased to see that they appear AOK. I was concerned because some acarine (untreated) was found in the fall, and I also tried some new wrapping methods, but all seems well. I didn't open any today, but by the way they were hanging out and the look of the bees I saw, and the lack of streaking, I am sure they are fine. It has been a mild winter here in Southern Alberta, relatively speaking, but we have had some cold snaps and wind chills down to minus thirty in the last while, which is the critical period due to the brood rearing going on. All the methods of wrapping described earlier, including the 50 cents a hive wrap, seemed comparable. Losses look to be about 10% so far (including weak ones). I always figure that if I left hives unmanaged for 5 or 6 months in the summer I'd lose a comparable number, so that isn't too bad. Very little of the loss can be blamed on the winter. Mostly it is queens, poor bees, etc. The hives may have been poor when wrapped. So, I have to restrain myself now until the weather settles. At this rate, I may well have too many bees this summer after we spit. Hmmm. More later. Allen W. Allen Dick, Beekeeper VE6CFK Rural Route One Swalwell Alberta Canada T0M 1Y0 Email: dicka@cuug.ab.ca or allend@internode.net Virtual Art Gallery: http://www.cuug.ab.ca:8001/~dicka __________________Why not drop by?____________________ ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 12 Mar 1995 21:15:01 -0700 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Joan Tuckey Subject: Lethal nectar? Hello: A friend of mine hosts a call-in gardening radio show in Edmonton. Two of her callers recently spoke of finding dead or "drunk" honey bees in the vicinity of BULL THISTLES. They believed that the thistle caused their condition. The bull thistle is the one with the large (2" to 3") flower heads. The Latin name is either Cirsium drummondii or C. vulgare. One caller had dead bees, the other caller had drunk bees. The radio host asked me for an explanation!????? Has anyone out there seen or heard of this effect? Better yet, does anyone have some reasonable theories on what might have caused these effects. I know that bees frequently work thistles (especially Canada thisle) without any ill effect. ... Joan (joan.tuckey@nn.lcrnet.org) ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 13 Mar 1995 10:38:00 -0800 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Paul van Westendorp 576-5600 Fax: 576-5652" Subject: Re: Norm Gary's address/Killer bee movie Conrad, To draw the analogy to wasps is adding to the confusion. Perhaps on an individual basis AHB and yellowjackets are comparable in some of their behavior, but surely AHB feral colonies or managed AHB colonies pose a genuine risk when in close proximity to human activity and habitation. I think "we" (within the beekeeping fraternity) must acknowledge this fact and articulate it for the public to know what these risks are. The recent Killer Bee movie was certainly not helpful in educating the public. (For those who saw it, it was remarkable that among some of the accurate information, bees were prescribed the male gender. It floored me that producers who obviously put in a great deal of effort and money allowed some bozo to describe a killer bee as a 'mean bug leaving HIS stinger behind!). In any event, I believe beekeepers can adjust their management to deal with AHB successfully. However, it are the subsequent and secondary effects that have the greatest impact on the beekeepers' ability to continue operating. Information from Mexico (and I presume similar events have taken place in Central America), indicate that after AHB swept through, commercial operations incurred greater operating costs to manage a larger number of smaller colonies and that the loss of apiary sites had the greatest impact. In the "litigation-prone" US, africanization could spell disaster for many producers; not only the increased potential of a lawsuit, but also the loss of apiary sites. Without making the public aware of AHB and educating them responsibly, any beesting incident may quickly become a "killer bee incident". Lets try to prevent that. regards, Paul van Westendorp PVANWESTEN@galaxy.gov.bc.ca Provincial Apiarist British Columbia ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 13 Mar 1995 15:13:31 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: bill skelton Subject: Re: newsletters In-Reply-To: <9503010150.AA14509@bigbad.ces.ncsu.edu> from "marion ellis" at Feb 28, 95 07:44:28 pm Marion, I would greatly appreciate receiving a copy of your newsletter. I think I would find it very useful as and Extension Agent here in North Carolina. Thanks in advance for your efforts. Bill Skelton Area Horticulture Agent > >If you publish a beekeeping newsletter please send me information on >how to subscribe. If it is available through email, please add me to >your mailing list. Also, please advise me if you wish to receive the >newsletter I will begin publishing soon. >-- >Marion D. Ellis Assistant Professor >Department of Entomology University of Nebraska >telephone: 402-472-2125 >email: mellis@unlinfo.unl.edu > -- bill skelton E-Mail : bskelton@mecklenb Internet: bskelton@mecklenb.ces.ncsu.edu Phone : (704) 336-2561 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 13 Mar 1995 19:30:33 -0500 Reply-To: Ian Stuart McLean Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Ian Stuart McLean Subject: Re: Lethal nectar? >Hello: > >A friend of mine hosts a call-in gardening radio show in Edmonton. Two of her >callers recently spoke of finding dead or "drunk" honey bees in the vicinity of >BULL THISTLES. They believed that the thistle caused their condition. > >The bull thistle is the one with the large (2" to 3") flower heads. The Latin >name is either Cirsium drummondii or C. vulgare. One caller had dead bees, the >other caller had drunk bees. The radio host asked me for an explanation!????? > >Has anyone out there seen or heard of this effect? Better yet, does anyone >have some reasonable theories on what might have caused these effects. I know >that bees frequently work thistles (especially Canada thisle) without any ill >effect. > >... Joan (joan.tuckey@nn.lcrnet.org) Hi Joan, Bumbles get into trouble under some species of lime. Tilia Sp The problem is with nectars which are high in the sugar Mannose. Bumbles cannot digest this, they don't have the right enzymes, wheras honeybees can. I've never heard of trouble with Thistles either, perhaps the thistles were under or near Tillia petiolaris, T. tomentosa, T. orbicularis. These are the main ones to cause trouble in the UK. Yours Ian.> ianmac@lancsbk.win-uk.net - Northern Regional Bee Inspector - Bee Curious ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 13 Mar 1995 22:27:00 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: ga14 Subject: Re: POLLEN SUBSTITUTE In-Reply-To: <9503102311.AA26707@umailsrv1.UMD.EDU> >I would like to feed my colonies pollen substitute to boost brood production >to make splits. The bees start bringing in regular pollen around April 4-7, >when should I start to feed this pollen substitute that I purchaced from a > bee supply store? I do not have real pollen to add to it unless I get it >from an unknown source. >I winter my colonies on 2 deeps should I place this pollen patty under the >inner cover or between the deeps. >Millhouse Farm >Poland Me USA >Paul Sasseville >GSassevill@aol.com > > Paul: Good thinking - don't use pollen unless you produced it yourself. Mix your pollen substitute patties with heavy sugar syrup to the consistancy of stiff cookie dough. Place the patties on the top bars over the brood. This will mean between the hive bodies if the cluster is in the bottom chamber or under the inner cover if the cluster is in the top. Try not to plug the inner cover hole. The bees need the ventilation. Watch for swarming later - the stuff really works. Good luck this year. Gordon Allen-Wardell extension apiculturist univeristy of maryland ga14@umail.umd.edu ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 14 Mar 1995 10:48:18 +0100 Reply-To: Michael Haberl Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Michael Haberl Subject: Re: ADIZ In message <9503110410.AA09795@wap18.zi.biologie.uni-muenchen.de> Discussion of Bee Biology writes: > Dear colleagues, > > If any kind person out there has a subscription to the German beekeeping > magazine ADIZ (Allgemeine Deutsche Imkerzeitung), could you spare a moment > to look up a small piece of information for me? I need to refer to articles > in the May 1988 and December 1988 issues. I know the May issue is part > number 5 and the December issue is part number 12, but of what volume number? > > Thank you for your help. > > Bruce Halliday > Dear Dr. Halliday, I do not have a subscription of the ADIZ, but I know that currently (1995) volume number 29 is edited. So, 1988 should be volume 22. Best regards, Michael --------------------------------------------------------------------- Michael Haberl Tel: ++49 89 5902-444 Zoologisches Institut der Uni Muenchen Fax: ++49 89 5902-450 Luisenstr. 14 80333 Muenchen, Germany E-mail: haberl@zi.biologie.uni-muenchen.de --------------------------------------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 14 Mar 1995 13:28:32 +0300 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: 40446027@PLUTO.UDG.ES Subject: help help me, please. I want to subscribe to your list, but i don't know how to do. Thanks.. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 14 Mar 1995 08:21:47 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: =?iso-8859-1?Q?Andr=E9?= Paquet Subject: Re: help >help me, please. I want to subscribe to your list, but i don't know how to do. > >Thanks.. Hello. To subsrcibe to Bee-L, you send a message at the following address: listserv@uacsc2.albany.edu In the message, you just write SUBSCRIBE BEE-L First_Name Family_Name Example: : SUBSCRIBE BEE-L RONALD REAGAN NB.: DON'T WRITE ANYTHING IN THE SUBJECT ZONE ============================================================================= Andre Paquet, MBSI Service de l'informatique - UQTR Adresse Internet : Andre_Paquet@uqtr.uquebec.ca =========================================================================== == ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 14 Mar 1995 09:36:59 -0400 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Harvey Hyde Subject: Re: Pollen Substitute In-Reply-To: <9503092340.AA18782@bud.peinet.pe.ca> Is it O.K. to use a non-fat soybean flower in making a pollen substitute? Harvey Hyde hhyde@peinet.pe.ca ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 14 Mar 1995 09:08:05 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Alden Leatherman Subject: compost foraging Greetings, My bees were out in force last weekend with temperatures near 70 F. There were hundreds of them in our nearby composting pile, something I didn't see at all last year (my first keeping bees). Is this an indication of low food supply in the hive? What are they after? There is very little if any sweets (fruit) in the pile? Any ideas? Alden Leatherman aleath@pilot.msu.edu ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 14 Mar 1995 14:29:27 +0000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Malcolm Roe Subject: Re: compost foraging In-Reply-To: <9503141408.AA26189@pilot1.cl.msu.edu> from "Alden Leatherman" at Mar 14, 95 09:08:05 am > There were hundreds of them [bees] in our nearby > composting pile, something I didn't see at all last year > (my first keeping bees). Is this an indication of low > food supply in the hive? What are they after? Water, I suspect. Is the pile fairly moist on the surface? -- Malcolm Roe Phone : +44 1442 345104 Crosfield Electronics Ltd Fax : +44 1442 343000 Hemel Hempstead, Herts. HP2 7RH, UK E-mail : roe@crosfield.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 14 Mar 1995 06:36:32 -0800 Reply-To: uc779@freenet.victoria.bc.ca Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Conrad A. Berube" Subject: Re: BEE-L Digest - 12 Mar 1995 to 13 Mar 1995 > To draw the analogy to wasps is adding to the confusion. Perhaps on an > individual basis AHB and yellowjackets are comparable in some of their > behavior, but surely AHB feral colonies or managed AHB colonies pose a > genuine risk when in close proximity to human activity and habitation. Of course the analogy only goes so far-- wasp colony size is often quite small compared to managed hives (although AHB feral colonies can be of a size comparable to a season's-end V. germanica nest). One _can_ keep AHB colonies (a few at least) outside the back door (seen plenty of beekeepers who do-- although I always advised against it). >think "we" (within the beekeeping fraternity)... > (For those who saw it, it was remarkable that among some of the accurate > information, bees were prescribed the male gender. It floored me that > producers who obviously put in a great deal of effort and money allowed some > bozo to describe a killer bee as a 'mean bug leaving HIS stinger behind!). Likewise, there's plenty of womenfolk in the "personernity" of beekeepers ;-) Oops, I just got my cut off warning. I'll get back to you later, Paul. I agree that we must continue to educate the public-- maybe the first thing to do would be to wean ourselves from the term "killer bee". Nontheless, I stand by my original statement that the issue is basically a beekeeping issue. - Conrad Berube " ` ISLAND CROP MANAGEMENT " ` 1326 Franklin Terrace _- -_`-_|'\ /` Victoria, B.C. _/ / / -' `~()() V8S 1C7 \_\ _ /\-._/\/ (604)480-0223; fax (604)656-8922 / | | email: uc779@freenet.victoria.bc.ca. '` ^ ^ ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 14 Mar 1995 11:24:18 -0400 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Bill Morrison Subject: Re: compost foraging On warm late winter days when there are no flowers yielding pollen the foragers do crazy things. They're attracted to sawdust, woodchips, cracked corn (maize), and other grains on which there is floury dust. Regarding compost heaps, last year there were hundreds of bees around a friend's compost heap which contained paper coffee filters with spent, finely ground coffee. The bees were gathering it as though it were pollen. I was once shocked to see honeybees on wet dog feces in my kennel in late winter. Fortunately this was a short term phenomenon that only one or two bees were engaging in. As someone else mentioned, the bees are after water which they sometimes find on wet leaves, etc. on a compost heap. Bill Morrison ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 14 Mar 1995 07:32:08 -1000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Thomas W. Culliney" Subject: German yellowjackets vs. Africanized honey bees In-Reply-To: <9503132002.AA01621@hinc.hawaii.gov> I don't know which one we in Hawaii dread more (there is the chance that both could become established here). Both tend to nest near human habitations, and, thus, both could become a public health problem. The more serious problem with AHB is probably an economic one, especially in commercial pollination. They can't be depended upon to stick around and do the job. However, Paravespula germanica should still be very much a concern in areas to which it could be introduced. An overwintering queen comes into Hawaii occasionally on a load of Christmas trees from the Pacific Northwest. ========================================================= Thomas W. Culliney Phone: (808) 973-9529 Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture Facsimile: (808) 973-9533 Division of Plant Industry E-mail: tcullin@hinc.hawaii.gov 1428 South King Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 U.S.A. ========================================================= ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 14 Mar 1995 15:26:55 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: R.PETKE@CSI.COMPUSERVE.COM Subject: Buckwheat Seed Source I'm looking for a source of buckwheat seed, variety "Tokyo". The seed suppliers around here do not have a source for that variety which is reported to produce a lighter colored honey than other buckwheats. Does anyone know of a source? TIA ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 13 Mar 1995 10:18:17 -0800 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Hugo Veerkamp Subject: Agricultural Research Service dear all, We lost the adress for Agricultural Research Service, where such interesting files were found( by ftp) in the past, as: filename: desc.: APISANDR.TXT ; APIS ANDRENIFORMIS SMITH IN THE PHILIPPINES BACLARVA.TXT ; SUSCEPTIBILITY OF BACILLUS LARVAE TO TERRAMYCIN BACTERRA.TXT ; SUSCEPTIBILITY OF BACILLUS LARVAE TO TERRAMYCIN BACTPEAR.TXT ; EFFECT OF ANTAGONISTIC BACTERIA ON .. BAITDIST.TXT ; EFFICACY OF BAIT HIVES IN RELATION TO THEIR SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION ECONIMPA.TXT ; ECONOMIC IMPACT AND CHEMICAL I'd be very happy if anyone could supply us with an ftp/www adress for the Agricultural Research Service bee-files! thanx! sincerely, Hugo -- \|/ @ @ Hugo Veerkamp ----------oOO-(_)-OOo--------------------------------------------- | reply to: BEENET INTERNATIONAL | | Hugo.Veerkamp@f28.n2801.z2.fidonet.org| mail : the Bee bbs | | | P.O. BOX 51008 | | DO NOT SIMPLY PRESS REPLY BUTTON !! | 1007EA AMSTERDAM | |(or your reply gets lost in bit heaven)| The Netherlands | | Beenet : 240:31/0 | modem: +31 20 6764105 | | Fidonet: 2:2801/28 | voice: +31 20 6715663 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 14 Mar 1995 18:22:15 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Malcolm (Tom) Sanford, Florida Extension Apiculturist" Subject: March Issue of APIS Distributed to: USR:[MTS]INTERNET.DIS;54, mts FILENAME: MARAPIS.95 Florida Extension Beekeeping Newsletter Apis--Apicultural Information and Issues (ISSN 0889-3764) Volume 13, Number 3, March 1995 Copyright (c) 1995 M.T. Sanford "All Rights Reserved" FOCUS ON POLLINATION In November 1993, I wrote that commercial pollination might become a growth industry as more beekeepers abandoned the craft due to declining profit margins and Varroa mites killing off much of the wild honey bee population. Corroboration for this was provided in the January 1994 APIS, which discussed citrus growers' concerns about the pollination of certain specialty varieties. The trend seems to be continuing as more and more beekeepers are considering providing this service. Uniform advice taken from panels at meetings I have attended is that a quality pollination service takes commitment. The beekeeper must always be ready to get bees in and move them out of fields with very short notice, and some kind of a backup plan should be in place in the very real case that things go wrong. One must also develop a long-term personal relationship based on trust with the customer. A key to this is communication. Successful pollinators are regularly in contact with customers, even during the off season. They send out reminders and make phone calls in advance of the coming season to try to assess their capabilities and the growers' needs. One outfit writes a newsletter that includes information on a wide variety of topics. For those thinking of entering the pollination game, it is of utmost importance to solicit advice from colleagues actively doing this for a living. I was happy to see in a recent issue of the newsletter of the South Carolina Beekeepers Association some valuable pollination tips by David Green, publisher of the Eastern Pollinator Newsletter, P.O. Box 1215, Hemingway, SC 29554 "Pollination service is an alternative use of honeybees. You need to note that word alternative, because, in order to do pollination, you will have to manage the bees differently, and you are going to give up some or all of your honey production. Considering the shape of our markets for honey, and the almost desperate need of our farmers for more bees, I consider this good decision. An added advantage is that pollination service is more consistent from year to year. Honey production is a much greater gamble. "Many beekeepers who are just beginning, think they are going to keep on making honey, and they do not figure in the added costs, so they tend to underprice. With current markets, you cannot do an adequate job of managing your bees and provide good service for less than $30-35 per single story hive, per crop. This is just a break-even proposition at that price. The profit comes from doing more than one crop per season. "You need to protect yourself (and your customer, as well) by having a written contract. The two central points that need to be addressed are that you will provide good bees, and that the grower will not hurt them. Then you can deal with other factors such as placement, responsibilities, problems that can arise, liabilities, etc. "Traditionally pollination service has quantified the bees in terms of hives. However, the development is in the direction of numbers of frames of brood. Most almond pollination is done this way today. I use single story brood chambers and guarantee a minimum of five frames of brood at placement, and try to average 6 to 6 1/2. If you use double brood chambers and guarantee, say 12 frames, you should price accordingly (and figure on a forklift to move them). "I also guarantee the bees to be healthy and queenright. They are treated for varroa mites and foulbrood, and selectively bred for resistance to tracheal mites, chalkbrood and other diseases. I agree to open a reasonable number for grower inspection upon delivery, if requested. The contract also indicates grower responsibility to notify me, if there is poor flight, and I agree to replace hives, if more than 5% are substandard, queenless, or have foulbrood. "It would be good to have your grower understand, even if it is not in the contract, that it is important to have not only a minimum standard, but a maximum, as well. An overly strong hive, especially if it is last year's queen, is likely to swarm, and swarmy bees do a poor job of pollination, not only after swarming, but during the week or so ahead, while they are preparing. The best pollination is provided by young queens (I figure 80 - 85% of my queens are this season's) who are laying heavily. This forces the bees to do a lot of pollen gathering. Studies show bees who are deliberately gathering pollen are up to ten times more effective pollinators that those who are gathering nectar. "Very important, for your protection, is a liability limit. Like the seed companies, you cannot guarantee a crop; that depends on too many factors, so, like them, you should limit your liability to the price of the contract. I hold growers liable to an agreed amount for damages to the bees based on things under their control, such as their employee running over the hives with a disc, or burning off hedgerows (they have happened to me). And we split damages that are outside of grower control, such as bear damage, trespasser vandalism, etc. Growers are also responsible to notify others who are at risk of stings, and they assume liability for these. "Placement and timing need to be addressed. The bees need shade, water, and some sort of stand, (trailer, pallets, old tires, etc.). And you may need to be pulled out of a mud hole. "There are two myths that need to be addressed. (A myth is an idea with a germ of truth that has become universalized.) One such myth is to wait until the bloom has started, because the bees may get used to working other plants and neglect the crop. If there is a lot of other bloom, and the crop you are pollinating is a poor nectar source, such as pears or kiwi, the principle can apply. But our melons, cukes and vine crops bloom when there is little else available and the bees will work them just fine, even if you put them in well ahead of bloom. Suppose it rains for a week, just as bloom starts and the farm roads are pools of mud. Better placed six weeks early, than one week late! "Another myth is to distribute the bees. Resist the grower who wants you to place one hive every hundred feet. You have a much harder time taking care of them, and protecting them from fire, etc. The recommendation to distribute the bees arises from places where bees are brought in by tractor trailer and to "distribute" means drop six pallets (24 hives) at each location. The losses from bumping around a rough field more than offset any gain that would be made by placing them around the field every so many feet. Put the bees in a favorable spot with a good road to it. They will easily cover one half mile. I have studied this a lot! "The last serious issue to address is pesticide use (or misuse). The grower should be taught to monitor for foraging bees as the label requires. With the newer, non-residual pesticides that are most often used today, the only protection the bees need is that the grower not apply during the time bees are actually foraging. The grower should understand that compliance with label directions is required by law and by the contract, and is sufficient protection for the bees. Residual pesticides such as Penncap M, Sevin, or any of the organophosphates should never be used during bloom. The label clearly marks them as residual. "If you ask the growers to notify you before applications, you will be doing a lot of chasing, and mostly to no avail. I used to have growers call me. I'd go, prepared to "protect" the bees, and the weather would prevent application that day. How many days do I need to wait? Or the grower needs to spray, and I am away for a few days and he cannot reach me. Notification does not work for either beekeepers or growers and those who make pesticide recommendations have done a great disservice by promoting this as a way to circumvent compliance with label directions. "I am aware of a case where a grower died, and his son (and heir) locked the gates to the farm. He claimed the bees were his and he was not going to let them go. A good contract would have protected the beekeeper. The beekeeper resorted to a risky "solution." He watched the farm, until he noted one of the gates unlocked, sneaked in at night and got the bees. Nothing was said, so he got away with it. But he could have gotten shot." Mr. Green kindly offers to send a copy of his contract upon receipt of a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE). I also have a sample pollination contract (ENY 110) that I will send upon request. Information for would-be pollinators is scarce. Those in bee research have tended to spend much of their efforts on other aspects of beekeeping, especially diseases and pathogens. Unfortunately, the one best resource, Agriculture Handbook 496, Insect Pollination of Cultivated Crop Plants, is out of print. Written in 1976 by S.E. McGregor, this publication remains the "pollinator's bible." In the southeast we are fortunate that Georgia has recently (July 1994) published, Bee Pollination of Georgia Crop Plants, authored by K.S. Delaplane, P.A. Thomas and W.J. McLaurin. It contains information on honey bees and other pollinating bees, and pollination requirements for apple, blueberry, cantaloupe, cucumber, squash, watermelon and others. It is available from the Extension Entomology, Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, University of Georgia request, Barrow Hall, Athens, GA 30602. Over the years, I have also published articles on citrus and watermelon pollination, as well as another on cucurbits. The former two are on CD ROM available through local Cooperative Extension Offices. The latter was published in the 1993 Proceedings of the IFAS Vine Crops Institute, Special Series Report SSHOS-3, edited by G. Hochmuth. A HONEY OF A BIBLIOGRAPHY I have had a flurry of questions recently about honey. Although happy to help answer these, I often refer people to one of the best resources the beekeeping industry has provided, the National Honey Board. The beekeeping industry pays assessments on honey sales to implement this honey promotion effort. For an evaluation of the National Honey Board's efforts, see the February 1995 APIS. Resources about honey produced by the Board include a video tape called Just Add Honey and a large database of recipes, many of which are used in its promotional activities. To contact the Board, call 1-800-553-7162 and ask about the availability of these for local fairs, shows and other events. The Board's Honey Technology Program also publishes a database (available on diskette in several different computer formats) titled "International Honey Bibliography and Abstracts." This bibliograpy covers a huge array of topics, including the honey industry, honey composition and characteristics, and food and non- food industry honey use. Persons interested in this bibliography should contact the Honey Hotline 1-800-356-5941, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. The hotline is also available for practically any question concerning honey, although it primarily was set up to answer questions from foodservice organizations. Sincerely, Malcolm T. Sanford Bldg 970, Box 110620 University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32611-0620 Phone (904) 392-1801, Ext. 143 FAX: 904-392-0190 BITNET Address: MTS@IFASGNV; INTERNET Address: MTS@GNV.IFAS.UFL.EDU APIS on the World Wide Web-- http://gnv.ifas.ufl.edu/~entweb/apis/apis.htm Copyright (c) M.T. Sanford 1995 "All Rights Reserved" ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 Mar 1995 00:00:00 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Crawfords Electronics <0006173164@MCIMAIL.COM> Subject: Re: Swarm Traps >>Does anyone know of sources for swarm traps & lures? >> >>Kelley >>rosenlk@freenet.ufl.edu >> >> >I purchase my swarm traps from BRUSHY MOUNTAIN BEE FARM, phone 1-800-233-7929 in >the U.S. Fax 910-2681. They sell two different types of traps and have lures >also. The styles are a box type and a cone type. I feel that the box style is >best because it will accept 5 frames. It measures 23 inches long by 13 inches >high. The box style sells for $19.95 each or $87.50 for five(5). The lures >sell for $2.30 each or $11.00 for five(5). Contact Brushy Mountian for shipping >charges. >------------------------------------------------------- > cmueller@emi.com Had a catalog come across my desk today form a company called: Great Lakes, IPM;"Catalog of insect monitoring systems for the professional grower";10220 Church Rd,NE., Vestaburg,Mi. 48891;517-268-5693 or 517-268-5911. On page 6 they show "European style"traps, both box and cone (as verses Africian). Prices very close to those found at Brushy Mountian. David L. Crawford - Beekeeper ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 14 Mar 1995 18:57:30 -1000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Thomas W. Culliney" Subject: Re: Value of pollen In-Reply-To: <9503142024.AA13435@hinc.hawaii.gov> Could anyone point me in the direction of some statistics on the annual market value of bee-collected pollen in the U.S. or in individual states? I'm aware that pollen, which is often sold in health food stores, is touted as a perfect food, and one that may have medicinal qualities. Any information on estimated value of the annual pollen "crop?" Tom ========================================================= Thomas W. Culliney Phone: (808) 973-9529 Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture Facsimile: (808) 973-9533 Division of Plant Industry E-mail: tcullin@hinc.hawaii.gov 1428 South King Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 U.S.A. ========================================================= ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 Mar 1995 02:50:00 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Crawfords Electronics <0006173164@MCIMAIL.COM> Subject: Re: RE>Swarm Traps- >I wonder if you have any advice as to whether a single or double is better? > >My experience has been mostly with brood chambers left in a yard because >of lack of room on a truck, or stacks of supers stored outside under cover. > >I also wonder where you are located and what percentage of swarms you >think you catch -- and how many pass by? > >What you mention about seeing the scouts there weeks ahead is probably >one of the key points. I wonder if you have ever put a box in place, >only to find it occupied the next day? Has anyone? >Allen >W. Allen Dick, Beekeeper VE6CFK >Rural Route One Swalwell Alberta Canada T0M 1Y0 >Email: dicka@cuug.ab.ca or allend@internode.net >Virtual Art Gallery: http://www.cuug.ab.ca:8001/~dicka >__________________Why not drop by?____________________ Our home is in the north-east corner of the San Francisco/Oakland Bay Area; Pinole. Each year we get at least one - sometimes several - what we call: bird house bees. These are swarms that occupy 5 to 7 inch bird houses. They're probably after swarms, with mutiple queens, that split into tennis ball/grapefruit size balls of bees. With an urge to survive and an appropriate "house", they move in; making the best of it for most of the year. I take them all home, and hang them out behind the shed. Most starve out be October. I have a theory, that, if small swarms are "smart" enough to occupy small boxes, that, since I've never used more than a single 9 5/8" super, I've lost all those that have laughed at my little box, and moved into someones attic. Many colonies don't swarm every year; I believe that even so they do scout out many potentiol locations. Those that don't swarm will probably supercede by Sept/Oct - some having both mother and daughter laying all winter. Those with two queens,brood up, way too strong, too early and swarm. The earliest swarm I've seen was on Jan 11. They came with no advanced scouting ( that I noticed - you'd think scouting in Jan. would be noticed). Did they retain the "memory" from that previous year? Our office phone starts with the scout calls, ~mid March. I go out and calm people down - caulk or screen up a hole (that the scouts think they're going to direct a swarm to) and then place the bait box as close to the hole as possible. Since most home owners are't inclined to want to pay until the scouts are in such numbers that they're in a panic, I find myself in uniquely in the right place at the right time. There are few events more fun than being up a 24' ladder, under an eve, stapling a piece of 1/8" mesh hardware cloth over an attic vent and have the sky darken behind you - run down the ladder- grab another piece of screen and quickly fashion a queen cage as you run up the ladder to pluck the queen offthe wall - into the cage, back down the ladder, bringing the entire swarm with you - street cloths - owner, with family watching from the windows -great theater. David L. Crawford - beekeeper ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 Mar 1995 14:59:25 +0200 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Andreas Kasenides Subject: Price of Apistan Hi all! I have finally located an Apistan supplier here in Cyprus who has sold me his first package!! The price though was sort of too high and I was wondering at what price is the rest of the world buying this stuff. Anybody care to share that info with the rest of us?? Andreas Nicosia, Cyprus ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 Mar 1995 08:12:17 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Robin Litton Organization: West Virginia Network Subject: Diminished Bee Population I've been told by someone at the Dept. of Agriculture in Charleston WV the bee population in our state has diminished considerable in just this past year. This primarily due to a parasitic mite, Varroa. Is everyone experiencing this same problem? Robin Litton WVU Extenion - Clay County ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 Mar 1995 09:53:53 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Michael J. Schmidt" Subject: In Comes the Pollen We've had some unusually warm weather this week in east Central Illinois (near Champaign-Urbana), and when I checked the hive at my house yesterday, the bees were bringing in loads of light yellow and white pollen. Maple or willow? This is the first time I've seen any pollen this winter, though there have been many days of activity. As a hobbyist, I'm very curious about this hive. Two years ago I lost 5 of 7 hives to tracheal or varroa mites. Then I lost the other two last winter. This was a common experience throughout this area, as mites nearly wiped out beekeepers and feral bees, according to other beekeepers in our club. There were practically no bees in the yards and garden last summer. I was so discouraged, after buying bees and Buckfast queens several times, that I simply left the hives sit on their stands, intending to clean them up later. Sometime around July, I went down there and a big swarm had taken over one of the boxes, and was very active. They made a good crop. I left it all on, and hoped that I had received a gift of "mite-resistant" bees. I figured that if their original hive was strong enough to swarm, maybe there was resistance. The other beekeepers that I know of who were near enough for swarms to come from, losttheir bees and had no swarms that they knew of. (Most beekeepers here will not keep swarms over the last few years.) I did not treat these bees at all last Fall, and don't intend to. Not only did they survive, but they are extemely strong right now. I know that there are many variables at work, but I am happy about this and hope to get a couple of splits from this hive. I do not plan to bring in any more bees or queens. I will get queens or bees if needed from local beekeepers who have not imported recently either. Is it crazy to think that genetic resistance is the only real solution to the mite problems? Very curious to see what happens. BTW, the bees are mixed in appearance. Almost all are dark, and many are altogether black. Any of you pros and knowledgeable folks have any thoughts for me? Thanks =============================== Michael J. Schmidt 771 E 300N Rd Gibson City IL 60936-7167 USA 217-749-2331 MJSchmidt@aol.com "KnowWhutIMean, Vern?" =============================== ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 Mar 1995 16:41:00 GMT+0100 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Hugo Thone Subject: Re: Price of Apistan Hi Andreas, If you order Apsistan in Belgium via the offical beekeeping organization, a package of 10 Apistan strips will cost you 650 BEF (approx. 21 US$). The Department of Agriculture is subsidizing Apistan (only legal treatment). If you buy it in the beekeeping shop, you 'll pay at least 1000 BEF (35 US$). Hugo -------------------------------------------------------- - Hugo Thone / ALCATEL BELL TELEPHONE / SE121 / F.Wellesplein 1 / B-2018 Antwerp Email : htho@se.bel.alcatel.be / Phone : (32) 3 240 94 52 / Fax:(32) 3 240 99 50 do bee do bee do .... ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 Mar 1995 11:38:04 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Gordon D. Hayes" Subject: Re: Pollen Substitute >Is it O.K. to use a non-fat soybean flower in making a pollen substitute? Yes. That is what pollen substitute is actually. And from my experience (FWIW), bees will take any grain dust in the spring to rear brood with. One farmer I rent to can't hardly add corn to his cattle feeders until late at night right now. The feeder and the ground around them are covered with foraging bees. He thought it was weird how they shined up his corn in a days time. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 Mar 1995 11:38:19 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Gordon D. Hayes" Subject: Re: Agricultural Research Service >dear all, > >We lost the adress for Agricultural Research Service, where >such interesting files were found( by ftp) in the past, as: >I'd be very happy if anyone could supply us with an ftp/www adress for the Agricultural Research Service bee-files! Try eSouthwi@ACSpr1.acs.Brockport.edu Edward E. Southwick has a Bee research Digest atricle each month in American Bee Journal magazine. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 Mar 1995 11:46:01 +22300129 Reply-To: adamf@vtaix.cc.vt.edu Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Adam Finkelstein Subject: Return address please...(listserv how-to) In-Reply-To: <199503151642.LAA12195@ipe.cc.vt.edu> from "Gordon D. Hayes" at Mar 15, 95 11:38:04 am If you write mail to any listserv, please put your email address in your text so others may write you. Easy enough? Adam -- ______________________________________ Adam Finkelstein adamf@vtaix.cc.vt.edu ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 Mar 1995 09:01:50 PST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Adrian Wenner Subject: Plywood in hive construction Comments: To: Discussion of Bee Biology A question was recently bounced about on the internet -- "Is plywood safe for bee hive construction?" A Jan/Feb 1995 article in ARAMCO WORLD treats beekeeping in Yemen. One picture caption reads: "Beekeepers build plywood hives or visit a craftsman who makes them of terracotta." One can also read: "Combined with the dry climate and short flowering season of local plants, their efforts have helped to produce the most expensive and ought-after honey in the world....a two-pound tin of the very best honey in the comb can command a price of $100 or more." Does the plywood hurt? Consider the following in the same article: "The honey is thought to be the perfect medicine to help women regain their strength after childbirth. Elderly men maintain that a dily spoonful keeps them young, while young men believe that regular doses will help produce a male heir." Adrian *************************************************************** * 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: Wed, 15 Mar 1995 08:51:00 -0800 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Kerry Clark 784-2225 fax (604) 784 2299" Subject: Re: Price of Apistan A February 1995 price list from a supplier in British Columbia lists Apistan (I've added tax, shipping would be extra): 100 strips $Cdn 208. 10 + pkg $ 202. US $ equiv. 148. 143. 10 strip pkg $Cdn 22.47 US $ equivalent 15.95 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: Wed, 15 Mar 1995 05:00:00 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Keith Cutting Subject: Re: Diminished Bee Population Comments: To: Robin Litton , BEE-L%ALBNYVM1.BITNET@BROWNVM.brown.edu I've been told by someone at the Dept. of Agriculture in Charleston WV the bee population in our state has diminished considerable in just this past year. This primarily due to a parasitic mite, Varroa. Is everyone experiencing this same problem? Robin Litton WVU Extenion - Clay County In a word.....yes <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<: Keith.Cutting@Dartmouth.edu Kearsarge Beekeepers Association 103 North Road Sunapee, New Hampshire 03782 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>: ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 Mar 1995 09:58:00 -0800 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Paul van Westendorp 576-5600 Fax: 576-5652" Subject: Re: Plywood in hive construction Adrian, With all those phenomenal attributes prescribed to honey (in Yemen), it seems there is still a great deal of (honey) marketing opportunity in north America!! Paul van Westendorp PVANWESTEN@galaxy.gov.bc.ca Provincial Apiarist British Columbia ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 Mar 1995 17:06:19 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Keith S. Delaplane" Subject: absolute Varroa counts I am interested in determining total Varroa mite numbers in research honey bee colonies, including mites on adult bees and in brood. I am prepared to destructively sample colonies if necessary. Can anyone advise me on practical methods for doing this, or steer me to some relevant reprints? Thanks. Keith S. Delaplane Dept. Entomology 200 Barrow Hall University of Georgia Athens, GA 30602 USA (706) 542-1765 ksd@uga.cc.uga.edu ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 16 Mar 1995 08:50:46 +0200 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Andreas Kasenides Subject: Re: Varroa Comments: To: Sid Pullinger <100343.1216@compuserve.com> In-Reply-To: (Your message of 15 Mar 95 16:45:30 EST.) <950315214529_100343.1216_EHQ95-2@CompuServe.COM> Dear Sid, >Dear Andreas, >Cannot help with the price of Apistan as only Bayvarol is approved >in England. >However, if you can help I would like to know when and how the mite reached >Cyprus and whether it has become a serious threat yet. > Sincerely Sid Pullinger Well the price of Apistan seems to be high everywhere around the world so I will not complain. I actually payes around $22 US for a package of 10. Thanks to all that gave us their input. What is the active content in Bayvarol? Does it also come in strips? In Cyprus everybody has been using Mavrik in liquid form which is also a fluvalinate based drug like Apistan. Only recently has Apistan showed up. Now for the mite. It actually reached Cyprus when I was overseas to US. That was around 85-86-87 and it was a real disaster. I recall my granpa with over 30 traditional Cyprus style hives and around more than 10 regular hives. WHen I returned in 1992 I could only find remnants of them. It took afew years to adjust and many beekeepers never recovered. As for me I restarted the colony by accident a couple of months after I arrived. Varroa is a real threat here but at least there are prescibed methods now that can bring it under control. Regards Andreas ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 16 Mar 1995 08:01:31 CST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Vladimir Ptacek Subject: Re: RE>Swarm Traps- Friends, Be careful in accepting swarms of unknown origin. In the recent varroa- times they often can bring this parasite to your bee yard. Vladimir Ptacek ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 16 Mar 1995 09:12:24 GMT Reply-To: Gordon@apis.demon.co.uk Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Gordon L. Scott" Subject: Re: help In message <9503141301.aa13450@gate.gate.demon.co.uk> BEE-L@uacsc2.albany.edu writes: > help me, please. I want to subscribe to your list, but i don't know how to do. > > Thanks.. Have replied by direct mail, because the corespondent can't yet read replies on the list :-) -- Gordon Scott Gordon@apis.demon.co.uk Compuserve 100332,3310 Basingstoke Beekeeper Beekeeper@apis.demon.co.uk ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 16 Mar 1995 10:31:00 GMT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: PHILIP EARLE Subject: Appeal for sperm and eggs Appeal for Eggs or Sperm Here in Northern Ireland, the Ulster Beekeepers Association is preparing to setup a bee breeding station. Importation of bees and genetic material is totally banned by the Department of Agriculture for N.I. but the possibility exists that the Dept may in the near future allow the importation of sperm and perhaps eggs. We want to develope good tempered, disease resistant breeding stocks and this initial letter is a probe to find out if anyone in the USA, Europe and UK who breeds queens and is familiar with I.I. techniques would be prepared to supply sperm or eggs from tested breeding materials of known pedigree during the months of May to July. All replies will be forwarded to the Ulster Beekeeepers Association for consideration and should the Department of Agriculture grant an importation licence, further detailed discussion will follow with interested parties. Please reply to BCG0311@V2.QUB.AC.UK Philip Earle (Treasurer, Belfast and District Beekeepers Association) ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 16 Mar 1995 13:20:21 +0000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Malcolm Roe Subject: Re: Varroa In-Reply-To: <9503160650.AA31023@zeus.cc.ucy.ac.cy> from "Andreas Kasenides" at Mar 16, 95 08:50:46 am Andreas Kasenides asked: > What is the active content in Bayvarol? Does it also come in strips? > In Cyprus everybody has been using Mavrik in liquid form which is also a > fluvalinate based drug like Apistan. Only recently has Apistan showed up. The active ingredient in Bayvarol is flumethrin. It's supplied in slow release plastic strips just like Apistan. The price also appears to be similar. I can buy it for GBP 4.60 (US$ 7.30) for a pack of 4 strips. Does anyone know why some countries have approved Apistan and others Bayvarol? It would be much better if we all had access to both to apply in alternate years in order to reduce the likelihood of resistance developing. The only country I'm aware of where both are approved is Austria. -- Malcolm Roe Phone : +44 1442 345104 Crosfield Electronics Ltd Fax : +44 1442 343000 Hemel Hempstead, Herts. HP2 7RH, UK E-mail : roe@crosfield.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 16 Mar 1995 08:18:12 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Diana Sammataro Subject: Re: absolute Varroa counts In-Reply-To: <01HO6B558ADE98HEU2@phem3.acs.ohio-state.edu> from "Keith S. Delaplane" at Mar 15, 95 05:06:19 pm Keith: Have you tried the soapy water method? THis works really well, even though it is a bit messy. With a small sprayer at night you could get allthe bees and just bad them the next day. Heard you interviewed for Clemson. ANy luck? I am getting too discouraged to even apply anywhere, what with the USDA people taking all the good jobs. Ah well. Keep in touch Diana ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 16 Mar 1995 17:32:50 +0100 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Bruzzi Giacomo Subject: Fruit-tree nectar flow Comments: To: beelist Hi A simple question. What are the best nectar flow fruit trees? Thanks. Ciao. Bruzzi Giacomo - Italy bruzzi@settimo.italtel.it ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 16 Mar 1995 11:50:32 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: David Clayton Subject: Info sought Please excuse this diversion but my question is not about beekeeping but about a beekeeper. I'm seeking info on a Florida beekeeper named Poppleton. He was active in the 1870 - 1890 timeframe, maybe longer. He wrote numerous articles for beekeeping journals (maybe ABJ?) and was apparently a unique migr- tory beekeeper in that he brought his bees to Cuba for pollination services. Does anyone know if ABJ and/or BeeCulture are indexed anywhere on-line? Maybe I could start there. Thanks for any help. Dave Clayton PS: Here in Rhode Island the first crocuses are up and my bees are prying the blossoms open to get inside! ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 16 Mar 1995 13:00:53 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "La Reine de la Cite' des Phoques (Liz Day)" Subject: bees out in Manhattan !It's spring, here finally. Honeybees were out gathering pollen from the hyacinths outside florists shops here on the east side. It was sort of greyish-yellow. Liz Day presently in New York City, USA receiving mail at lday@indy.net (Please note my new email address. The gluon one is defunct.) ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 16 Mar 1995 13:53:00 CST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Matt Ter Molen Subject: Varroa Mite Numbers I have an interesting article prepared by the University of Wisconsin regarding the "destructive" sampling of colonies. This was prepared by the research station there for observing wintering colonies and their clusters. It essentially shows them completely taking apart a colonly to observe the cluster, honey stores, etc.. I would be more than happy to fax or mail you a copy. Matt Ter Molen. Dwbmjtm@uchimvs1. uchicago.edu. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 Mar 1995 22:05:34 BSC Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Luciano da Rocha Ribeiro Organization: FUEM/Fundacao Universidade Estadual de Maringa - Parana - Brasil. Subject: someone can help me ? Dear users bee-l, I need of a help, then, can I help me ? Under have a mail that I send to to try um help. But I already read README . How I can to read POLLEN1.DAT - ... - POLLEN8.DAT ?? I was traveled and defined set nomail comand but I don't know to cancel ---------- for back to receive mails bee-l list ... thanks in advanced the ALL ******************** under my first mail *******************+ +++++++++++++++++++ Date: Tue, 14 Mar 95 22:34:55 BSC From: Luciano da Rocha Ribeiro To: Manager FTP Subject: Help Hello, I am a student of zoothecnia graduation and I will need of information about pollen and polinization in leguminosideae by bees with atrophyed sting and honey bees. I found in the Host 152.2.22.81 subdir /pub/academic/biology/ecology+evolution/teaching/pollen the files pollen1.dat . . . until ... pollen8.dat but I don't know how read the files ... How I can user the files ... will be very important for me to my research (scientific work) of graduation. Where I can found a program to see .DAT ( are photografy of pollen with dimensions, estructure in X,Y,Z . I will be gratefull the someone information... Thanks very much in advanced ..... Luciano * * * * * * * * * * I receive this Answer * * * * * * * * * ===================== Received: from YALEVM.CIS.YALE.EDU by BRFUEM (Mailer R2.10 ptf000) with BSMTP id 5066; Wed, 15 Mar 95 20:16:53 BSC Received: from YALEVM (NJE origin SMTP@YALEVM) by YALEVM.CIS.YALE.EDU (LMail V1.2a/1.8a) with BSMTP id 3202; Wed, 15 Mar 1995 17:26:10 -0500 Received: from doliolum.biology.yale.edu by YaleVM.CIS.Yale.Edu (IBM VM SMTP V2R2) with TCP; Wed, 15 Mar 95 17:26:08 EST Received: by doliolum.biology.yale.edu; Wed, 15 Mar 95 17:25:26 EST Date: Wed, 15 Mar 95 17:25:26 EST From: Una Smith Full-Name: Una Smith Message-Id: <9503152225.AA04977@doliolum.biology.yale.edu> To: lribeiro@brfuem.BITNET Subject: Re: Help (fwd) Dear Luciano, The files pollen1.dat - pollen8.dat are plain ASCII text files with several columns of data. Read the README file for more information; use any text editor to do so. These data are "synthetic". That is, they are made up, for an exercise. To view the data in a graphical format, you will need to use software that is available to you where you are. I can not help you with that. Sorry! Una Smith una.smith@yale.edu ./ Luciano da Rocha Ribeiro /------. ...,// (_==!!==_) ======= E-MAIL : LRIBEIRO AT BRFUEM.BITNET ( )._/ < > < Universidade Estadual de Maringa' I ._/ ( ) Nucleo de Processamento de Dados I I ( ) Av. Colombo, 5790 - CEP 87020-900 (____________) V Maringa' - Parana' - B R A S I L ... CHEGA MAIS PRO MATE TCHE .... ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 16 Mar 1995 19:24:32 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Paul Sasseville Subject: 3 down 1 to go Comments: To: 75107.167@compuserve.com Dear Partner, Today I could of broken a record for how much work I got done. Where should I start?????????????????????????????????? Drove Jenn to school ,Grampy is gone to Fla.,Picked Mom up for food bank,dropped signed contract off at ERA,Went to work at food bank,hurried back to orffice.set date for open house for Jim Gaunder Mar.26th,talked to appraiser for Phil's house Mon.9:00a.m.,Wrote new contract for Jeff & Robin ,up the offer from $90,000 to $95,000,I also put in there that they could store their belongings at the property if not closed when the have to be out of their house.Also set up new corp. person for 85Dkh.,set-up for new corp. 115eHg. Talked to CMMC traveling nurse ,I will put her in 113EHg. 23A moving in tomarrow. Donna was at my office crying,she didn't file motion at court in time and is afraid of mulpractice.I felt really bad ,She asked me when you are getting back.I gave her some chicken Cordon Blu & cold cuts from food bank.Dinner for food bank volunteers,Mar.30th CMVTI Harthornes out! Wouldn't you like to krow how the place looks........... My partner has offered to help but I don't dare have him do any of the stuff I'm into at this point. Mom has got dizzy some. Donna got me a LIZ CLABORNE d ress at you know where. Love, Gail #1 Realtor ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 16 Mar 1995 23:37:24 -0500 Reply-To: Mason Harris Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Mason Harris Subject: ABJ Article The article in March American Bee Journal relating to "Bee Busting",(page 166 ) The author indicated he uses nitrogen fertilizer in his smoker. It is purported that during the burning process the fertilizer converts to nitrous oxide and causes bees to evacuate the colony UNHARMED, (but happy). Anyone having information which substaniates this or any other material which will cause the bees to evacuate the void UNHARMED, please contact me. Thanks. BurlingBee Apiaries Mason Harris 9 Hayward Court Burlingame, CA 94010 ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 16 Mar 1995 21:09:00 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Chris Smart Organization: CRS Online (Toronto, Ontario) Subject: Bee atractors Hi. Since we had several fruit trees in our backyard last year that developed blosoms, but no fruit, (these were cherry, apple, pear, and a peach tree), and some rasberry bushes that did absolutely nothing except grow taller, I thought I'd ask for some help. I assume that things need to be polinated better around here. What should I plant to atract bees to my yard? Yes, yes, I know, plant flowers, but do honeybees or bumblebees have any particular favourites? Should I mix up some sugar and water and spray the fruit trees with it a couple times in the spring; or will that just attract flies? Chris. (please email to chris.smart@canrem.com) P.S. We've had temps in the low 70's this week, but the only thing I've noticed around are paper wasps, which are probably going to attempt to build a nest in our pine tree. (shudder) ... ARRRRRGGGHHH!!!! ... Tension breaker, had to be done. ___ Blue Wave/QWK v2.12 ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 17 Mar 1995 13:11:00 GMT+200 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Michael L. B. Becker" Subject: does honey carry disease? South Africa has recently begun to import cheap grades of honey. The quality of the honey makes me wonder about the quality of the bee-keepers who supply it. Is there data available on diseases which may be spread in honey? How are these detected? Michael L. B. Becker 45 Hofmeyr Street Welgemoed 7530 South Africa FAX +27 21 931 7810 phone 938 6211 ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 17 Mar 1995 09:01:00 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: ga14 Subject: Re: does honey carry disease? In-Reply-To: <9503171113.AA04723@umailsrv1.UMD.EDU> >South Africa has recently begun to import cheap grades of honey. The quality >of the honey makes me wonder about the quality of the bee-keepers who supply >it. > >Is there data available on diseases which may be spread in honey? How are >these detected? > >end. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Michael: A good place to start would be: Sturtevat, A.P. (1932) Relation of commercial honey to the spread of American foulbrood. Jour. Agric. Res. 45:257-258 Sturtevat, A.P. (1936) Quantitative demonstration of the presence of spores of Bacilus larvae in honey contaminated by contact with American foulbrood. Jour. Agric. Res. 52:697-704 Shimanuki, H. and D.A. Knox. (1988) Improved method for the detection of Bacillus larvae spores in honey. Amer. Bee Jour. 128:353-354 Good Luck! Gordon Allen-Wardell Extension Apiculturist University of Maryland ga14@umail.umd.edu ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 17 Mar 1995 10:57:51 +0200 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: SEPPO KORPELA Subject: Re: Price of Apistan A package of 10 Apistan strips costs here in Finland 195 FIM (ca. 45 USD)! It would be nice to see a comparison of Apistan prices vs. honey prices in different countries. I heard a rumor that Sandoz determines the price of their product so that it would in every country be an equivalent to a certain amount of honey, ie. here a package price corresponds to about 5-6 kg of honey (retail price). Although the market for the product here is naturally much smaller than in countries with a larger beekeeping industry it is difficult to understand the high price of Apistan here unless the pricing of the product really is based on this (as I see it) wrong ground. ============================================================================ * 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 Seppo.Korpela@MTT.FI Finland * ============================================================================ ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 17 Mar 1995 16:25:52 GMT+2 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Paul Magnuson Organization: NIPB Subject: Re: does honey carry disease? Michael Becker writes: > South Africa has recently begun to import cheap grades of honey. The quality > of the honey makes me wonder about the quality of the bee-keepers who supply > it. > > Is there data available on diseases which may be spread in honey? How are > these detected? This is indeed a very relevant question. Let me begin by saying that none of the researchers in what used to be the government bee lab (now part of the ARC) is currently a fundi on honeybee diseases, since we live in a honeybee paradise as far as diseases go. The only disease which ever reaches serious proportions is European Foulbrood, and that only rarely. It is a recurrent `minor' problem in the cooler, damper parts of the country. Since we are presently frantically swotting up on diseases for precisely the reason you give, we would also appreciate reading responses from other countries to your note. As far as I am aware, virtually all of the bacterial and fungal honeybee diseases can be transmitted in honey. The fungal spores remain viable. While honey disables bacteria and will eventually kill them, under favourable conditions and dilution of the honey they can be reactivated. For this reason, all imported honey must be irradiated upon arrival in the country. This condition was set by the Department of Agriculture (Directorate Plant and Quality Control) and is enforced by them. The evidence suggests that irradiated honey is safe, from the disease-transmission point of view. What irradiation might or might not do to honey's qualities is another Pandora's box entirely. The presence of spores or bacteria in honey is detectable by standard microbiological assaying methods. There is quite a bit of literature on bee diseases, some of which you may find in our Stellenbosch office's library. Please contact me directly in this regard. We are especially concerned about the possiblity of importing American Foulbrood in imported honeys. Despite the compulsory irradiation, there is always the risk from illegal imports (large or small -- this includes bottles of honey brought into the country as presents etc, although the risk here is small) or of legal imports leaking or bursting before irradiation. The beekeeping industry has appealed to the state to try to limit imports by imposing import duties etc., but because of GATT this not likely to be possible to any effective extent. The solution for our industry probably lies with educating our consumers about the advantages of buying local honey, and trying to build market resistance to foreign honey through extensive marketing of our own honey. Paul Magnuson ppripcm@plant1.agric.za Honeybee Research Unit Plant Protection Res. Inst. Agricultural Research Council. Private Bag X134 Tel. (012) 319 7113, Fax (012) 323 5275 Pretoria 0001 South Africa ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 17 Mar 1995 13:20:03 GMT Reply-To: ibra@matheson.demon.co.uk Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: ibra Subject: Re: ADIZ In your message dated Sunday 12, March 1995 you wrote : > Dear colleagues, > > If any kind person out there has a subscription to the German beekeeping > magazine ADIZ (Allgemeine Deutsche Imkerzeitung), could you spare a moment > to look up a small piece of information for me? I need to refer to articles > in the May 1988 and December 1988 issues. I know the May issue is part > number 5 and the December issue is part number 12, but of what volume number? > > Thank you for your help. > > Bruce Halliday Almost any beekeeping journal in the world can be accessed through the library of the International Bee Research Association (IBRA). Obviously the librarians will be too busy to respond to trivial queries, but anyone wanting photocopies of articles or searches for material on particular subjects will find that IBRA has an amazing amount of information. This service is available to all, though members of IBRA (who support the association's work) receive a whopping 50% discount on library charges. To find out how to access this treasure trove contact: ibra@cardiff.ac.uk ******************************************************************************** ** * From Andrew Matheson, Director, International Bee Research Association * * * * Any replies to this message will be read only by me. If you want to leave * * a message for anyone else in IBRA, or one which will be handled in my absence, * * please contact ibra@cardiff.ac.uk * * * * IBRA, 18 North Road, Cardiff CF1 3DY, UK * * Fax (+44) 1222-665522 Telephone (+44) 1222-37209 * * * ******************************************************************************** ** ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 17 Mar 1995 09:35:05 +0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Roy Ballard Subject: Package bees Comments: cc: Roy_Ballard@floyd.acn.purdue.edu As you "mite" expect southern Indiana beekeepers have lost a significant number of hives to the mites , primarily Varroa. A few of our producers are looking at the possibility of traveling south to purchase a quantity of package bees. Where would the closest producer of package bees be located to the Louisville Kentucky area This is my first message to this group since I signed on earlier in the week. I have,very much enjoyed the exchange of ideas and information. Roy Ballard roy@floyd.acn.purdue.edu ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 17 Mar 1995 09:26:42 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Kelley Rosenlund 904-392-5551 Subject: city vs country First of all, thanks to all of you that have been giving me advice on getting started. It has been very helpful. The hive is ready, got the smoker & veil, bees should be here mid April, however I am still debating where I should put my bees. I live in Gainesville, Florida which was Tree City USA a few years ago. I live on the outskirts of town. My parents live on 5 acres in the country about 1/2 hour from here. My debate is do I put them in the country where there may be more pollen sources but I will only be able to observe them once a week (sometimes every other week). Or do I keep them in the city where I can observe their flying, etc. daily but may not have as much pollen source? Also, I enjoy eating honey & I have many pounds of store bought that I would like to feed the bees instead of sugar syrup. Do I need to (if so how) sterilize this honey before I feed it to them and do I need to water it down. Well, I have bent your ear enough, thanks again for your help. Kelley rosenlk@freenet.ufl.edu ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 17 Mar 1995 08:21:31 -0800 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Gini Free Subject: city vs country >First of all, thanks to all of you that have been giving me advice on >getting started. It has been very helpful. > > The hive is ready, got the smoker & veil, bees should be here mid >April, however I am still debating where I should put my bees. I live in >Gainesville, Florida which was Tree City USA a few years ago. I live on the >outskirts of town. My parents live on 5 acres in the country about 1/2 hour >from here. My debate is do I put them in the country where there may be >more pollen sources but I will only be able to observe them once a week >(sometimes every other week). Or do I keep them in the city where I can >observe their flying, etc. daily but may not have as much pollen source? ..... >Kelley >rosenlk@freenet.ufl.edu > On the same vein ( ie. getting started) I'm in Calif., right above Sacramento on the way towards Tahoe, and I'm all set up-hives, equipment, etc., and am looking for a source of either Midnite or Starlite bee packages..however, the local bee folk around here tell me that "they"(?) won't ship to our area or won't gaurantee live delivery. The sources they know of are back east, or south. Is there anyone around my area that has packages w/queens of the above strain for sale? If not, has anyone had any experience with shipping from back there? The other problem is that they won't ship till April, guess it's too cold there, but here, the orchard is all in bloom already. This mite thing has been a real tragedy around here; usually by this time there are so many bees at my place that it sounds like an airport when you step outside--this year NOT ONE BEE! So sad, so stange to have none buzzing about.. Anyway, any advice, addresses, sources, shipping procedures, etc. would be greatly appreciated; time's a-wastin!! -- gini@oro.net Free Farm II; home of Chimera Dobermanns, Annabee Dairy Goats, and various other four-footed, furred, feathered, finned and hoofed people. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 17 Mar 1995 07:11:20 -1000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Thomas W. Culliney" Subject: Re: does honey carry disease? In-Reply-To: <9503171107.AA11546@hinc.hawaii.gov> It's well known that honey can contain the spores of American and European foulbrood. At least one country, New Zealand, does not permit entry of foreign honey for fear that it might serve as a source of infection (especially by EFB). Tom ========================================================= Thomas W. Culliney Phone: (808) 973-9529 Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture Facsimile: (808) 973-9533 Division of Plant Industry E-mail: tcullin@hinc.hawaii.gov 1428 South King Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 U.S.A. ========================================================= ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 17 Mar 1995 12:24:38 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "La Reine de la Cite' des Phoques (Liz Day)" Subject: funny story I am staying in New York with a friend who works at Rockefeller University, a graduate school for medical/biological research. Recently, I had some bumblebees specimens sentto my friend's office address. They didn't come, and I was getting worried, until yesterday, when my friend said, yes, they got here today. He said that he had been at his desk when the lab secretary came in. She had gotten a call from the mail room people who begged her,"Oh my God, there's a box of dead insects here for you! Please, please come get it right away - ugh!!" My friend explained to the secretary that it was just a few boxes of nice, friendly bumblebees on pins ("they're " he explained). She went down and got the box. The mail room people, of course, had seen that little sticker 'Dead Insects for Scientific Study - Of No Commercial Value', and had thought that the box was, you know, FILLED with dead insects. Centipedes! Crickets! Spiders! Roaches! Who knows! Considering that the halls of Rockefeller are traversed every day by workers casually carrying styrofoam boxes of poisonous or perishable medical items, steaming with dry ice, while they chat and drink coffee, I thought this was pretty funny. I mean, human body parts are one thing, but <> are clearly another! My friend said it would have been better if the box had said, "Contains 50,000 cockroach eggs - deliver by [date scratched out] - any delay may cause leakage." Sigh. <(-) ! Liz Day presently in New York City, USA receiving mail at lday@indy.net (Please note my new email address. The gluon one is defunct.) ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 17 Mar 1995 17:11:55 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: c deaves <100425.1553@COMPUSERVE.COM> Subject: Disease in honey Re: Disease in honey. It is always worth reminding everybody you meet not to use 'shop-brought' honey as a bait for domestic activities such as wasp traps (use jam instead). Similarly, diluted (or neat) shop honey should not be used as a feed for colonies. Every little reduction in AFB/EFB vectors helps. Chris Deaves T&TVBKA ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 17 Mar 1995 14:49:00 -0800 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Kerry Clark 784-2225 fax (604) 784 2299" Subject: Re flumethrin / fluvalinate Malcolm Roe asked why both chemicals were not available in most countries. I understand that these chemicals are so closely related that should a pest develop resistance to one, it would most likely be resistant to the other. This has been given as one of the reasons flumethrin has not been introduced to the North American market (not enough years of effectiveness left to recover investment??). This would imply that the 2 products are not suitable for an "alternation of control" strategy to avoid resistance. There appears to be a great difference in concentration of active ingredient in the products available, however. Bayvarol has a much smaller concentration of flumethrin (a few (3?) milligrams per strip, anyone have a label handy?) than Apistan hive strips, which are labelled as 10 % fluvalinate. (1 strip is 6 grams. 10 % fluvalinate = 600 mg/strip). Unless a different method of expressing concentration has been used, it looks like flumethrin is active at less than 1/100 of the concentration of fluvalinate. Any speculations on the implications of this difference? By the way, Malcolm, are 4 Bayvarol strips the recommended treatment for 1 hive? (a normal-sized colony, in ____ (fall?)). Is fall treatment recommended? is spring treatment an alternative? Are treatments in both spring and fall sometimes necessary (when re-infestation from un-managed colonies is high). Is there concern or a tendency for people to re-use the Bayvarol strips? 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: Sat, 18 Mar 1995 18:22:00 +1300 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: NICKW@WAIKATO.AC.NZ Subject: Honey and healing... I've developed a bibliography of references to healing properties of honey, especially oriented toward healing of wounds and ulcers. It includes all the work in New Zealand related to manuka honey, which has been found to have a particularly high antibiotic properties. As its rather lengthy, I won't post to the list but will happily provide to anyone who requests it. Remember to send your requests for it to MY address (below) and not to the list itself (i.e. don't push REPLY...). --------------------------------------------------- Nick Wallingford President, National Beekeepers Assn of New Zealand Internet nickw@waikato.ac.nz --------------------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 18 Mar 1995 08:10:13 -0700 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Eric Abell Subject: Re: city vs country In-Reply-To: <9503171611.AA30287@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca> On Fri, 17 Mar 1995, Gini Free wrote: > >First of all, thanks to all of you that have been giving me advice on > >getting started. It has been very helpful. > > > > The hive is ready, got the smoker & veil, bees should be here mid > >April, however I am still debating where I should put my bees. I live in > >Gainesville, Florida which was Tree City USA a few years ago. I live on the > >outskirts of town. My parents live on 5 acres in the country about 1/2 hour > >from here. My debate is do I put them in the country where there may be > >more pollen sources but I will only be able to observe them once a week > >(sometimes every other week). Or do I keep them in the city where I can > >observe their flying, etc. daily but may not have as much pollen source? > ..... > >Kelley > >rosenlk@freenet.ufl.edu > > > I am not familiar with your area but would bee surprised if there was not enough pollen in an urban area. Flower gardens should be more than enough. Assuming you are setting up a hive to enjoy it - put it where you can enjoy it. Eric eabell@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 18 Mar 1995 11:01:53 -0800 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Gregory F. Kendall" I've often said to folks "in beekeeping, population dynamics is everything", in trying to explain, for instance, why a colony can die off over winter. It occurs to me that I can't remember reading any research articles about population dynamics in honeybees. Does anybody know of studies on this subject? Thanks, Greg Kendall gkendall@crl.com ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 18 Mar 1995 15:33:31 -0500 Reply-To: Mason Harris Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Mason Harris Subject: Re: Honey and healing... In message Discussion of Bee Biology writes: > I've developed a bibliography of references to healing properties of > honey, especially oriented toward healing of wounds and ulcers. It > includes all the work in New Zealand related to manuka honey, which has > been found to have a particularly high antibiotic properties. > > As its rather lengthy, I won't post to the list but will happily provide > to anyone who requests it. > > Remember to send your requests for it to MY address (below) and not to > the list itself (i.e. don't push REPLY...). > > --------------------------------------------------- > Nick Wallingford > President, National Beekeepers Assn of New Zealand > Internet nickw@waikato.ac.nz > --------------------------------------------------- Please send the the aformentioned list of references regarding the hearlong powers of honey. Thanks! Mason Harris BurlingBee Apiaries Mason Harris 9 Hayward Court Burlingame, CA 94010 ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 18 Mar 1995 20:26:21 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Bill Russell Subject: Re: city vs country I live in upstate New York (yes, there is a rest of New York). In my town there are two Universities within a 2 square mile area and approx 9000 people on any given work day. My yard backs onto one of the campuses. I have had as many a 6 hives in the yard with each finding enough pollen and nector to keep them all happy. City vs. Country doesn't much matter as long as you have the po pollen and nectar sources (as well as understanding neighbors that can be bribedwith honey). Good luck with whatever you do! Bill Russell Bee Charmer's Pure Gathered Honey Products Alfred, New York E-Mail Russell@bigvax.alfred.edu snail mail P.O. Box 1121, Alfred NY 14802 ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 18 Mar 1995 21:59:35 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "" Subject: BEE INSECTICIDE WHAT IS AN EFFICIENT AND NONTOXIC PESTICIDE TO KILL A SWARM WHEN NO OTHER ALTERNALTERNATIVES ARE POSSIBLE? I READ THAT ONE CUP OF DISH DETERGENT IN A ONE GALLON SPRAYER WILL WORKAND EFFICIENTLY. IT WAS DESCRIBED AS AN ERADICATION TOOLFOR AFRICANIZED BEES IN PARTS OF SOUTH AMERICA. HOPEFULLY I WILL NEVER NEED THIS INFORMATION BUT WHERE MY HIVES ARE LOCATED IT IS POSSIBLE. THANKS IN ADVANCE! E-MAIL TO: GODAVID@DELPHI.COM ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 19 Mar 1995 07:27:09 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: George Clarkson/SC <70641.2067@COMPUSERVE.COM> Subject: Moving Bees I am planning to move cross country this summer. The move will involve a 2 to 3 day drive. I plan to take 2 colonies with me. I am wondering how long can a colony remain screened shut? Would 3 days straight be a problem? Thanks. George Clarkson 70641,2067@compuserve.com ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 19 Mar 1995 09:05:01 -0600 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Michael Amspoker Subject: Re: Info sought A short bibliography of O.O. Poppleton appears on pages 438-439 in the 1905 edition of The ABC of Bee Culture. This bibliography was taken from a longer entry in the 1 May 1889 number of Gleanings in Bee Culture. I hope this info proves useful. Mike Amspoker mamspokr@micro.wcmo.edu ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 19 Mar 1995 14:26:11 -0500 Reply-To: Ian Stuart McLean Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Ian Stuart McLean Subject: Re: Re flumethrin / fluvalinate Hi Kerry and greetings to Malcom Roe, If I can offer twopenn'orth on this topic > There appears to be a great difference in concentration of active > ingredient in the products available, however. > Bayvarol has a much smaller concentration of flumethrin (a few (3?) > milligrams per strip, anyone have a label handy?) than Apistan hive > strips, which are labelled as 10 % fluvalinate. (1 strip is 6 grams. 10 > % fluvalinate = 600 mg/strip). Unless a different method of expressing > concentration has been used, it looks like flumethrin is active at less > than 1/100 of the concentration of fluvalinate. Any speculations on the > implications of this difference? I've not seen the LD50's for the two products but there is a general trend to use less & less of more active chemicals. 34 mg active per strip is my memory of Bayvarol. Can't find the figure when I want it. > By the way, Malcolm, are 4 Bayvarol strips the recommended treatment for > 1 hive? (a normal-sized colony, in ____ (fall?)). > Is fall treatment recommended? is spring treatment an alternative? Yes 4 strips. fall treatment, we are geting reports of reinfestation, which may necessitate spring treatment. > Is there concern or a tendency for people to re-use the Bayvarol strips? > yes! The main complaint I get at meetings is the high cost of 'Bayvarol' Talking to my colleague Daryl Wright, he said that in Canada they had found spring treatment more effective, possibly because distribution was better since the hive was more active. Though I would expect that wintering with a high load of Varroa would cause problems. yours Ian ianmac@lancsbk.win-uk.net - Northern Regional Bee Inspector, UK - Bee Curious phone/fax 01704 822831 snailmail 'Asland' Flash Lane, Rufford, Ormskirk, Lancs, L40 1SW - UK. ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 19 Mar 1995 09:43:50 -0800 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Bill Fernihough Subject: RE>BEE INSECTICIDE- Reply to: RE>BEE INSECTICIDE I saw one guy use a cup of gasoline in a confined space, not recommended at all, as its very dangerous, but it worked very very well. -------------------------------------- Date: 3/18/95 18:59 To: Bill Fernihough From: Discussion oB Biology WHAT IS AN EFFICIENT AND NONTOXIC PESTICIDE TO KILL A SWARM WHEN NO OTHER ALTERNALTERNATIVES ARE POSSIBLE? I READ THAT ONE CUP OF DISH DETERGENT IN A ONE GALLON SPRAYER WILL WORKAND EFFICIENTLY. IT WAS DESCRIBED AS AN ERADICATION TOOLFOR AFRICANIZED BEES IN PARTS OF SOUTH AMERICA. HOPEFULLY I WILL NEVER NEED THIS INFORMATION BUT WHERE MY HIVES ARE LOCATED IT IS POSSIBLE. THANKS IN ADVANCE! E-MAIL TO: GODAVID@DELPHI.COM ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 20 Mar 1995 10:20:35 +1200 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Henrik Moller Subject: Percent foragers ? Dear folks We are trying to estimate the proportion of honey bees in colonies that are foragers. Can anyone supply references. If possible we would like to estimate separate proportions for colonies with total populations of 10,000, 20,000, 40,000 and 60,000 bees. Many thanks for your help! Henrik Moller ***** Please note new e-mail address ***** Dr. Henrik Moller Co-Director, Diploma in Wildlife Management Zoology Department Univeristy of Otago Po Box 56 Dunedin New Zealand Ph: 64-3-479-7998 Fax: 64-3-479-7584 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 20 Mar 1995 10:22:32 +1200 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Henrik Moller Subject: Re: Honey and healing... Hi Nick Nice to see you on the net. I'd appreciate the reference list on healing properties. Thanks Henrik ***** Please note new e-mail address ***** Dr. Henrik Moller Co-Director, Diploma in Wildlife Management Zoology Department Univeristy of Otago Po Box 56 Dunedin New Zealand Ph: 64-3-479-7998 Fax: 64-3-479-7584 ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 17 Mar 1995 22:21:25 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Michael Moroney Subject: Re: city vs country In-Reply-To: <199503171623.AA02637@world.std.com> > On the same vein ( ie. getting started) I'm in Calif., right above > Sacramento on the way towards Tahoe, > and I'm all set up-hives, equipment, etc., and am looking for a source of > either Midnite or Starlite > bee packages..however, the local bee folk around here tell me that "they"(?) > won't ship to our area > or won't gaurantee live delivery. The sources they know of are back east, or > south. Is there anyone > around my area that has packages w/queens of the above strain for sale? If > not, has anyone had any > experience with shipping from back there? The other problem is that they One thing you may want to consider is to get bees from your favorite local source now and order a Starline/Midnite queen as well. When the queen shows up replace the old queen. Costs more and more work, depends on how bad you want those "brands" of bees. Also takes a while before the bees are of that variety but I think most packages aren't necessarily of the type of bee the queen is anyway. York Bee in Georgia sells those queens but that's Georgia. > won't ship till April, guess May not be by then, since you didn't order early. I just ordered a package (to replace an apparently mite-killed hive) and that supplier can't ship until May 1, they're sold out on what they have. -Mike ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 18 Mar 1995 20:44:48 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Michael Moroney Subject: Re: city vs country In-Reply-To: <199503181524.AA11453@world.std.com> >My debate is do I put them in the country where there may be >more pollen sources but I will only be able to observe them once a week >(sometimes every other week). Or do I keep them in the city where I can >observe their flying, etc. daily but may not have as much pollen source? I once read that city bees actually do better than bees in the country in one of the bee books. -Mike ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 20 Mar 1995 21:42:53 +1000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Rodney B Palmer Subject: Beeswax Specific Heat Content?? Hi new to the list so please forgive any mistakes. Thank You A furniture restorator has ask me a question about beeswax and I am not really sure of the answer. It relates to beeswax produced by Apis Mellifera. The question is.... "We are involved in a project to dispence a wax mixture into tins as part of a kit for furniture restoration. As we will be melting wax in large quantities we are trying to assertain the energy requirements to raise the temperature and change the state of the wax from solid to a liquid. To do this we require the SPECIFIC HEAT CONTENT of beeswax at constant preasure. The temperature increase we are looking at is from ambient to approximately 70 degrees Celsius. Any information that can be provided will be greatly appreciated." Okay any thoughts. Mant Thanks Rodney B Palmer e-mail on the Internet bee@gil.ipswichcity.qld.gov.au ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 20 Mar 1995 08:52:46 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Aaron Morris Subject: Country vs City Bees? Comments: To: bee-l@ALBANY.BITNET I believe it was Gini Free who queried, and I paraphrase: "To be (in the city) or not to be (in the country), that is the question!" Available forage in the city vs the country is perhaps the lesser of concerns in this case. As already stated, if you're keeping a hive for the experience, then having it readily accessible should be more important in choosing a site - the closer to you, the better. If your goal is to produce copious amounts of honey, the more forage the better. Either location (city or country) will provide sufficient forage for the bees. A more important issue in this case is, "what will the neighbors think?" You have more passers by in the city to be concerned with than you will in the country, and you may also have more stringent ordinances to be concerned with in the city than you will in the country. If you can find an urban site where neighbors will not be bothered by the comings and goings of the critters, I'd recommend the city. Also, remember that your bees will be there year round and that cleansing flights in the winter may attract more attention than flights during the forage season. Chances are that whatever site you choose for your single hive this year, you'll be looking to locate another hive next year. Once you get the bug it's hard to keep just one. Perhaps an ideal solution to this dilemma would be an observation hive in the city and a production hive in the country. The observation hive will have a small population and will be less obtrusive on the city folks and will reveal many wonders of the hive that you won't get from a normal hive, irregardless of its location. The hive in the country will be your production hive, and will be more representative of a true population and will also give you an excuse to visit your folks! Either way, you're in for a great experience. Welcome to the beekeeping world! Aaron Morris - I think, therefore I bee! ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 20 Mar 1995 09:20:02 -0800 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Francis Ratnieks Subject: Re: Percent foragers ? Comments: To: BEE-L%ALBNYVM1.BITNET@cmsa.Berkeley.EDU In-Reply-To: <199503192224.OAA04230@nature.Berkeley.EDU> from "Henrik Moller" at Mar 20, 95 10:20:35 am Dear Dr. Moller Concerning the numbers of foragers in bee colonies of different population. I think that you will find that the study you suggest has not been done. It is no easy matter to figure out which bees in a hive are foragers, without actually marking each bee as it leaves the hive. However, in my masters thesis some years ago I figured out the number of foraging trips (bees leaving hive per minute) for colonies over the range you indicate. Basically, the number of departures is directly dependent on the number of bees in the hive. Most books on beekeeping say smaller colonies put out less foragers proportionately, but my data did not confirm this. IF you are interested I can send you as copy of the thesis, because it was not published. yours, Francis Ratnieks, UC Riverside, California. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 20 Mar 1995 12:15:01 -0600 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Jonathan B. Calos" Subject: wanted: dead bumblebees Attention bumblebee fans: I am looking for dead ones. I need dead bumblebees for pollination research (I will mount them on sticks and pollinate wood betony flowers) and would like to avoid harvesting them from the wild. Please e-mail any information to jbcalos@rs6000.cmp.ilstu.edu. Thank you: Jon Calos ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 21 Mar 1995 08:59:04 +1200 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Henrik Moller Subject: Re: Percent foragers ? Dear Frances Thanks for your reply. Yes I've been surprised by the apparent lack of the calculation. I've been able to establish a maximal proportion of around 0.18 by using the usual statements about length of life as a forager and the ususal onset of foraging, but this seems far too low to my co-worker who is a beekeeper. If I double the lifespan of the forager and set a comparatively early onset of foraging it comes out at about 0.34. I'd appreciate the reference to your thesis and a copy of the abstract, if you dont mind me quoting it in a review of honey bee impacts on protected natural areas in New Zealand. I'm curious. Are you the Ratneiks who provided a chapter of selection at the colonising front of African Bee invasions in Marla Spivaks book? If so, congratulations! I think it isa very important contribution to invasion biology in general. Thanks for your reply, Cheers Henrik ***** Please note new e-mail address ***** Dr. Henrik Moller Co-Director, Diploma in Wildlife Management Zoology Department Univeristy of Otago Po Box 56 Dunedin New Zealand Ph: 64-3-479-7998 Fax: 64-3-479-7584 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 20 Mar 1995 21:07:17 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: POLLENDOLL@AOL.COM Subject: New threat to bees? I read an article recently in our local newspaper about a South American fly that the government is considering bringing into the United States to help control the fire ants that have invaded the Southeast. The gnat-sized fly lays eggs on the ants back, which hatch out and feed on the fire ant. With the honeybee a close relative of the ant, could this fly attack our honeybees? The research is being conducted by Richard S. Patterson, an entomologist with USDA. Does anyone have any more information on this research ? We definitely need help with fire ants, but bringing in an insect that is not native to our country, could have disastrous effects. Steve Genta -- Greenville, South Carolina pollendoll@aol.com or enpf61a@prodigy.com ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 20 Mar 1995 22:32:51 -0600 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Doug Yanega Subject: Re: New threat to bees? >I read an article recently in our local newspaper about a South American fly >that the government is considering bringing into the United States to help >control the fire ants that have invaded the Southeast. The gnat-sized fly >lays eggs on the ants back, which hatch out and feed on the fire ant. With >the honeybee a close relative of the ant, could this fly attack our >honeybees? The research is being conducted by Richard S. Patterson, an >entomologist with USDA. Does anyone have any more information on this >research ? We definitely need help with fire ants, but bringing in an insect >that is not native to our country, could have disastrous effects. >Steve Genta -- Greenville, South Carolina In this particular case, we're dealing with a Phorid fly that is - to the best of anyone's knowledge - specific to Solenopsis species. I can appreciate the concern (other folks here know me as extremely import-o-phobic), though in the present case I don't even think these flies threaten other native ants, let alone bees, due to the specificity of their life cycle and host requirements. Bear in mind, too, that where these flies are native, there are thousands of available bee species to parasitize, as well as other ants, and it shows no sign of having switched to any of those. I doubt it's likely to switch to anything from North America. However, I seem to recall that there's a native Solenopsis species which might be affected - if so, however, I suspect it's also something of a pest, and doubt anyone will be particularly upset if it also gets parasitized. That's the only thing I'm not fairly clear on here. (Though others may disagree ;-) Cheers, Doug Yanega Illinois Natural History Survey, 607 E. Peabody Dr. Champaign, IL 61820 USA phone (217) 244-6817, fax (217) 333-4949 "There are some enterprises in which a careful disorderliness is the true method" - Herman Melville, Moby Dick, Chap. 82 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 21 Mar 1995 12:52:13 +0000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "M.Westby (Max Westby)" Subject: Beekeeping & Development I wonder how many of you people know about the quarterly journal called Beekeeping and Development? I have been subscribing to this for a couple of years and find it very interesting, giving a totally different perspective on beekeeping as a low tech sustainable activity for developing countries. The Journal is produced by Bees for Development which is a non-profit making company. It is sponsored in part by the UN FAO. It depends on subsciptions and donations for its survival and the production costs are also supported by 'World Vision UK'. The Editor is Dr Nicola Bradbear. Address: Bees For development, Troy, Monmouth, NP5 4AB United Kingdom. Her e-mail address is 100410.2631@compuserve.com. Fax +44 (0)1600 716167. Subscription rates are GBP16.00 or USD35.00. All income is used to provide information for beekeepers in developing countries. They have a very interesting booklist and articles from recent issues deal with such things as low cost hive design, queen rearing in top bar hives, the problems of misuse of pesticides in developing countries and their impact on beekeeping etc. I'm sure many of you will be as interested in this very worthwhile project as I am. Cheers, Max ||| (@ @) ---------------------------------------------ooOo-( )-oOoo----- Max Westby (Among other things a Sheffield Beekeeper) South Yorkshire Beekeepers Association BBKA apiary reg: JQ34 Phone (Home): +44 (0)114 236 1038 Fax: +44 (0)114 276 6515 e-mail: m.westby@sheffield.ac.uk World Wide Web Site: http://www2.shef.ac.uk/default.html --------------------------------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 21 Mar 1995 12:55:53 +0100 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: BESPWALK@LIVJM.AC.UK Subject: Re: Percent foragers ? Dear Dr.Moller Perhaps the following references will be of use to you. Gary,N.E. & Page,R.E.(1989). Tracheal Mite (Acari:Tarsonemidae) Infestation Effects on Foraging and Survivorship of Honey Bees (Hymenoptera: Aidae). J.Econ.Entomol. 82(3):734-739 Danka,R.G., Rinderer,T.E., Hellmich II,R.L. & Collins,A.M. (1986) Foraging population sizes of Africanized and European Honey Bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies. Apidologie 17(3):193-202. Both papers describe how the authors looked at foraging bees. And in the latter paper, the methodology of actually sampling the foraging population is outlined. Perhaps (albeit crude) you could try and simply move the original hive, whose foraging population you wish to sample, some two feet away from the original hive site, and replace it with another identical hive on the same spot. Into the substituted hive, place stores. I have been told that this is a simpleway of looking at the number of bees leaving the hive. Peter Bowen-Walker BESPWALK@livjm.ac.uk ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 21 Mar 1995 08:47:48 GMT Reply-To: Gordon@apis.demon.co.uk Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Gordon L. Scott" Subject: Re: Re flumethrin / fluvalinate In message <9503190113.aa29094@gate.demon.co.uk> Kerry Clark writes: > There appears to be a great difference in concentration of active > ingredient in the products.... [Apistan/Bayvarol] Hi all, I'm told, on good but not perfect authority, that the treatment time with Apistan varies between Europe and the US, (6wks EU, 8wks US?), due to the concentration of fluvalinate and/or the leach rate from the carrier plastic. Can anyone confirm this. I wonder if it has any bearing on the discussion. Regards, -- Gordon Scott Gordon@apis.demon.co.uk Compuserve 100332,3310 Basingstoke Beekeeper Beekeeper@apis.demon.co.uk ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 21 Mar 1995 13:58:59 +0000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Malcolm Roe Subject: Re: Beeswax Specific Heat Content?? In-Reply-To: <199503201102.VAA14767@iccu6.ipswichcity.qld.gov.au> from "Rodney B Palmer" at Mar 20, 95 09:42:53 pm Rodney B Palmer asked: > ... we require the SPECIFIC HEAT CONTENT of beeswax at constant preasure. > The temperature increase we are looking at is from ambient to approximately > 70 degrees Celsius. I can't find a figure for beeswax but Kaye & Laby gives the following figures for paraffin wax and various oils. Temperatures in degrees C and specific heats in J g^-1 C^-1. Substance Temp. Sp. Ht. Paraffin wax 0-20 2.9 Oil, castor 20 2.13 Oil, linseed 20 1.84 Oil, olive 7 1.97 Oil, paraffin 20-60 2.13-2.26 Oil, rape 20 2.04 Oil, sperm 20 2.06 I should think it's a fairly good bet that the specific heat of beeswax lies somewhere around 2 when liquid and 3 when solid. I assume you'll also need to take account of the latent heat absorbed when it melts but I can't help you with that except that it's likely to be quite significant. It seems to me that some experiments are in order. -- Malcolm Roe Phone : +44 1442 345104 Crosfield Electronics Ltd Fax : +44 1442 343000 Hemel Hempstead, Herts. HP2 7RH, UK E-mail : roe@crosfield.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 21 Mar 1995 10:06:10 GMT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology Comments: MEMO 1995/03/21 10:06 From: John E III Taylor Subject: Re[2]: Beeswax Specific Heat Content?? Hi-- Finally found a number for the _heat of fusion_ of beeswax. From Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 35th Ed, 1953, Chemical Rubber Publishing Co., page 2133: Heat of Fusion of Beeswax at 61.8 degrees C is 42.3 calories per gram. Unfortunately there's no listing for beeswax in the Specific Heat tables in that edition, the 53rd or 73rd editions. Malcolm Roe's approximation of about 2 Joules per gram per degree C should be good for a first estimate. John E. Taylor III W3ZID | "The opinions expressed are those of the E-Mail: mah48d@rohmhaas.com | writer and not of Rohm and Haas Company." ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 21 Mar 1995 08:02:00 -0800 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Kerry Clark 784-2225 fax (604) 784 2299" Subject: Re: Re flumethrin / fluvalinate I have a U.S. Apistan label that states, under Directions for Use: "Remove honey supers before application of APISTAN STRIPS and do not replace until the end of the control period. Effective control may be achieved by treating hives in the spring before the first honey flow and in the fall after the last honey flow. Do not remove strips for at least 28 days. Do not leave the strips in hive for more than 45 days. Honey supers may be replaced after strips have been removed." The Canadian Apistan label, after the identical first 2 sentences, states: "Place strips in hive for 42 days. Remove strips after the treatment period. Honey supers may be replaced after strips are removed." Comment: Although advertisements (not label) state: "One treatment gives a full year's protection." "Use at any time of year - best results after the last honey flow." the label directions apparently advise treatment in spring and fall (not or), and the label precautions state: "After treatment, do not use beeswax for human consumption.", and "Do not expose honey intended for human consumption directly to APISTAN STRIPS." It seems there is the possibility of different reasonable interpretations of the directions and precautions, and a difference in treatment period in the U.S. and Canada. Are these directions similar to those provided for Bayvarol? Anyone care to offer comments on strategies that could be expected to avoid the development of resistant varroa?? 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, 21 Mar 1995 07:46:08 -1000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Thomas W. Culliney" Subject: Re: New threat to bees? In-Reply-To: <9503210202.AA10352@hinc.hawaii.gov> On Mon, 20 Mar 1995 POLLENDOLL@AOL.COM wrote: > I read an article recently in our local newspaper about a South American fly > that the government is considering bringing into the United States to help > control the fire ants that have invaded the Southeast. The gnat-sized fly > lays eggs on the ants back, which hatch out and feed on the fire ant. With > the honeybee a close relative of the ant, could this fly attack our > honeybees? The research is being conducted by Richard S. Patterson, an > entomologist with USDA. Does anyone have any more information on this > research ? We definitely need help with fire ants, but bringing in an insect > that is not native to our country, could have disastrous effects. > Steve Genta -- Greenville, South Carolina > pollendoll@aol.com or enpf61a@prodigy.com > I'm not up on the new molecular techniques of taxonomy, so maybe I've missed something, but aren't honey bees and ants in two entirely different superfamilies (Apoidea and Formicoidea, respectively)? Looks as if they're not very closely related at all. A parasite specific for ants should pose not threat to bees. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 21 Mar 1995 18:05:03 +0000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Malcolm Roe Subject: Re: Re flumethrin / fluvalinate In-Reply-To: <01HOE3XZTETWB8UQGT@mr.gov.bc.ca> from "Kerry Clark 784-2225 fax" at Mar 21, 95 08:02:00 am It's common practice among beekeepers in the UK not to use Bayvarol when honey supers are on. Nevertheless, Bayer, in their instructions are somehat ambiguous in this respect. Here are some extracts from the instructions covering this and similar questions that have been asked on bee-l over the last few days:- When to use: Best efficacy is to be expected when Bayvarol is used in late summer after the honey harvest. Ideally the strips should not be used during peak honey flow periods. However, Bayvarol can be used at any time of the year for diagnosis or in severe infes- tations where there is a threat to the survival of the colony. 1. Diagnosis The strips are inserted into the colony for 24 hours. Before inserting the strips the floor tray is covered with a clean sheet of paper. This is then checked for the presence of dead varroa mites 24 houres later. 2. Therapy The strips should be left in the colonies for a maximum of six weeks and then removed. Precautions: For Animal Treatment Only Keep out of the reach of children For diagnosis and therapy of Varroasis on bees only Avoid the strips coming into contact with honey to be harvested for human consumption Protection of Operators: When using do not eat, drink or smoke. Wash hands before meals and after work. Protection of consumers: No withdrawal period for honey is required regard- less of when in the year Bayvarol is used. Other bee produce should not be taken for human consump- tion until the Spring following the treatment. Pharmaceutical Precautions: Store in a cool dry place away from food. Do not open the foil bags until immediately prior to use. Do not use after expiry date. Dispose of used strips safely by wrapping in paper and placing them in domestic refuse. Flumethrin is dangerous to fish; Do not contaminate ponds, waterways or ditches with the strip or used packaging. -- Malcolm Roe Phone : +44 1442 345104 Crosfield Electronics Ltd Fax : +44 1442 343000 Hemel Hempstead, Herts. HP2 7RH, UK E-mail : roe@crosfield.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 19 Mar 1995 21:53:23 -0800 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Hugo Veerkamp Subject: population dynamics hi Gregory, > From: "Gregory F. Kendall" > I've often said to folks "in beekeeping, population > dynamics is everything", > in trying to explain, for instance, why a colony can > die off over winter. > It occurs to me that I can't remember reading any > research articles about > population dynamics in honeybees. Does anybody know > of studies on > this subject? The subject of population dynamics/growth-models in relation to a.o. colony death was approached from a mathematical viewpoint by prof.dr. Hermann Stever, univ. of Landau, Germany, in: 'Ein mathematisches Modell als apistische Studie zum Massenwechsel' (originally appeared in Die Biene, 1991, heft 9,pp. 476-486) by prof. dr. H. Stever, Institut f. Bildungsautomatik/University of Landau(Germany) I had the honour of trying to translate/abstract the article in 1993( in which I did not succeed for the full 100%, not being of the mathematical persuasion myself..) Hermann Stevers email adress in 1993 was: LRZ02@KLIO.RHRK.UNI-KL.DE his snailmail adress was: Priv.-Wiss. Archiv Bienenkunde Prof. Dr. Hermann Stever Buchfinkenstr. 2 D-76829 Landau Germany hope this helps! sincerely, Hugo -- \|/ @ @ Hugo Veerkamp ----------oOO-(_)-OOo--------------------------------------------- | reply to: BEENET INTERNATIONAL | | Hugo.Veerkamp@f28.n2801.z2.fidonet.org| mail : the Bee bbs | | | P.O. BOX 51008 | | DO NOT SIMPLY PRESS REPLY BUTTON !! | 1007EA AMSTERDAM | |(or your reply gets lost in bit heaven)| The Netherlands | | Beenet : 240:31/0 | modem: +31 20 6764105 | | Fidonet: 2:2801/28 | voice: +31 20 6715663 | ------------------------------------------------------------------ ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 21 Mar 1995 14:02:00 GMT Reply-To: Gordon@apis.demon.co.uk Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Gordon L. Scott" Subject: Re: Varroa Malcolm Roe writes: > Does anyone know why some countries have approved Apistan and others > Bayvarol? It would be much better if we all had access to both to Hi Malcolm, In the UK we can buy for our own use (i.e. not for resale), any E.C. approved treatment. I think the same is true of all other E.C. countries. Regards, -- Gordon Scott Gordon@apis.demon.co.uk Compuserve 100332,3310 Basingstoke Beekeeper Beekeeper@apis.demon.co.uk ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 22 Mar 1995 08:52:25 GMT Reply-To: Gordon@apis.demon.co.uk Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Gordon L. Scott" Subject: Re: city vs country In message <9503200334.aa07199@punt2.demon.co.uk> BEE-L@uacsc2.albany.edu writes: > >My debate is do I put them in the country where there may be > >more pollen sources but I will only be able to observe them once a week > >(sometimes every other week). Or do I keep them in the city where I can > >observe their flying, etc. daily but may not have as much pollen source? > > I once read that city bees actually do better than bees in the country in > one of the bee books. I believe that bees do indeed usually do better in cities than the country. I guess that there is plenty of forage in most places, but not too much competition for it. The last Govenor of the Bank of England in the City of London used to keep several hives right on the roof of the bank and reports that he always had excellent crops, even in bad years. If you look quickly around the City, you'd say there was _nothing_ for them but if you look closer there are lots of little places -- roof gardens, hanging baskets, tubs on balconies, tiny little gardens (a few by the river) and so on. I doubt that forage would be a problem even in an area like Manhattan. Regards, -- Gordon Scott Gordon@apis.demon.co.uk Compuserve 100332,3310 Basingstoke Beekeeper Beekeeper@apis.demon.co.uk ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 22 Mar 1995 08:16:57 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Gerard Worrell Subject: Re: city vs country Comments: To: "Gordon L. Scott" In-Reply-To: <199503221118.GAA19843@cbl.umd.edu> On Wed, 22 Mar 1995, Gordon L. Scott wrote: > In message <9503200334.aa07199@punt2.demon.co.uk> BEE-L@uacsc2.albany.edu writes: > > >My debate is do I put them in the country where there may be > > >more pollen sources but I will only be able to observe them once a week > > >(sometimes every other week). Or do I keep them in the city where I can > > >observe their flying, etc. daily but may not have as much pollen source? > > > > I once read that city bees actually do better than bees in the country in > > one of the bee books. > > I believe that bees do indeed usually do better in cities than the > country. I guess that there is plenty of forage in most places, > but not too much competition for it. > > The last Govenor of the Bank of England in the City of London used > to keep several hives right on the roof of the bank and reports > that he always had excellent crops, even in bad years. If you > look quickly around the City, you'd say there was _nothing_ for > them but if you look closer there are lots of little places -- > roof gardens, hanging baskets, tubs on balconies, tiny little > gardens (a few by the river) and so on. I doubt that forage would > be a problem even in an area like Manhattan. > > Regards, > -- > Gordon Scott Gordon@apis.demon.co.uk Compuserve 100332,3310 > Basingstoke Beekeeper Beekeeper@apis.demon.co.uk > In Maryland, our best sources of nectar are trees rather than field crops- tulip poplar,locust,holly. The cities tend to have a wide variety planted for ornamental purposes. Streets lined with Linden (Basswood) trees would be a great source of light honey. I know of several city locations I would love to have a few hives! Jerry Worrell ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 22 Mar 1995 13:57:18 +0000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "M.Westby" Subject: Re: city vs country Yes, I agree with Jerry Worrell. Trees are a major nectar source. Here in Sheffield there are many streets lined with Lime trees. A friend of mine regularly got a full super per colony in just one week from this source last year. Suburban gardens with apple, pear and soft fruit such as blackberry give also very strong flows. Lets hear it for the city beekeepers! Max ||| (@ @) ---------------------------------------------ooOo-( )-oOoo----- Max Westby (Among other things a Sheffield Beekeeper) South Yorkshire Beekeepers Association BBKA apiary reg: JQ34 Phone (Home): +44 (0)114 236 1038 Fax: +44 (0)114 276 6515 e-mail: m.westby@sheffield.ac.uk World Wide Web Site: http://www2.shef.ac.uk/default.html --------------------------------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 22 Mar 1995 09:26:40 -0800 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Gregory F. Kendall" Subject: Re: city vs country In-Reply-To: <199503221401.AA10758@mail.crl.com> Here in the San Francisco Bay area of central California, the bees have a much easier time in the city than in the country. I see nectar flows all the way into September when the surrounding hills are brown and nothing is in bloom. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 22 Mar 1995 07:28:10 -1000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Thomas W. Culliney" Subject: Looking for Dr. J.A. Philip Earle Comments: To: Discussion of Bee Biology In-Reply-To: <9503221211.AA24284@hinc.hawaii.gov> If anyone knows the e-mail address of Dr. J.A. Philip Earle at Queen's Univeristy of Belfast, Northern Ireland, would he or she let me know. Thanks. Tom ========================================================= Thomas W. Culliney Phone: (808) 973-9529 Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture Facsimile: (808) 973-9533 Division of Plant Industry E-mail: tcullin@hinc.hawaii.gov 1428 South King Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 U.S.A. ========================================================= ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 22 Mar 1995 16:44:57 -0500 Reply-To: Ian Stuart McLean Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Ian Stuart McLean Subject: Re: Re flumethrin / fluvalinate > Are these directions similar to those provided for Bayvarol? I quote in part from the 'Bayvarol' leaflet:- Each strip contains 3.6mg Flumethrin Normally developed colonies recieve 4 strips Nuclei and young colonies receive half dose. Large colonies with several brood chambers receive 4 strips per chamber Best efficacy is to be expected when used in late summer after the honey harvest. Ideally the strips should not be used during peak honey flow periods. However, Bayvarol can be used at any time of the year for diagnosis or in severe infeststions where there is a threst to the survival of the colony. Diagnosis. 24 hours Treatment - six weeks. > Yours Ian ianmac@lancsbk.win-uk.net - Northern Regional Bee Inspector, UK - Bee Curious phone/fax 01704 822831 snailmail 'Asland' Flash Lane, Rufford, Ormskirk, Lancs, L40 1SW - UK. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 22 Mar 1995 16:45:05 -0500 Reply-To: Ian Stuart McLean Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Ian Stuart McLean Subject: Re: city vs country Hi Max, My bees are in both village and country locations. Its generally accepted in my part of the UK (Noth West) that townies get the best crop. Not only is there a more continuous flow, all those shrubs as well as trees but the ambient temperature is higher in towns, reflection of heat from brickwork, central heating, CO2 etc. My best apiary Home - is sandwiched between two parks on the edge of the village. A very varied planting of trees in the park. Give my regards to Eric Hughes and Agnes if you see them. Yours Ian ianmac@lancsbk.win-uk.net - Northern Regional Bee Inspector, UK - Bee Curious phone/fax 01704 822831 snailmail 'Asland' Flash Lane, Rufford, Ormskirk, Lancs, L40 1SW - UK. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 23 Mar 1995 09:35:41 NZST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Barry Donovan Subject: Country vs City Bees? -Reply Here in New Zealand I keep one hive in suburban Christchurch and eight on a rural research station 15 km away. The suburban hive produces at least double and sometimes three times the surplus of each of the rural hives, and no rural hive has ever outperformed the suburban hive. The diversity of floral resource in suburbia is obviously far greater than around the research station. My one home hive never has to be fed, as whenever the weather is suitable for flight the bees appear to find some productive flowers somewhere, whereas the rural hives have to be watched carefully through late winter/early spring, even if they start the winter with a full super of honey above two brood boxes. Interesting that cities world-wide generally seem to be better for bees than agricultural land. Barry J. Donovan Canterbury Agriculture and Science Centre Lincoln. Private Bag 4704 Christchurch New Zealand. Ph. 64 3 325 6400. Fax 64 3 325 2074. DonovanB@Crop.cri.nz ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 23 Mar 1995 08:08:32 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: ArthroStud@AOL.COM Subject: What is BEE-L To whom it may concern, What is BEE-L? Is this a list I can subscribe to? How? Thank you for your time. Steve Prchal Sonoran Arthropod Studies Institute P.O. Box 5624 Tucson, AZ 85703 voice: (602)883-3945 fax: (602)883-2578 e-mail: ArthroStud@aol.com ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 23 Mar 1995 13:49:32 +0000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Malcolm Roe Subject: Re: What is BEE-L In-Reply-To: <950323080830_58455375@aol.com> from "ArthroStud@AOL.COM" at Mar 23, 95 08:08:32 am > What is BEE-L? Is this a list I can subscribe to? How? I've replied directly to the enquiry. -- Malcolm Roe Phone : +44 1442 345104 Crosfield Electronics Ltd Fax : +44 1442 343000 Hemel Hempstead, Herts. HP2 7RH, UK E-mail : roe@crosfield.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 23 Mar 1995 08:50:00 -0700 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Eric Abell Subject: Business opportunity I have recently started a business that fits in well with me beekeeping. There is an opportunity for others in most any part of the world to become involved on a part-time or greater basis. If you would like some additional income and have some time please get in touch with me. Eric Abell Box 87 Gibbons, AB T0A 1N0 Canada eabell@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca Phone (403) 998 3143 As this message borders on 'junk mail' please reply privately. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 23 Mar 1995 08:53:28 -0700 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Eric Abell Subject: At nice place to visit I have been on this list for several months now and must express my appreciation for the people and the level of conversation here. It is apparent that this is a group with not only a common interest but a common interest in helping others and in sharing useful information. \ Visiting here has become an important part of my day each morning. Just though this was something that needed to be said. Eric eabell@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 23 Mar 1995 12:11:20 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Kelley Rosenlund 904-392-5551 Subject: Re: At nice place to visit Agreed, Eric, These folks have been very helpful in building my confidence in getting a hive and in giving me information on getting started. Kelley rosenlk@freenet.ufl.edu ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 23 Mar 1995 13:35:47 -0500 Reply-To: Mason Harris Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Mason Harris Subject: Re: Business opportunity Please send me information regarding the aformentioned opportunity. Mason Harris, MA, MST, CCC/A Educational Audiologist San Mateo County Office of Education (415)737-8460 E-Mail: SMHARRIS@ED.CO.SANMATEO.CA.US ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 23 Mar 1995 17:19:23 +0100 Reply-To: Michael Haberl Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Michael Haberl Subject: Re: Country vs City Bees? Comments: To: BEE-L%ALBNYVM1.BITNET@vm.gmd.de As this topic seems to become a long lasting one I want to add my mustard as well (as we in Germany would say). I keep a few colonies in the centre of Munich in the garden of the institute and about 20 in the country. I was surprised about the honey yield here in the city. It was mainly derived from aphids, probably because most of the trees in the city are week and have a lot these parasites. The hives in the city are always the first ones that bring in pollen, probably because the temperature in the city is higher and the bloom starts earlier. What I would be interested in is: how about mating flights in the city? I started the colonies in city with queen cells. Only 2 of 4 started egg laying. The next beekeeper in central Munich known to me is about 4 km away in a park. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Michael Haberl Tel: ++49 89 5902-444 Zoologisches Institut der Uni Muenchen Fax: ++49 89 5902-450 Luisenstr. 14 80333 Muenchen, Germany E-mail: haberl@zi.biologie.uni-muenchen.de --------------------------------------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 23 Mar 1995 13:20:00 PST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Martin, David" Subject: Re: A nice place to visit Eric wrote: >I have been on this list for several months now and must express my >appreciation for the people and the level of conversation here. It is >apparent that this is a group with not only a common interest but a >common interest in helping others and in sharing useful information. \ > >Visiting here has become an important part of my day each morning. > >Just though this was something that needed to be said. > >Eric >eabell@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca > Well said, Eric. And I'll second that statement! David Martin Raleigh, NC, USA martin@bdrc.bd.com ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 23 Mar 1995 14:01:04 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Timothy S. Sterrett" Re: Apistan (fluvalinate) Three days ago, a commercial beekeeper in central Florida (in the southern U. S.) told me that he leaves Apistan (fluvalinate) strips on his hives all year around. He implied that other Florida beekeepers did so too. And, he said, the bee inspector has no problem with that. (He is not allowed to leave grease patties (vegetable shortening, sugar, Terramycin) on hives with honey supers on them.) I had asked the beekeeper how he treated for mites when nectar was coming in to his hives almost all year. What I forgot to ask is how frequently the Apistan strips are replaced with new ones. Tim Sterrett (tss@locke.ccil.org) Westtown, Pennsylvania, USA ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 23 Mar 1995 15:52:09 AST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "DANIEL A.J. RYAN" Organization: Acadia University Subject: Hives in the city? Hi Everybody.... I have been following the discussion on locating hives in cities with interest. I am interested in bee keeping as a hobby, and would like to have a hive. However, being located in the residential zone of a small town, I thought it would be against the town bylaws (I checked, it isn't at least here) or at least there would be problems with the neighbours... For those of you that have hobby hives (sounds like a bad disease ;) located in cities or towns, what problems with neighbours have you encountered? How did you handle them? >From a legal point of view, if a kid gets stung down the block from you and dies because he/she was allergic to bees, what would happen? What if a kid runs onto your yard and into the hive? Where would you keep the hive on a lot relative to the house? The further away from my house you get the closer you get to the neighbours, suggesting you want to keep it near your house (not near a door). There is one section of the yard that is rarely used near a window and I thought it would be a good spot. This spot gets the early morning sun until about 11:00 or 12:00 and it is in shade for the rest of the day. It is as far away from the neighbours as I can get (and doors). The only other option would be to place it on the carport roof, which is in the sun all day, with no shade. This sounds like it might get to hot for the hive. It would also cause minor problems when inspecting the hive. However this has the advantage of being out of the way and no kids would run into it accidently. Any and all opinions are solicited... Thanks in advance for your help... Dan Ryan dryan@acadiau.ca ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 23 Mar 1995 15:19:29 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Michael Epperly Subject: City Bees Comments: To: "bee-l@uacsc2.albany.edu"@uunet.uu.net Howdy, This is my first post, but I have been reading this list for quite some time and I find it facinating. One of my buddies is a beekeeper here in Maryland, and I got on the list to show him how the net worked. It was so interesting I have kept it ever since. Regarding the discussion about city hives versus country hives. Does anybody know what benefit the readily available garbage in the city has on the bees? It seems there is a ready supply of sweets every where. I have only observed yellow jackets trying to get into my soda but it seems logical that honey bees would be equally interested. Just a comment from a non-beekeeper, Mep e-mail: epperly@pet2.bwi.wec.com ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 23 Mar 1995 15:00:09 -0600 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: marion ellis Subject: Re: leaving apistan in hives continuously Comments: To: BEE-L%ALBNYVM1.BITNET@UBVM.cc.buffalo.edu In-Reply-To: <9503231905.AA08125@unlinfo.unl.edu> from "Timothy S. Sterrett" at Mar 23, 95 02:01:04 pm Responding to your comment about leaving Apistan strips in hives continuously. This practice places a continuous selection pressure on the mite population - only mites that do not respond to Apistan treatment will live to produce the next generation of mites. Treatment followed by a period without treatment, as recommended on the label, allows mites that are not resistant to Apistan to reproduce. In addition, mites from the surrounding area are likely to invade the colony and further dilute the resistant population. If you want more information on why this procedure is the recommended practice look up recent references to "refugia" in entomological journals. Your acquaintance is doing what is easiest for him by leaving Apistan strips in his colonies continuously. He is, however, putting the entire beekeeping community at risk by applying treatments in a manner that will shorten the life expectancy for Apistan being a valuable beekeeping tool. He should treat according to the label and develop a sampling or monitoring program for deciding when another treatment is merited. This is easier said than done for a commercial beekeeper, however, we currently have only one option for controlling varroa in our colonies. We should do all we can to protect that option. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Marion D. Ellis Assistant Professor and * * University of Nebraska Extension Apiculture Specialist * * Department of Entomology email: mellis@unlinfo.unl.edu * * P.O. Box 830816 Phone: 402-472-2125 * * Lincoln, NE 68583-0816 Fax: 402-472-4687 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 23 Mar 1995 16:10:24 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Lars A. Lutton" Subject: Re: Hives in the city? From: NAME: Lars Lutton FUNC: Instructional Media Services TEL: (614)593-2669 To: MX%"BEE-L@UACSC2.ALBANY.EDU"@MRGATE@OUVAX Dan, AI Root offers a small free? brochure on residential beekeeping. Litigation is rare (or was) but up sounds very good to me . The law here says one hive noncommercial. Water is important or they will go to the nearest swimming pool in great numbers. You could provide simple shade w snowfence or the like laying on top/overhanging entrance. Remember they weigh several hundred pounds full/ a shallow about 40#, that can be a hard climb down. Write if you have questions, I heard of a keeper in china who kept a coloney in a little used room near a window and filled unused hivespace with books'to keep the bees warm' worked for him. Regards Lars/lutton@ouvaxa.cats.ohiou.edu ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 23 Mar 1995 16:33:49 -0500 Reply-To: "James D. Satterfield" Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "James D. Satterfield" Subject: Re: City Bees In-Reply-To: <199503232107.QAA12581@gsusgi2.Gsu.EDU> For several years I kept a full-size Langstroth-type hive on the roof of a seven story building on the campus of Georgia State University in downtown Atlanta. There was always a good honey flow, especially from poplar trees, and some clover. Late in the year I would get several frames of a red honey that had a cinnamon type taste. I tried to identify the source by examining the pollen; however, there wasn't any pollen. I concluded that the "honey" was coming in from soft drink residues gathered in nearby parks and on the Georgia State University campus. A three-frame observation hive that I maintained for general biology lab would swarm regularly. I gathered two swarms from the plaza about one story below the hive location. Students were oblivious to the swarm clusters. Mateing flights created the most excitement, with Campus Security telling me that the bees were swarming; I in turn, told them to be patient. Those were enjoyable years. ----------------------------------------------------- | James D. Satterfield | biojdsx@gsusgi2.gsu.edu | | P.O. Box 2243 | | | Decatur, GA 30031 USA | Telephone 404 378-8917 | ----------------------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 23 Mar 1995 16:54:01 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Kelley Rosenlund 904-392-5551 Subject: Re: Hives in the city? Two questions, 1. Address for A.I. Root company. 2. Any one have plans to build an observation hive for indoors? Kelley ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 23 Mar 1995 17:16:10 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "" Subject: Re: Hives in the city? Dan - both options seem to have merits. The ground level one sounds great. Have you considered a sun shade for a hive on the roof to shield it during the afternoon? If it requires a ladder, I would say forget it. Another important factor is to have a source of water close-by. I use a half whiskey barrel which also holds a water lily, water sprite, and a few goldfish. A hive can use several liters on warm days for cooling and diluting honey to feed larvae. Without a closeby source the bees might bother some neighbor's swimming pool or dog dish or leaky hose faucet. A bucket with ca. 20 old corks floating in it as bee preservers works fine also. I live in suburbia, but on a 2 acre lot. I have never had a problem with kids, but my colonies are fenced off. I don't lose sleep over worrying about rare instances. As was mentioned earlier, you want the hive to be where you can easily watch it, because you will want to, say, with a cup of coffee in the morning. Keep adequate space behind it for working the bees. Wayne Esaias, in Howard County, Maryland ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 23 Mar 1995 15:10:49 PST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jane Beckman Subject: Re: Hives in the city? For those of us who rarely see such things, what distinguishes a mating flight from a swarm, visually? (I've seen swarms, but never a mating flight that I know of...) Well, yes, I know that it would be full of *drones,* but can I tell that from a ways away? Jane B. (the other Jane...) [jane@swdc.stratus.com] ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 23 Mar 1995 10:32:27 -1000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Kevin Roddy Subject: Ants! In-Reply-To: <9503231915.AA17423@uhunix4.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu> Does anyone have a good suggestion for a bee-friendly insecticide around the hive? Precautions such as having the hive relatively high off the ground, etc. are in place. Someone suggested the "ant stakes," poison which is contained in a metal housing that is then stuck in the ground is a good choice, but I'd like to hear your success stories. Is anyone familiar with this product? If so, is the bait attractive to bees? thanks kevin roddy kroddy@uhunix.uhcc.hawaii.edu ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 23 Mar 1995 18:54:03 PST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Richard Spear Subject: Re: Ants! In article Kevin Roddy writes: >Date: Thu, 23 Mar 1995 10:32:27 -1000 >Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology >From: Kevin Roddy >Subject: Ants! >To: Multiple recipients of list BEE-L >Does anyone have a good suggestion for a bee-friendly insecticide around >the hive? Precautions such as having the hive relatively high off the >ground, etc. are in place. Someone suggested the "ant stakes," poison >which is contained in a metal housing that is then stuck in the ground is >a good choice, but I'd like to hear your success stories. >Is anyone familiar with this product? If so, is the bait attractive to bees? >thanks >kevin roddy >kroddy@uhunix.uhcc.hawaii.edu Kevin - I'm in southern California and I have a problem with (grease?) ants. These are the small, dark grey or almost black ants found all over southern California's kitchens . They enter my hives and basically bother the bees. I use the stakes ("Grants For Ants") and they are *very* effective. The bees don't go for it and it seems to be very attractive to the ants ... they are significantly reduced in number after a week or so. Regards, Richard rspear@primenet.com ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 24 Mar 1995 15:23:44 +1200 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Cliff Van Eaton Subject: Markets for Bee Venom As I recall, there was recently some information on BEE-L re. commercial users of venom. I can't recall now whether the venom was bee venom or wasp venom, but if anyone can supply me with contact details for commercial users of BEE VENOM, I would be most obliged. By all means send your reply via the full BEE-L so anyone else who is interested can also access the information. Thanks in advance... ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 23 Mar 1995 23:20:06 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Jack C. Turner" Subject: Re: Ants! In-Reply-To: <199503240040.TAA87543@pen1.pen.k12.va.us>; from "Kevin Roddy" at Mar 23, 95 10:32 am According to Kevin Roddy: > > Does anyone have a good suggestion for a bee-friendly insecticide around > the hive? Precautions such as having the hive relatively high off the > ground, etc. are in place. Someone suggested the "ant stakes," poison > which is contained in a metal housing that is then stuck in the ground is > a good choice, but I'd like to hear your success stories. > > Is anyone familiar with this product? If so, is the bait attractive to bees? > > thanks > > kevin roddy > kroddy@uhunix.uhcc.hawaii.edu > I made some hive stands from scrap angle iron and welded shielded cups to the bottoms of the legs to hold used motor oil. They work, but I doubt that this is a great thing because of the time involved in construction. Jack Turner ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 24 Mar 1995 00:02:17 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Bill Russell Subject: Re: Hives in the city? To answer your questions A.I. Root's address is P.O. Box 706 Medina Ohio 44258-0706 #2 University of Wisconson Cooperative extension office offered a set of observation hive plans on a fact sheet by W.L.Gojmerac dated April 1973 their address is (was) Agricultural Bullitin Bldg, 1535 Observatory Drive, Madison, Wisconson 53706 and quoted the price at 10 cents + postage. Hope this helps Bill Russell Bee Charmer's Pure Gathered Honey Products, Alfred, NY 14802 E-Mail russell@bigvax.alfred.edu snail mail: P.O. Box 1121 Alfred, NY 14802 ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 24 Mar 1995 10:00:00 GMT+200 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Michael L. B. Becker" Subject: Watching bees Wayne Esaias from Howard County, writes: > I live in suburbia, but on a 2 acre lot. I have never had a problem with > kids, but my colonies are fenced off. I don't lose sleep over worrying > about rare instances. How about getting householder's liability insurance? It's cheap (at least, it is in South Africa). > As was mentioned earlier, you want the hive to be > where you can easily watch it, because you will want to, say, with a cup of > coffee in the morning. Keep adequate space behind it for working the bees. I thought I was the only one with this urge. What is it that is so satisfying about standing in the early morning sunshine, watching the bees going out to work? Michael Becker, Cape Town. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 24 Mar 1995 02:56:31 -0700 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Allen Dick Subject: Re: Percent foragers ? In-Reply-To: <9503201715.AA30279@cuugnet.cuug.ab.ca> On Mon, 20 Mar 1995, Francis Ratnieks wrote: > Dear Dr. Moller > > Concerning the numbers of foragers in bee colonies of different > population. I think that you will find that the study you suggest has > not been done. It is no easy matter to figure out which bees in a hive > are foragers, without actually marking each bee as it leaves the hive. > However, in my masters thesis some years ago I figured out the number of > foraging trips (bees leaving hive per minute) for colonies over the > range you indicate. Basically, the number of departures is directly > dependent on the number of bees in the hive. Most books on beekeeping > say smaller colonies put out less foragers proportionately, but my data > did not confirm this. IF you are interested I can send you as copy of > the thesis, because it was not published. I'd like to add to this that the number of foragers seems to be somehow related to the strength of the flow. >From using the abandonment method, I know that during the peak flow season, virtually all the bees in the supers know their way back to the hive when it is removed and placed elsewhere in the yard, and return home within minutes, if not hours. At other times, many do not, and will stay with the super for days (indefinitely). This does not, of course prove that all are foragers, but suggests strongly to me that many are. Allen W. Allen Dick, Beekeeper VE6CFK Rural Route One Swalwell Alberta Canada T0M 1Y0 Email: dicka@cuug.ab.ca or allend@internode.net Virtual Art Gallery: http://www.cuug.ab.ca:8001/~dicka __________________Why not drop by?____________________ ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 24 Mar 1995 10:05:27 +0000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "M.Westby" Subject: Re: Ants! >Does anyone have a good suggestion for a bee-friendly insecticide around >the hive? Precautions such as having the hive relatively high off the >ground, etc. are in place. Someone suggested the "ant stakes," poison >which is contained in a metal housing that is then stuck in the ground is >a good choice, but I'd like to hear your success stories. > >Is anyone familiar with this product? If so, is the bait attractive to bees? > >thanks > >kevin roddy Kevin I don't like the idea of the poison ....As I mentioned on this list some time ago, the classic solution for ants is to put the hive stand legs into metal cans (bottom half of 5l engine oil cans) filled with used sump oil. You must of course be careful that there is no 'bridge' from the edge of the can to the leg. I have never had to do this in this part of the world even though my apiary is right on the edge of woodland. Apparently however, this is *very* successful. BUT *beware*, the beekeeper is as likely as the ants to get his feet in the oil (although less likely than them to drown in it!) Cheers, Max ||| (@ @) ---------------------------------------------ooOo-( )-oOoo----- Max Westby (Among other things a Sheffield Beekeeper) South Yorkshire Beekeepers Association BBKA apiary reg: JQ34 Phone (Home): +44 (0)114 236 1038 Fax: +44 (0)114 276 6515 e-mail: m.westby@sheffield.ac.uk World Wide Web Site: http://www2.shef.ac.uk/default.html --------------------------------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 24 Mar 1995 03:33:05 -0700 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Allen Dick Subject: Natural multi queen hives In-Reply-To: <9503210202.AA25992@cuugnet.cuug.ab.ca> On Mon, 20 Mar 1995 POLLENDOLL@AOL.COM wrote: > I read an article recently in our local newspaper about a South American fly > that the government is considering bringing into the United States to help That reminds me: has anyone any idea how the fire ant (apparently) suddenly developed the ability to have multiple queens? As I recall, this is what is making it such a scourge. Imagine this trait in honey bees! W. Allen Dick, Beekeeper VE6CFK Rural Route One Swalwell Alberta Canada T0M 1Y0 Email: dicka@cuug.ab.ca or allend@internode.net Virtual Art Gallery: http://www.cuug.ab.ca:8001/~dicka __________________Why not drop by?____________________ ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 24 Mar 1995 09:02:19 GMT Reply-To: Gordon@apis.demon.co.uk Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Gordon L. Scott" Subject: Re: City Bees In message <9503232021.aa23073@punt2.demon.co.uk> BEE-L@uacsc2.albany.edu writes: > > Regarding the discussion about city hives versus country hives. Does > anybody know what benefit the readily available garbage in the city > has on the bees? It seems there is a ready supply of sweets every > where. They certainly can if they find a suitable reliable source. Most of the sources however are not reliable enough for the bees foraging 'intelligence' system (you know, the bee dance and so on). I do know of a case when it happend and I'm sure there are others. The beekeeper was puzzled by the appearance of the honey. It was less clear than usual and had a curious blue/green tinge to it. With some caution he tasted a small sample -- Peppermint Cream! >From the nearby candy factory. > I have only observed yellow jackets trying to get into my soda > but it seems logical that honey bees would be equally interested. Honeybees store food ready for the winter and are quietly tidying up for winter -- they've mostly already got their stores by autumn (fall). Yellow jacket nests however, collapse in the autumn as these do _not_ survive through the winter. The adults normally get their food in the form of a sugary secretion from the brood, in return for feeding meat to them. So in the fall there are lots of adults looking for food and few larvae to supply it, so the adults start to get desparate. -- Gordon Scott Gordon@apis.demon.co.uk Compuserve 100332,3310 Basingstoke Beekeeper Beekeeper@apis.demon.co.uk ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 24 Mar 1995 09:32:07 GMT Reply-To: Gordon@apis.demon.co.uk Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Gordon L. Scott" Subject: Re: Watching bees Michael Becker writes: > > As was mentioned earlier, you want the hive to be > > where you can easily watch it, because you will want to, say, with a cup of > > coffee in the morning. Keep adequate space behind it for working the bees. > > I thought I was the only one with this urge. What is it that is so > satisfying about standing in the early morning sunshine, watching the bees > going out to work? Only the most *seriously* hardened professional would *not* enjoy watching their bees in the early morning sun. :-) "What is so satisfying" is a very good question! I like watching them flying to-and-fro jus going about their work, I like that happy hum they make, I like the way the sun glints off them. But I don't know why I like these things. -- Gordon Scott Gordon@apis.demon.co.uk Compuserve 100332,3310 Basingstoke Beekeeper Beekeeper@apis.demon.co.uk ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 24 Mar 1995 06:38:27 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Ray Lackey Subject: Re: Hives in the city? I have served as president of the Long Island Beekeepers which seems to cover New York City and east. We have had beekeepers keeping bees in Manhatten on the top of a five story building. ( I understand harvesting honey was a chore because his apartment was on the first floor and there was no elevator. And I think some of my yards are difficult to get to.....) Other beekeepers in Queens county (a part of New York) keep them on the roofs of their house - flat roof row houses. I have seen special decks on garage roofs. The most unusual setup I have seen was about twenty colonies in the middle of town on the second floor of a garage. They were inside with runways out. The room had open windows and cracks in the wall for stray bees to get out when working them and they would go back in the runways. They were ringed around the room so that the whole periphery of the garage had bees coming and going. There was no problem from the bees and neighbors. People two houses away didn't even know they were there unless told. (the Ford dealer nearby complained once about yellow spots on his new cars) Relative to kids... I take the stand that an educated neighbor is the best neighbor. I show the bees to the neighbors on a nice day. The adults find it interesting. The kids are fascinated! I get repeat visits to "help" with the bees. I demonstrate the proper removal method for stings by picking up a bee and forcing it to sting my hand. I then show them that when the bee is ripped away the stinger keeps digging in and pumping. I then scrape it out and explain that Yes it hurts, and will continue for a while, but it is something our bodies can deal with. I them warn them of the anaphalactic reaction of an allergic person. I then have a full public relations team on my side. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + 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: Fri, 24 Mar 1995 08:04:06 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Logan Vanleigh Subject: Re: Hives in the city? > what problems with neighbours have you encountered? >How did you handle them? Only problem I had was bees watering at a neighbor's pool. That was my fault, and as soon as I provided them water near the hive they quit. I gave the neighbor a quart of honey as soon as I had some and they were quite happy w/ the arrangement. > >From a legal point of view, if a kid gets stung down the block from you and >dies because he/she was allergic to bees, what would happen? They'd have to prove it was your bee. >What if a kid runs onto your yard and into the hive? Tresspassing is illegal. I put a 4' chicken wire fence around mine and hung shade cloth on that to force the bees' flight path above the level of young kids and dogs (we had one of each) and it worked like a charm. > >Where would you keep the hive on a lot relative to the house? I put mine in a back corner of the yard, but we had an alley between back yards. Get a hive and have fun as we did. I used to sit beside (NOT in front of) the entrance leaning on the hive w/ my 2-year-old on my lap and watch the bees for hours. The biggest challenge was teaching Robyn that you can't pet bees the way you do a dog. Logan VanLeigh Just getting back into beekeeping after a 3-year hiatus. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 24 Mar 1995 08:04:07 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Logan Vanleigh Subject: Re: Ants! >Does anyone have a good suggestion for a bee-friendly insecticide around >the hive? I used 'Amdro' brand ant bait. It's a starch or bran, so not interesting to bees, laced w/ death. Placed sparingly around the legs of the stand or base it killed the offending ant colony without nuking the neighborhood. Logan VanLeigh ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 24 Mar 1995 14:10:56 +0000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Malcolm Roe Subject: Re: Hives in the city? In-Reply-To: <9503241138.AA21621@hazeltine.com> from "Ray Lackey" at Mar 24, 95 06:38:27 am I successfully kept two hives in a very small back yard for several years. Here's my experience. (I won't discuss legal matters here, although they must be considered, because they vary too much from one country to another.) You must consider your neighbours and people visiting your home. Speak to your neighbours before you do anything. Promise (and mean it) that if there are any problems which cannot be solved to their satisfaction you will move the bees elsewhere. If you don't have much space, try to place the hives in such a way that people walking past cannot be seen from inside the entrances. This will prevent the guard bees coming out to investigate. Make sure that the bees' flight lines do not cross any paths or other people's property unless the bees will be well above head hight. You may need to put up screens to ensure this. Half inch chicken wire on a wooden frame makes a good screen. It doesn't block the light but the bees quickly learn to fly above it. I extended the height of two of my fences like this. There are two other potential difficulties: hive manipulations and swarms. I always used to try to make sure my nextdoor neighbours were indoors when working my bees. You need to consider the worst likely accident. E.g., whilst lifting the supers off the hive you stumble and drop them. You'll get a very large cloud of angry bees stinging anything in sight! However good your management, occasionally you'll loose a swarm. Beginners are almost certain to. Non-beekeepers often find swarms very frightening. My hives were within 3m of my back door. Visitors, including the postman, used to come to the door but there was never any trouble. (It was the postman's choice to continue to do so. I fitted another letterbox on the front door shortly before I first moved the bees in.) The only difficulties my wife and I experienced were occasional yellow spots on washing hung out to dry and bees flying against the kitchen windows on hot summer nights. One of our neighbours wasn't even aware that we had actually moved the bees in for 6 months after the event. Once we had a swarm which hung up in another neighbour's garden. An explanation of what had happened plus several bottles of honey smoothed over that problem. In the end what stopped us was a neighbour from some distance down the road. In spite of putting out water, one year the bees started to use his pond. Once this starts it's very difficult to stop. The neighbour was (or claimed to be) allergic to bees. Jars of honey were employed once again and we managed to wean the bees off the pond but we felt that it was probably better to stop in case he really was allergic so, the following winter, we moved the bees to another site. -- Malcolm Roe Phone : +44 1442 345104 Crosfield Electronics Ltd Fax : +44 1442 343000 Hemel Hempstead, Herts. HP2 7RH, UK E-mail : roe@crosfield.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 24 Feb 1995 10:13:58 +22300129 Reply-To: adamf@vtaix.cc.vt.edu Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Adam Finkelstein Subject: Beekeeping FAQ How to find it, updated (ignore if you know how) Hello, If you would like to get the latest copy of the beekeeping FAQ, pointing toward internet beekeeping resources, here's what you do: * WWW URL http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu:80/hypertext/faq/usenet/top.html Once here (using a web browser of course) look for beekeeping. The FAQ starts with "sci.agriculture..." but is archived alphabetically under "B" for beekeeping. * FTP: FTP rtfm.mit.edu log on anonymous, then cd to /pub/usenet/news.answers/beekeeping-faq can also FTP to: ftp.uu.net /usenet/news.answers/beekeeping-faq If you can't use FTP, you may email for the faq. Here's how: * email mail-server@rtfm.mit.edu no subject in body of letter put: send usenet/news.answers/beekeeping-faq * Usenet The beekeeping faq is posted every month to: news.answers, sci.answers, misc.answers, alt.answers, rec.answers as well as sci.agriculture.beekeeping, misc.rural, alt.sustainable.agriculture, and rec.gardens. As a last resort, you may mail me and I'll send you the latest version, but I might take longer than the above sources.... As always, please send suggestions, comments, criticisms, and I'll do what I can. Wishing you the best in the beekeeping world, Adam -- ______________________________________ Adam Finkelstein adamf@vtaix.cc.vt.edu ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 24 Mar 1995 07:48:17 PST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Adrian Wenner Subject: Re: City Bees Comments: To: Discussion of Bee Biology >It seems there is a ready supply of sweets every >where. I have only observed yellow jackets trying to get into my soda >but it seems logical that honey bees would be equally interested. I'd like to comment on that point. Our campus used to have football games in a stadium at one end of the campus. A beekeeper has a yard in a grove little more than a stone's throw from there. Our nectar availability in this area is at its lowest in September and October. It is only natural then, that the bees would find the soda pop cans strewn about after games and before workers could clean the area. By the third game of the season or so, the bees would be so turned on the the soda that spectators had to compete for the soft drinks when the cans were first opened. It must have been an interesting flavored honey! Adrian *************************************************************** * 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: Fri, 24 Mar 1995 08:53:38 -0700 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Eric Abell Subject: Re: Hives in the city? In-Reply-To: <9503241253.AA104281@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca> > > > >From a legal point of view, if a kid gets stung down the block from you and > >dies because he/she was allergic to bees, what would happen? > > They'd have to prove it was your bee. > If any of my neighbors have a 'bee' problem I suggest that they check the bee or bees to see if it has my brand. Otherwise, it must be either a 'wild' bee or someone else's. Since most of my neighbors are farmers as well - they seem to enjoy this. No one has ever brought me a bee with my brand so I guess my bees are all well bee-haved. Eric eabell@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 24 Mar 1995 09:01:38 -0700 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Eric Abell Subject: Re: Hives in the city? In-Reply-To: <9503241357.AA17640@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca> This discussion of bees in urban areas has been most interesting - but you are all missing the most effective way to avoid neighbor problems. #1 - keep protective gear handy but never work your bees with protection other than a smoker. Wear shorts and go shirtless. This will keep you gentle and the bees as well. It makes no sense to tell your neighbor that the bees are harmless and then wade through a hive will coveralls, veil and gloves - stirring them up in the meantime. #2 - and this is the most important !!!!!! If you are an attractive woman this will work. If you are not then find a partner who is. Now refer to #1 above. Wear as little clothing as local laws allow and I assure you that the burley trucker next door will not complain. Who knows, he may even lean over the fence with his beer in his hand and learn a little about beekeeping. Eric PS - If I lived in town I would have to find myself a partner. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 24 Mar 1995 08:06:46 PST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Adrian Wenner Subject: Re: Bee swarms vs mating aggregations Comments: To: Discussion of Bee Biology Honey bee swarms almost always travel rather near the ground and are easily seen as they move through an area. Drone congregation areas are usually high enough in the air (~above 10 meters) so that the individual drones cannot be seen unless they pursue some object as it descends lower. These aggregation areas can be detected by the hum of insects aloft that seems to have no center. I always demonstrated their existence (in mid afternoon) to my students by bringing along a slingshot and lobbing stones up into the air. The students could then see a comet of drones descending into view as they chased the stone. Adrian *************************************************************** * 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: Fri, 24 Mar 1995 11:29:15 -0600 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: David Abler Subject: None Comments: To: bee-l Subject: Time: 11:24 AM OFFICE MEMO None Date: 3/24/95 subscribe bee-l David Abler ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 24 Mar 1995 10:48:48 -0700 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Allen Dick Subject: Re: Bee swarms vs mating aggregations In-Reply-To: <9503241623.AA25301@cuugnet.cuug.ab.ca> On Fri, 24 Mar 1995, Adrian Wenner wrote: > Honey bee swarms almost always travel rather near the ground and are > easily seen as they move through an area. > > Drone congregation areas are usually high enough in the air (~above 10 > meters) so that the individual drones cannot be seen unless they pursue > some object as it descends lower. These aggregation areas can be detected > by the hum of insects aloft that seems to have no center. I always > demonstrated their existence (in mid afternoon) to my students by bringing > along a slingshot and lobbing stones up into the air. The students could > then see a comet of drones descending into view as they chased the stone. This reminds us of an episode one year when bees were chasing swallows in our yard. The swallows were up about 30 feet and the bees chased them up there constantly. Since they were nesting and raising young, they had a horrible time coming and going from the nest, and were always running from bees. They (the swallows) blamed our cats and would swoop at them, so the cats hid under the vehicles. This went on for several days as I recall. We had a hundred or so hives in the yard (large nucs). We speculated that the bees were drones because of the size and the height and wondered if they were trying to mate the swallows. Anyone else ever see this? Allen W. Allen Dick, Beekeeper VE6CFK Rural Route One Swalwell Alberta Canada T0M 1Y0 Email: dicka@cuug.ab.ca or allend@internode.net Virtual Art Gallery: http://www.cuug.ab.ca:8001/~dicka __________________Why not drop by?____________________ ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 24 Mar 1995 15:13:15 GMT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology Comments: MEMO 1995/03/24 15:13:58 From: Mihaly Ligmond To: PCCSSW.MAILER SSW[PCCSSW.MAILER] From: Mihaly Ligmond@SEA.LAB@FDAORAPAR Subject: Date: Friday, March 24, 1995 at 3:13:58 pm EST Attach: Certify: N ---------------------------- [Message Follows] --------------------------------- I am a new user and have a couple of (probably stupid) questions for anyone who cares to answer. First is the Varroa a tracheal mite or not? Also has anyone ever heard of lead contamination in propolis? Mihaly(mligmond@fdaem.ssw.dhhs.gov) ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 24 Mar 1995 16:47:26 -0500 Reply-To: Mason Harris Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Mason Harris Subject: hive pop est. Does anyone know of a method to estimate the population of a bee hive by either going in and looking or watching the entrance? Mason Harris, MA, MST, CCC/A Educational Audiologist San Mateo County Office of Education (415)737-8460 E-Mail: SMHARRIS@ED.CO.SANMATEO.CA.US ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 24 Mar 1995 15:06:00 CST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Matt Ter Molen Subject: Bait Traps and Pheromone Lures Last week there was a conversation regarding bait traps and pheremone lures. I just received a catalog from Great Lakes IPM that includes two different styles of bait traps (box and cone) and lures for European and Africanized Bees. Additionally, they have a product called BEE-SCENT for pollination purposes. These are made by a company called Scentry which used to advertise in some of the North American bee journals. Besides apis mellifera, they have hundreds of other types of baits, lures, traps. If anyone is interested, their number is (517) 268-5693 or (517) 268-5911 for Great Lakes IPM. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 24 Mar 1995 19:14:46 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: POLLENDOLL@AOL.COM Subject: City bees I have two questions for the bee-line. 1. Does anyone have any knowledge of any study pertaining to bees that use water from a waste treatment facility? Would any heavy metals be possibly transferred to the hive or the honey? 2. Does anyone have any plans or specifications for queen mating nucs? How many frames, size, maximum number in an apiary, number of drone colonies to make sure of good queen mating? Thanks in advance, Steve Genta President of Piedmont Beekeepers Association Greenville,SC POLLENDOLL@AOL.COM or ENPF61A@PRODIGY.COM ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 25 Mar 1995 01:18:17 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Salemson Subject: Re: City Bees >1. Does anyone have any knowledge of any study pertaining > to bees that use water from a waste treatment facility? > Would any heavy metals be possibly transferred to the hive > or the honey? My sense is that bees are themselves fairly good filters. If harmful substances are present in water or any other substance collected, the foragers will likely succumb before reaching the hive, or be so disoriented that they will be evicted from the hive before unloading occurs. A good general overview of honey bee poisoning--including discussion of specific pesticides but not, as far as I can tell, heavy metals in water--is E. Laurence Atkins, "Injury to Honey Bees by Poisoning" in _The Hive and the Honey Bee_ (1992 ed.). Dan Salemson North Carolina State University ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 25 Mar 1995 10:18:03 GMT Reply-To: Gordon@apis.demon.co.uk Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Gordon Scott Subject: No Subject specified Mihaly Ligmond writes: > I am a new user and have a couple of (probably stupid) questions for anyone > who cares to answer. First is the Varroa a tracheal mite or not? Also has No. It is a mite, but it's an external parasite of honeybees and lives by consuming their haemolymph (blood). A Varroa is about 1.5mm x 1mm. Tracheal mites are very tiny and live inside the breathing tubes (trachea) of the bees. > anyone ever heard of lead contamination in propolis? Yes. It seems to be something of a problem, at least where propolis is classed as a foodstuff. The levels of contamination I have heard are around the 10-20ppm mark and, against expectations, _don't_ appear to be due to the level of local road traffic (not yet anyway). If I was consuming propolis in food quantities that concentration would worry me. In the quantities one typically consumes propolis, I *personaly* think the problem is seriously overstated. Regards, -- Gordon Scott Gordon@apis.demon.co.uk 100332,3310 on CompuServe Newsletter Beekeeper@apis.demon.co.uk ditto Beekeeper, Kendo Sandan, sometime sailor. Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG22 5HP, UK ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 25 Mar 1995 10:28:58 GMT Reply-To: Gordon@apis.demon.co.uk Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Gordon Scott Subject: Re: Bee swarms vs mating aggregations W. Allen Dick writes: > On Fri, 24 Mar 1995, Adrian Wenner wrote: > > > Honey bee swarms almost always travel rather near the ground and are > > easily seen as they move through an area. > > > > This reminds us of an episode one year when bees were chasing swallows in > our yard. > > The swallows were up about 30 feet and the bees chased them up there > constantly. Since they were nesting and raising young, they had a > horrible time coming and going from the nest, and were always running > from bees. I guess that the bees are chasing off a predator. Swallows will take bees for food. I understand that they can identify drones in flight and will 'pick them off' rather that the ones with the sharp backside. It's quite possible that the swallows picked their nest site *because* of the convenient location of the local supermarket :-) Maybe they should have been a little further away. Regards, -- Gordon Scott Gordon@apis.demon.co.uk 100332,3310 on CompuServe Newsletter Beekeeper@apis.demon.co.uk ditto Beekeeper, Kendo Sandan, sometime sailor. Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG22 5HP, UK ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 25 Mar 1995 10:14:27 -0400 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "GARY M. DeBERRY" Subject: Re: newsletters Please add me to the mailing list or e-mail it to me if possible. Gary M. DeBerry 677 Florida Avenue, Apt.#6 Pittsburgh, PA 15228-2042 Thanks!!! ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 25 Mar 1995 11:53:06 AST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "DANIEL A.J. RYAN" Organization: Acadia University Subject: Hives in the city... Thanks... Hello again... I would like to thank everyone who responded to my original post about keeping hives in the city... They provided alot of encouragement. There seemed to be a couple major points: (1) Water... I guess I am lucky in this sense as there are no neighbours with pools... I was thinking of setting up a barrel under the downspout from the evestrough? Would this be suitable? (assuming I keep it full during those times it isn't raining) (2) Flight Paths... The spot I think I will go with is approximately 30 ft from my neighbours driveway, with a number of bushes on the property line, ranging from 2 - 6 ft high. These bushes are a mixture of roses, mountain ash and a few other flowering bushes. See ASCII art below. The proposed site is not near any door ways, but is near a window where I usually sit and have breakfast. What would be the best direction for opening? Parallel to the house? This would allow me to observe them while eating breakfast etc, but would point the opening into some bushes... (there would be 2-3 feet between the opening of the hive and the bushes)... Or towards the neighbours... with out fencing would this be a problem? The area between the hive and neighbours driveway will eventually be a veggie garden, but for the moment is a lawn (not generally frequented)... road --------------------------------------- | | ------- | | * | Neighbour's drive way. | * | |* * | My |*** * | House |** * | | * | | * | X <-Proposed Hive * |*** location... * |***** * <- various bushes.... |** <- more bushes _______ /|\ | <----- ~ 30 ft ---------> North (3) Honey.... For bribes.... Thanks again for indulging me and sharing your experiences with me... I particularly enjoyed the story about the 20 hives in the garage... amazing... I finishing my PHD at the moment and may not get this set up for a while, but I like to plan ahead.... Once again, any and all comments are welcome.... Dan Ryan dryan@acadiau.ca ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 26 Mar 1995 07:52:05 -0700 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Eric Abell Subject: Re: your mail In-Reply-To: <9503242008.AA27464@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca> > > I am a new user and have a couple of (probably stupid) questions for anyone > who cares to answer. First is the Varroa a tracheal mite or not? Also has > anyone ever heard of lead contamination in propolis? > Mihaly(mligmond@fdaem.ssw.dhhs.gov) > #1 - Varroa and tracheal mites are two different creatures. #2 - Yesterday I was speaking with a beekeeper/researcher from Poland and learned that much of the propolis from China contains lead. Eric ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 26 Mar 1995 18:29:00 BST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: John Atkinson Subject: addresses Please, can anyone tell me the present address, postal or e-mail of: A.N.Mel'nichenko or Yu.L.Vavilov nitrogen .NYu.L.Vavilov This was published (in English) I0 N Soviet Agricultural Sciences No.1, 1976 by Allerton press inc. ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 26 Mar 1995 16:22:39 -1000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Thomas W. Culliney" Subject: Re: City Bees In-Reply-To: <9503250616.AB01953@hinc.hawaii.gov> >1. Does anyone have any knowledge of any study pertaining > to bees that use water from a waste treatment facility? > Would any heavy metals be possibly transferred to the hive > or the honey? Metals, such as selenium, I believe, and organic chemicals (e.g., PCBs) may be picked up by foraging honey bees and incorporated into honey and wax, and probaably (in the case of the organics) into fatty tissues in the bees themselves. Roger Morse and some others at Cornell have done some work in this area. I'll try to dig out specific references. Tom ========================================================= Thomas W. Culliney Phone: (808) 973-9529 Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture Facsimile: (808) 973-9533 Division of Plant Industry E-mail: tcullin@hinc.hawaii.gov 1428 South King Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 U.S.A. ========================================================= ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 26 Mar 1995 19:21:00 GMT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Andy Nachbaur Organization: Wild Bee's BBS Subject: Re: Hives in the city? JB<>From: Jane Beckman <>Date: Thu, 23 Mar 1995 15:10:49 PST <>Subject: Re: Hives in the city? JB<>For those of us who rarely see such things, what distinguishes a mating <>flight from a swarm, visually? (I've seen swarms, but never a mating <>flight that I know of...) Well, yes, I know that it would be full of <>*drones,* but can I tell that from a ways away? Hello Other Jane, Swarms go out looking to start a new colony. Virgin queens go out looking to get mated. They do it several times over a few days if the weather permits. The swarm fills the air with bees and moves off in a disorganized mass. A queen with drones in pursuit is more like a comet of bees with the object of the pursuit at the head. One way to follow and find swarms, established bee hives, and find other interesting things in the field is by listening for the subtle but distinct sounds bees make while performing different tasks. The sounds of bee's retuning over loaded with nectar and pollen is different from the sounds of bees searching for food. The roar of a swarm is also different from the sounds of drones advancing on a queen in flight. Here is how I did it. I trained my hearing to the distinct sound that drones make in mass flight, which is different from forging bee's or swarming bee's. It may look ridiculous, other's have said that, but were themselves pleasantly surprised when they later tried it. I cup my ears with my hands and scan for the sounds of bees, or drones in flight. I found that one of my bee yards on the central California coast (Monterey), by moving away from the bees on a gentle slop or rise of maybe 100 ft within a hundred yards, I was able to find a area that I could not only hear the drones but see the comets of drones and individuals in the air. I have heard many times the "pop" the drone makes when actually mating, and have seen and recovered several queens who fell from the sky with the drone still attached. The secret to this is having queens who you know are going out to mate. I kept about 100 queen nucs in this yard, so I had a pretty good idea when they were going out to mate. I must admit I found the area that I could watch the whole process one day when moving out into the brush to commune with myself and nature so to speak. And do it in an area I would not walk in it later. I heard the distinct sounds the drones make in flight, and looked forward not more then 20 feet with my hands cupping my ears and there they were big as life. I was excited about the whole thing, and returned many times to witness with nature a sight few see, a grown man wandering around in the brush with his hands cupped to his ears being only one vision any passerby would never forget. I know that there will be some who will say that bees do it on the wing at a certain distance and height, but in real life I have found with my bee's any rule of science is quickly disregarded by the bee's in their own yard. I am sure this was a so called "drone congestion" area. I kept 3 yards within a mile of each other with a 100+ colonies in each, and only found this one area that I could observe the aerial sexual combat of the drones. Yes, they did chase any bird the entered their air space and would go after small rocks I tossed into the air. I did find an area in a Santa Clara county cherry orchard, now a IBM plant, that swarms would come from miles away to cluster on the low limbs of the trees. Sure could use one of those spots today. ttul Andy- (c)Permission to reproduced, granted. Opinions are not necessarily facts. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 27 Mar 1995 08:48:28 CST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Henry W. Robison" Delete Henry W. Robison ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 27 Mar 1995 05:00:00 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Keith Cutting Subject: Keith Delaphane I would like to express my thanks to Keith Delaphane for speaking at the New Hampshire State Beekeepers Spring meeting. Mr. Delaphane presentation was informative and entertaining. A reminder to Mr Delaphane, march in New Hampshire is cold, don't forget your coat. *grin* <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<: Keith.Cutting@Dartmouth.edu Kearsarge Beekeepers Association 103 North Road Sunapee, New Hampshire 03782 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>: ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 27 Mar 1995 11:24:11 GMT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology Comments: MEMO 1995/03/27 11:24:29 From: Mihaly Ligmond To: PCCSSW.MAILER SSW[PCCSSW.MAILER] From: Mihaly Ligmond@SEA.LAB@FDAORAPAR Subject: Date: Monday, March 27, 1995 at 11:24:29 am EST Attach: Certify: N ---------------------------- [Message Follows] --------------------------------- Thankx to all who responded to my questions re Varroa mites and lead in propolis. The info is greatly appreciated. Mihaly(mligmond@fdaem.ssw.dhhs.gov) ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 27 Mar 1995 07:58:00 -0800 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Kerry Clark 784-2225 fax (604) 784 2299" Subject: lead in propolis I understand one of the major processors of propolis for semi-medicinal uses had a problem with lead being found in one of their products. The explanation I heard is that the propolis had been processed from "hive scrapings" which had bits of old (lead bearing) paint in them. Regarding the potential for bees to pick up contaminants from their surroundings, Jerry Bromenshenk at the U of Montana has done a lot of work on this over several years. My recollection of his summary is that bees are "flying dust mops" that tend to pick up and store in "pollen", their bodies or hive wax, whatever particulate contaminant that is in their foraging area. Honey is generally not one of the products with higher levels of these contaminants, owing to their lipid solubility (and likely the much greater leaching effect by environmental water, of water soluble contaminants). 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: Mon, 27 Mar 1995 12:16:12 GMT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology Comments: MEMO 1995/03/27 12:23 From: John E III Taylor Subject: Re: lead in propolis Kerry Clark wrote: > The explanation I heard is that the propolis had been processed from > "hive scrapings" which had bits of old (lead bearing) paint in them. I wonder if the source of lead in Chinese propolis might be something like fresh glazier's putty? This used to be made from lead oxides, with linseed oil mixed in (I suspect we're using synthetic polymers exclusively in the US today), and bees might regard it as the same sort of composition as tree saps and gums. John E. Taylor III W3ZID | "The opinions expressed are those of the E-Mail: mah48d@rohmhaas.com | writer and not of Rohm and Haas Company." ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 27 Mar 1995 13:17:01 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Lars A. Lutton" Subject: Re: lead in propolis From: NAME: Lars Lutton FUNC: Instructional Media Services TEL: (614)593-2669 To: MX%"BEE-L@UACSC2.ALBANY.EDU"@MRGATE@OUVAX Kerry, In what may or may not be a related item, I remember an author of a book on home winemaking cautioning against the use of flowers gathered near busy highways. He cited studies that reveiled a higher lead content in flowers and fruits taken in those locations compared to others more free of car exhaust? Regards, Lars/ lutton@ouvaxa.cats.ohiou.edu ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 27 Mar 1995 11:02:00 -0800 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Kerry Clark 784-2225 fax (604) 784 2299" Subject: Re: lead in propolis I wonder if the use of lead-free gasoline in recent years has resulted in any reduction in the lead content of plants near roadways. Is it too soon to see a difference? Any one have any information? 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: Mon, 27 Mar 1995 14:34:09 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "" Subject: Re: lead in propolis At 11:02 AM 3/27/95 -0800, "Kerry Clark 784-2225 fax (604) 784 2299" I wonder if the use of lead-free gasoline in recent years has resulted > in any reduction in the lead content of plants near roadways. Is it too > soon to see a difference? Any one have any information? My understanding is second hand, but I recall seeing dramatic decreases discussed in the literature as a result of the several years of no-lead gasoline. The point of one article that proposed to do a budget of Pb, searching all reservoirs in soil, organisms, runoff, etc., was that most of the lead that should have been there was missing. Perhaps someone else has some literature citations. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 27 Mar 1995 12:04:24 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology Comments: Converted from OV/VM to RFC822 format by PUMP V2.2X From: george bowman Subject: Smithsonian Telnet access *** Resending note of 03/24/95 14:01 PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO ANYONE WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED. We have enabled TELNET access to our database! Our address is SIRIS.SI.EDU - both VT100 and TN3270 are available, but TN3270 is better. Our numeric address is scheduled to change, so I'm not giving it here. The Smithsonian Institution Research Information System (SIRIS) is a computerized collection of research catalogs maintained by the Smithsonian Institution's Libraries, Archives, and Research Units. Presently there are four catalogs available on SIRIS: LIB: The Smithsonian Library Catalog The collections are particularly strong in Natural History, Tropical Biology, African American Ethnology and Culture, Astrophysics, Astronomy and Planetary Sciences, American History, the History of Science and Technology, Aviation and Space Flight, Postal History, Fine Arts and Design, African Art, Horticulture, Conservation Science, Chesapeake Bay Area Ecology, and Museum Administration. In addition, the Library holds a large collection of manufacturers' trade literature and catalogs and historically important rare books and manuscripts. This database contains approximately 500,000 records. ARI: The Art Inventories Catalog Data for the Art Inventories Catalog is designed to assist researchers in locating American paintings and sculpture. Data has been compiled from reports supplied by private collectors, museums, corporate collectors, and public art programs. The database is divided into two subcatalogs for paintings and sculpture which can be searched together or separately. The Inventory of American Paintings Executed before 1914 is a national census of paintings created by American artists working prior to 1914. There are approximately 300,000 paintings represented. The Inventory of American Sculpture is a national census of works created by artists born or active in the United States up through the 20th century. There are approximately 50,000 sculptures represented. ARC: The Archives and Manuscripts Catalog This database consists of approximately 90,000 records contributed by five archival units of the Smithsonian. The subcatalogs listed below can be searched together or separately. The Archives of American Art (AAA) catalog descibes papers of artists, art dealers, art historians, collectors, and others; records of art galleries, museums, and art organizations; videos; and interviews from AAA's oral history project. The Achives Center of the National Museum of American History (ACAH) catalog descibes hundreds of collections of manuscripts and visual, magnetic and electronic documents related to the mission of the National Museum of American History, especially the history of advertising, history of technology, and social and cultural history, as well as selected individual items. The Human Studies Film Archives (HSFA) catalog describes film and video collections of historical, archeological, and ethnographic significance, including edited ethnographic films, unique research footage produced as part of anthropological research, and travelogues by amateur and professional filmakers. The National Anthropological Archives (NAA) catalog describes collections of historical manuscripts relating to North American natives; administrative records of the Dept. of Anthropology; prefessional papers of anthropologists; records of anthropological organizations; art work; and photographs. The Smithsonian Institution Archives (SIA) catalog descibes records documenting the history of the Smithsonian Institution since its fouding in 1846; research in the fields of science, art and history; papers of staff; records of scientific, historical, and museum organizations; and audio-visual material from research, exhibits, and its oral history and video-history programs. BIB: The Research/Bibliographies Catalog This database descibes specialized research bibliographies. Currently references are limited to two subject areas: The Center for Museum Studies' Museum Studies Database which includes theses and dissertations in the area of Museum Studies, articals indexed from the ALI-ABA proceedings and course of Study in Museum Administration, and from the Journal of Museum Education. COMING SOON: The Cephalopod Bibliographic Catalog describes publications about cephalopods (squid, octopus, cuttlefish, etc.) and cephalopod related subjects (predators, prey, etc.). The bibliography comprises publications located at the Division of Mollusks of the National Museum of Natural History. This bibliography is an ongoing effort which actively solicits input from users. We are still adding functionality as well as data. In the near future we will have our Z39.50 gateway running, and hopefully at some point after that we will turn our attention to presenting multimedia via the MARC 856 tag and possibly Web access to the catalog. More archival units will probably be added, and additional focused Reasearch/Bibliographies will be added. That's SIRIS.SI.EDU. --- The Smithsonian Institution Research Information System --- George Bowman Arts & Industries 2310 irmge010 @ sivm.bitnet v:(202)357-4238 900 Jefferson Dr, S.W. irmge010 @ sivm.si.edu f:(202)786-2687 Washington, D.C. 20560 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 27 Mar 1995 17:09:17 GMT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology Comments: MEMO 1995/03/27 17:09:46 From: Mihaly Ligmond To: PCCSSW.MAILER SSW[PCCSSW.MAILER] From: Mihaly Ligmond@SEA.LAB@FDAORAPAR Subject: Date: Monday, March 27, 1995 at 5:09:46 pm EST Attach: Certify: N ---------------------------- [Message Follows] --------------------------------- I wonder how much Pb it would take to kill a honeybee. This might give an answer as to an upper limit that could "naturally" occur in propolis. I have data for some imported propolis products that show several hundred ppm of Pb. I think these levels are not likely to occur in a hive but have no hard data to support this assumption. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 27 Mar 1995 15:48:28 -0700 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jerry J Bromenshenk Subject: Re: lead in propolis In-Reply-To: from "Kerry Clark 784-2225 fax" at Mar 27, 95 11:02:00 am Hi: I have been out of the country looking at Apis dorsata in Malaysia, so am just catching up on the discussions. As per lead in propolis, honey, or bees. Yes, vehicle exhausts are one source, and yes, we have documented it in bees near highways. The Germans did some work on lead years ago. As per levels of lead in propolis peaking because it is toxic to bees, I doubt that will happen since lead doesn't normally kill quickly, but is accumlutive. So, I'd guess the bees could pull in some whopping levels of lead over the short term. Lead paint on beehives is certainly a good source of this contaminant, as is vehicle exhaust (leaded gasoline), various heavy industries (such as lead and copper smelters), battery plants, etc. As per bees in cities, the plus is a diverse and often abundant floral resource. The negative is all the chemicals, ranging from traffic to household chemicals to industries. My studies suggest bees in the industrial areas and bees in the pricey residential areas are subjected to the greatest chemical insults. The first is obvious, the second may not be so. My guess, "rich folks" pay to have their pests routinely killed (the weed and feed approach). All those lawn chemicals extract a heavy toll on bees - and probably the people and their pets. None of this has been based on a hard study, but we have bits and pieces of evidence that suggest this is true. Cheers Jerry ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 28 Mar 1995 11:52:55 +1200 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Cliff Van Eaton Subject: lead in propolis - Reply My understanding is that while lead-based paints have been implicated in some cases of propolis "contamination", there are a number of other cases where the propolis hasn't been in contact with such paint, and in fact where the propolis hasn't even been scraped from wooden ware (ie, collection mats were used). To add to the mystery, "high" lead levels have been detected in collection-mat propolis from hives which were close to roadsides and also from hives which were in remote rural areas several kms away from roads. There appears to be a background level of lead in propolis which has been collected in different countries, in different areas within these countries, and using different collection methods. The levels themselves are also quite interesting. The problem seems to be that regulations relating to lead levels in food products are far more stringent than for medicines. Propolis is generally used in "medicinal" quantities, but because most countries's regulations relating to medicines are so complicated (especially for processing and efficacy), most manufacturers of natural remedies can't afford the money necessary to comply. The only alternative is to sell them as a food items. But of course food regulations set contaminant levels quite low because it is generally assumed that people will be consuming large amounts of a food product. In fact, I have been told (but can't confirm) that the lead levels in some types of capsules used to contain medicines are actually above those allowed by several countries's food regulations. The good news, however, is that propolis can be processed to extract out the lead. I understand that this process doesn't affect any of the beneficial properties of the product. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 27 Mar 1995 22:14:20 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Brian Tassey Subject: Mail needed B liners Hello, A friend is helping out her son's 1st grade class by writing letters to them on her lunch hour. The purpose is so that they can receive mail of different types and it helps in their reading program. She has been "discovered", they think (they truly have her). In order that she is able to clear her name and to really throw in a twist (and help kids learn) we thought if some of you out in cyberspace could drop a letter, postcard, or short note to these kids it would be fantastic. Nothing elaborate or lengthy just a short letter from their secret friend about yourself or asking them about their lives. Please don't use your name. Sign the letter Love, Your Secret Friend. If they received multiple letters from far away, different places there is no way she could be this person and they would have a ball reading your letter also. Thank you for your help and don't forget you are: Love, Your Secret Friend. Send the letters to: Saint Lukes School 350 W. Yosemite Ave. Merced, CA 95340 Attn: 1st Graders Thank you Brian Tassey Kaykin@aol.com ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 27 Mar 1995 21:38:19 -0600 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jackie Davis Subject: vehicle oil never wears out Comments: To: bee-l%albnyvm1.BITNET@uunet.uu.net Keep fresh oil in your vehicle engine, any size diesel or gasoline, 24 hours per day 365 days per year. Never change oil in your vehicle engine again. Oil never wears out or deteriorates if contaminates are purged from the oil. All you do is change your oil filter in the equipment that purges contaminates from the oil to keep the oil fresh as new. enfo@wsnet.com ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 28 Mar 1995 00:04:03 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Gary Subject: Re: vehicle oil never wears out >Keep fresh oil in your vehicle engine, >any size diesel or gasoline, 24 hours >per day 365 days per year. Never >change oil in your vehicle engine >again. Oil never wears out or >deteriorates if contaminates are purged >from the oil. All you do is change >your oil filter in the equipment that >purges contaminates from the oil to >keep the oil fresh as new. >enfo@wsnet.com ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 28 Mar 1995 10:44:10 +0200 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Andreas Kasenides Subject: Re: Business opportunity In-Reply-To: (Your message of Thu, 23 Mar 95 08:50:00 MST.) <9503231604.AA24453@zeus.cc.ucy.ac.cy> Can you please provide more info. Thank you Andreas ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 28 Mar 1995 10:28:45 -0800 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: vellani Subject: Re: Business opportunity In-Reply-To: <199503280849.AAA16869@unixg.ubc.ca> would be grateful for any info. Tx On Tue, 28 Mar 1995, Andreas Kasenides wrote: > Can you please provide more info. > > Thank you > Andreas > ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 28 Mar 1995 13:28:54 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Kelley Rosenlund 904-392-5551 Subject: Happy Happy Joy Joy The scene: An old farm down a very old & beat up dirt road. The players: An old country beekeeper with 650 hives. A (semi-)young bright eyed boy with $50.00 in hand about to realize a long time dream of being a beekeeper. The end: Bright eyes drives home in the sunset with hive in back of truck. The reality: Help!!!! Much excitement and questions of the next scene. 1.I placed the Clarence (henceforth known as "the hive") in a fenced in area in my back yard on a milk crate. I removed screen and inserted an entrance feeder (2 parts sugar, 1p water) with a pint of food. No major activity. A few bees hanging out on the front porch and some workers removing dead or injured bees. Sat watching them with flashlight & noticed there were three bees in the house buzzing around a lamp inside the house (the entered through an open window). Other than that no great activity. 2. This morning about 07:00 watched the hive for a while & there was a bunch of bees buzzing around the front of the hive and could see them flying abroad in search of food. Remembered talk past week about providing water so they do not bother neighbors so I put a big bowl with pine cones/sticks to support bees. Put this on top of hive. The bees were drinking the sugar water as a bubble would float up every 15-20 seconds. The realities of life set in (time to go to work) so I had to leave Clarence the Hive alone in this brave new world. 3. Lunch time rolled around and I could not stand the suspense any more so off I went to my home. There were bees all over the place. They were in my dog Ginger's water bowl. They were buzzing here and there. I watched them for a while and there were a BUNCH of bees comming back with pollen. The sugar water was empty. And my trusted dog was following up on dad's training to catch flies that were in the house and was trying to catch bees that were buzzing around her water! I guess sooner or later she will learn the difference between "good" flies and "bad" flies. There was only 1 bee in the water bowl I had set on the hive and 8 or so in her water bowl. 4. Down to business. I put ginger in the house with her water bowl. I put the bee water bowl in front of the hive about two feet. I refilled the sugar water. I smoked all the bees that were buzzing around where Ginger's water bowl was. What next? How long do I feed them the sugar water? How can I encourage the bees to drink out of there bowl. I do not know a lot of bee flight patterns. They are not going the way I thought they would. They are basically going in circles straight up (counter clockwise by the way) before they roam. Is that OK? Will Ginger turn into a pumpkin the first time she bites down on a "good fly"? What more challenges does bright eyes face that he has yet to consider? Will he turn into a pumpkin the next time he crosses "a good fly"? Stay tuned. Your input on ths saga is much appreciated. Bright eyes [ The opinions of bright eyes do represent the opinions of Kelley Rosenlund (rosenlk@freenet.ufl.edu) and are not to be misconstrued as those of an expert] ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 28 Mar 1995 14:38:56 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jeffrey Young Subject: Bee Types...? I have a single colony of italians in the backyard and would like to set up at least two more hives this spring. The current queen is going into her second year and late last year the workers were more hostile than normal. I was thinking of replacing the queen in the existing hive. I have always had Italian honey bees. Since I am considering re-queening the existing hive and getting a couple new hives as well I was contemplating getting a different type of bee. Looking at the catalogs I note that there are several types available. Caucasian Midnight Starline Double Hybrids ARS-Y-C-1 Carniolan Being an Italian focused beekeeper for many years I was wondering if it might be a good time to try a different strain. Would you be able to give me a quick run down about the different types of honey bees that are commercially available; their temperaments, honey production, resistance to disease, etc. - compared with Italian's? If you send answers to my personal; address (Jeffrey_Young@crd.lotus.com) I will collect all the responses and send a single DIGEST message to the list of the results. Thanks!!! jeff ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 28 Mar 1995 14:47:50 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "" Subject: Re: Happy Happy Joy Joy Kelly Bright Eyes - Wow - thanks for sharing the excitement. I needed it today. You are doing just great! Where are you located? For much of the country you should be using 1:1 sugar to water, if anything. You probably need to look inside and see if they have adequate honey, and room to expand. In many parts of the country, a call to the State apiculturist to register your hive might elicit a visit from an inspector who could help you look (on the guise of making sure there are no diseases). Or they could refer you to a local beekeepers association and a call could convince an old hand to give you a lesson. Otherwise, it sounds like you have been reading, and are in for a treat. Bees are a hardy lot, and most manage to survive despite novices. Try not to injure the queen, however. Wayne Esaias Highland, Maryland ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 28 Mar 1995 15:05:26 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Edward Sterling Subject: Re: Bee Types...? >I have a single colony of italians in the backyard and would like to set up at >least two more hives this spring. > >The current queen is going into her second year and late last year the workers >were more hostile than normal. I was thinking of replacing the queen in the >existing hive. > >I have always had Italian honey bees. Since I am considering re-queening the >existing hive and getting a couple new hives as well I was contemplating >getting a different type of bee. > >Looking at the catalogs I note that there are several types available. >Caucasian >Midnight >Starline >Double Hybrids >ARS-Y-C-1 Carniolan Hi, I've been on hiatus from beekeeping for the last 7 years. I'm out in Bolton by Fort Devens, I assume you are working for Lotus in Cambridge? Where do you get your bees? Locally, or throught the mail? Can you recommend a supplier for nucs? Out my way, a fellow named "Farmer Ray" in Southboro on Breakneck Hill Rd. seems to be the only fellow selling bees and equipment. Thanks Ed PS: I agree that Italians seem the best. I've had occasion to end up with black German bees, which were not good producers. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ed Sterling, GPCC | ACTUAL quotes from my kids: "Daddy, hummingbirds Bolton, MA 01740 USA | help the bees put honey in the flowers!" "In the Phone/FAX: 508-779-6058 | daytime, the sun melts the moon into cloudpieces!" "ed@gpcc.ultranet.com" | "A snowman makes the quietest sounds in the world" ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- I can never remember the hex location in low core of the brain-check new PSW ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ultranet.com/~ed => info about collecting toys from 1950s/60s/70s such as playsets, Army toys, GI Joe, cowboy gun sets, building sets, etc!! ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 28 Mar 1995 15:12:26 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Kelley Rosenlund 904-392-5551 Subject: Re: Happy Happy Joy Joy Hey Wayne, I am in Gainesville Florida. 90 miles south of Jacksonville. I have been trying to reach the inspector to register & have him inspect the hive but he has been all over the state. I'll keep trying. Yes I have been reading a lot & I have made arrangements with the fellow I bought the hives from to work with him on & he will pay me in hives. We have yet to decide on the details. I told him if I still enjoyed beekeeping & wanted to get into it mor I would by all his 10 frame hives (30) and the pollination rights of the farmer where the hives are. Is $50.00 a hive a good price? The hive I bought consists of 1 deep super and a 6 5/8 super, top, bottom, queen excluder. The hive was well weathered but was pretty full of brood. Thanks for answering me back so quickly. Kelley ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 28 Mar 1995 15:55:57 +22300129 Reply-To: adamf@vtaix.cc.vt.edu Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Adam Finkelstein Subject: none (delete if you know already) Pardon the cryptic subject: the new listserv software won't allow me to post a message with the same title, so until I hear from the list owners, anything to do with beekeeping FAQs and listserv use from me will have no subject... Hello, If you would like to get the latest copy of the beekeeping FAQ, pointing toward internet beekeeping resources, here's what you do: * WWW URL http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu:80/hypertext/faq/usenet/top.html Once here (using a web browser of course) look for beekeeping. The FAQ starts with "sci.agriculture..." but is archived alphabetically under "B" for beekeeping. * FTP: FTP rtfm.mit.edu log on anonymous, then cd to /pub/usenet/news.answers/beekeeping-faq can also FTP to: ftp.uu.net /usenet/news.answers/beekeeping-faq If you can't use FTP, you may email for the faq. Here's how: * email mail-server@rtfm.mit.edu no subject in body of letter put: send usenet/news.answers/beekeeping-faq * Usenet The beekeeping faq is posted every month to: news.answers, sci.answers, misc.answers, alt.answers, rec.answers as well as sci.agriculture.beekeeping, misc.rural, alt.sustainable.agriculture, and rec.gardens. As a last resort, you may mail me and I'll send you the latest version, but I might take longer than the above sources.... As always, please send suggestions, comments, criticisms, and I'll do what I can. Wishing you the best in the beekeeping world, Adam ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 28 Mar 1995 16:45:47 -0500 Reply-To: Ian Stuart McLean Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Ian Stuart McLean Subject: Re: City bees >I have two questions for the bee-line. >1. Does anyone have any knowledge of any study pertaining > to bees that use water from a waste treatment facility? > Would any heavy metals be possibly transferred to the hive > or the honey? > >2. Does anyone have any plans or specifications for queen mating > nucs? How many frames, size, maximum number in an apiary, > number of drone colonies to make sure of good queen mating? See ABJ March 83 207 - 209 The Alberta Nucleus hive by Tibor Szabo > yours Ian ianmac@lancsbk.win-uk.net - Northern Regional Bee Inspector, UK - Bee Curious phone/fax 01704 822831 snailmail 'Asland' Flash Lane, Rufford, Ormskirk, Lancs, L40 1SW - UK. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 28 Mar 1995 22:19:01 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "" Subject: ABSCONDING COLONY? Tonight a friend called with a problem. He had checked his hives today and found one completely empty of any bees, dead or alive. No brood or capped honey was in the combs, but the bottom board was full of wax as if ththe hive had been robbed out. Only deep brood boes full of empty comb. What happened to the bees: we can only surmise colony decided for whatever reason to move. I have heard a very similar story from two beekeepers recently. Each lost one hive under similar circumstances. Each hive was in good equipment, had been treated for varoaa and tracheal mites, and seemed to be in good condition facing the winter. Did the bees leave? Do bees do that? If so, what factors cause a colony to abscond, particulary in this time of the year. These hives have all been managed in southeastern Virginia, USA. No wax worm damage was found. Two of the hives had what appeared to be mold in the center frames. One hive was very moist inside, but was in practically new equipment. Please reply with your thoughts in the next day or so as my address will be changing. Thanks! goDavid@delphi.com ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 28 Mar 1995 18:54:05 -1000 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Thomas W. Culliney" Subject: Re: Bees and honey as pollution indicators Comments: To: Ian Stuart McLean In-Reply-To: <9503282240.AA01094@hinc.hawaii.gov> Some references I've managed to dig out: Anderson, J.F. and M.A. Wojtas. 1986. Honey bees contaminated with pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls. J. Econ. Entomol. 79: 1200-1205. Bromenshenk, J.J. et al. 1985. Pollution monitoring of Puget Sound with honey bees. Science 227: 632-634. De Jong, D. et al. 1977. Selenium in pollen gathered by bees foraging on fly ash-grown plants. Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 18: 442-444. Gilbert, M.D. and D.J. Lisk. 1978. Honey as an environmental indicator of radionuclide contamination. Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 19: 32-34. Morse, R.A. et al. 1987. Polychlorinated biphenyls in honey bees. Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 38: 271-276. Morse, R.A. et al. 1980. Analysis of radioactivity in honeys produced near Three-Mile Island nuclear power plant. Nutr. Rpts. Int. 22: 319-322. Morse, R.A. and D.J. Lisk. 1980. Elemental analysis of honeys from several nations. Am. Bee J. 120: 522-523. Tong, S.S.C. et al. 1975. Elemental analysis of honey as an indicator of pollution. Arch. Environ. Health 30: 329-332. =============================================================== Thomas W. Culliney * Phone: (808) 973-9529 Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture * Facsimile: (808) 973-9533 Division of Plant Industry * E-mail: tcullin@hinc.hawaii.gov 1428 South King Street * Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 * U.S.A. * *************************************************************** "...but in the minds of most men, the learned as well as the vulgar, the idea of the trifling nature of his pursuit is so strongly associated with that of the diminutive size of its objects, that an _Entomologist_ is synonymous with every thing futile and childish."--Kirby & Spence (1816) =============================================================== ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 29 Mar 1995 01:43:26 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Gordon D. Hayes" Subject: Re: ABSCONDING COLONY? >Tonight a friend called with a problem. He had checked his hives today >and found one completely empty of any bees, dead or alive. No brood I had this happen to one of my hives last year. It is most likely caused by Varroa mite infestation. If this is the case, it will be alright to replace the bees. But if you do, be sure to treat with Apistan as directed on the package. It could have been Tracheal mite. But not likely as there would have been other signs. Hope this helps. gh gdhayes@evansville.net gordon.hayes@gccbbs.com ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 28 Mar 1995 23:37:21 -0800 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Albert Chen Subject: mailing list please put me on your mailing list achen5@pomo.kn.pacbell.com ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 29 Mar 1995 10:39:11 +0100 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Martin Benoit Subject: Re: lead in propolis Comments: To: BEE-L%ALBNYVM1.bitnet@cc1.kuleuven.ac.be hi everybody, The subject concerning the presence of lead in propolis is very interesting. I've got some questions on this topics. 1 In which contry do you find lead in propolis. 2. Which amount was detected in the samples analysed ? 3. By which method was the lead detected ? 4. Are the hives from which the samples cames,in a special environment (like an industrial area, country side, and so on) ? Thanks for your answer. Benoit MARTIN e-mail : bmartin@quick.cc.fundp.ac.be ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 29 Mar 1995 07:04:08 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Ray Lackey Subject: Re: ABSCONDING COLONY? Wax on bottom board with no honey indicates other bees have robbed out after bees were gone. Mites are still a possibility for why the bees themselves left or dwindled to the point of being robbed out. I had one observation hive that just suddenly walked out the entrance in early spring and died but they left some brood. Evidence would indicate their departure proceeded brood laying start. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + 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: Wed, 29 Mar 1995 07:27:32 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Carl Mueller Subject: Re: ABSCONDING COLONY? David Johnson wrote: >Tonight a friend called with a problem. He had checked his hives today >and found one completely empty of any bees, dead or alive. No brood >or capped honey was in the combs, but the bottom board was full of wax as if the hive had been robbed out. Only deep brood boes full of empty comb. What happened to the bees: > >Thanks! > goDavid@delphi.com > This appears to be a classic case of the queen having been lost for some reason and a worker became a laying worker. The hive eventually became totally drone with no workers and died out. This is why there were no bees found in the hive. There was probably some robbing as well, however the drones could not defend or resist the attacks. The mold found is most likely a result of moist condition in the hive and a condition that can occure in a populated hive with the right conditions. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Carl Mueller cmueller@emi.net 407-798-33839 West Palm Beach, Florida USA I think therefore, I am politically incorrect!! ----------------------------------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 29 Mar 1995 08:26:51 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Aaron Morris Subject: Brigh eyes! Bush tail? Comments: To: bee-l@ALBANY.BITNET Kelley Rosenlund 904-392-5551 posted the following: ... > A (semi-)young bright eyed boy with $50.00 in hand ... drives home in > the sunset with hive in back of truck... > > ... trusted dog was following up on dad's training to catch flies that > were in the house and was trying to catch bees that were buzzing > around her water! I guess sooner or later she will learn the > difference between "good" flies and "bad" flies. There was only 1 bee > in the water bowl I had set on the hive and 8 or so in her water bowl. > Not to be an alarmist here, but this could be the setup to a heartbreaking experience. My brother's dog drank a wasp that was in her water bowl. The wasp stung the dog's throat, caused an anaphylactic reaction (much swelling), and the dog left for the big kennel in the sky. Your dog may not have a similar reaction, but I wouldn't take the chance with my dog. At this time of year there should not be problems with scarce water, at least in my neck of the woods (upstate New York). Your bees will find a source for water (as evidenced by the bees in your dog's bowl). I would first make sure that the bees aren't able to get to your dog's dish, and I would skip the bee's bowl also, and let them find local sources. It's good to be aware of potential problems with your bee's harassing your neighbors, but most likely this won't be a problem unless there are near drought conditions in your area. > > How long do I feed them the sugar water? > For as long as they'll take it, or until a major honey flow starts. You may want to consider a different type feeder, as an entrance feeder can be quite a chore with leaks and refills. My preference is a division board feeder; others like pail feeders inside an empty super on top of the inner cover. > > they would. They are basically going in circles straight up (counter > clockwise by the way) before they roam. Is that OK? > This sounds to me like orientation flights. Due to their new location the bees need to learn a new hive location. They will fly from the hive making ever increasing circles around the new location, learning the new landmarks of the unfamiliar surroundings. > > Will Ginger turn into a pumpkin the first time she bites down on a > "good fly"? > Given my brother's experience, a pumpkin wouldn't be so bad. > > Is $50.00 a hive a good price? > $50 is in the right ballpark for a deep super and a 6 5/8 super, top, bottom, queen excluder and bees. $40 would be better and not unheard of. Always a concern with used equipment is the possibility of disease. You might consider adding terrymicin(sp?) to your syrup as a precaution. All in all it sounds like you're off to a good start. As always, I'd encourage you to seek out a beekeeper's club or association in your area if one exists. Contact your agricultural cooperative extension to see if such a group exists locally. You'll learn a lot from the old timers if you're able to tap their experience. Good luck! Aaron Morris - I think, therefore I bee! ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 29 Mar 1995 09:17:26 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Aaron Morris Subject: Compare/Contrast bee breeds Comments: To: bee-l@ALBANY.BITNET Jeffery Young queries: "Being an Italian focused beekeeper for many years I was wondering if it might be a good time to try a different strain. Would you be able to give me a quick run down about the different types of honey bees that are commercially available; their temperament, honey production, resistance to disease, etc. - compared with Italian's?" Not claiming to be an expert, but having experimented with a number of different commercially available stocks I'll offer the following. Basically you'll run into two different strains that can be categorized as dark or light. The dark bees (Midnight is an excellent example) are VERY gentle. Being used to Italians you'll be AMAZED!!! at how gentle the dark bees can be! The are good producers of honey, perhaps not as good as the lighter (yellower) bees, but results will vary, hive to hive and year to year. The dark bees are good over winterers, superior to the lighter bees in this aspect. The draw back to the darker strains is that they are prodigious propolisers - they really gum up the works. It's also harder to find the queen in a hive of dark bees as she blends in with all the other dark bees and the banding patterns are less distinct. The lighter (yellower) bees (Italians are good representatives) tend to be somewhat more aggressive, perhaps better honey producers (although again there will be variations, hive to hive, year to year), less apt to survive harsh winters, significantly less prone to propolise your equipment, and since they're light, they also taste great and they're a third less filling! ;-) Don't lose sight of the fact that there are years of breeding behind any commercially available strain of bees. Breeders have been successful in getting rid of undesirable traits such as aggression and skidishness on the frames. Current attempts are to come up with mite resistance, and you may see claims such as "Survivor Italians" and "Mite Resistant" stock. Be skeptical - Caveat Emptor! But, basically you'll be satisfied with whatever stock you purchase - the breeders do a good job of producing a likable bee or they go out of business. Try to know your breeders, either through personal experience or through word of mouth. Experiment. Try a variety of different stock to discover what YOU like and what strains work well in YOUR area. You might also look around to see if there is a local queen breeder. An arguable claim is that the best queens are local queens, and this might be something with which you'd want to experiment. My personal preference is the Buckfast Bee, originally bred by Brother Adam of Buckfast Abbey in England and available in the States from Weaver's Apiary in Navistota, Texas (No affiliation, just satisfied). Aaron Morris - I think, therefore I bee! ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 29 Mar 1995 08:29:59 CST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Henry W. Robison" How do you get off this list? ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 29 Mar 1995 08:45:29 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Susan W Cobey Subject: Re: ABSCONDING COLONY In-Reply-To: <01HOOOM3CNV698O52H@phem3.acs.ohio-state.edu> from "owner-bee-l@ALBNYVM1.BITNET" at Mar 28, 95 10:19:01 pm Loss of Apistan treated coloniesis probably due to reinfestation from infested nearby colonies. The assault by mite loaded bees invading a neighbor is difficult for a strong healthy colony to survive. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 29 Mar 1995 09:08:09 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Susan W Cobey Subject: Re: Bee Types In-Reply-To: <01HOO9SAUX0K98OI8Q@phem3.acs.ohio-state.edu> from "Edward Sterling" at Mar 28, 95 03:05:26 pm Try the New World Carniolan - advertised is bee journals. I have been working with this bee in a closed population breeding program for over 12 yrs. It is productive, gentle, very in tune with the environment, good overwinterin. Tracheal mites are not a problem as this pop. has never been chem. treated and doing well. Spring buildup is good. In OH now I have 14 to 18 Frs of bees and emerging drones. AN excellent bee- one of the few to be maintained with heavy selection pressure over the long term. Let me know how you like'em! Sue ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 29 Mar 1995 10:18:00 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: S Begolly Subject: same In-Reply-To: hwrobison AT SAUMAG.EDU -- Wed, 29 Mar 1995 08:29:59 CST I've been trying to get off this list for months what is the problem??????? if you find out, PLEASE tell me. Over my head in beemail, Shawn ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 29 Mar 1995 12:26:09 -0500 Reply-To: Mason Harris Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Mason Harris Subject: Re: Brigh eyes! Bush tail? Hi I read you E-mail and see you are from Upstate New York. I too was from NY but now live in the S.F. Bay area about 15 south of SF. where are you in NY? My brother lives in Broadalbin which is about 60 mi NW of Albany. how are your bees doin? I understand the winter was quite easy in NY. I am curious hos the little ladies do in the cold climate of upstate. Mason Harris, MA, MST, CCC/A Educational Audiologist San Mateo County Office of Education (415)737-8460 E-Mail: SMHARRIS@ED.CO.SANMATEO.CA.US ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 29 Mar 1995 14:45:00 GMT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Andy Nachbaur Organization: Wild Bee's BBS Subject: *new file* ---------------------------------------- HONE-BIBL.ZIP 223K (A bibliography of beekeeping information, with abstracts) A must have file for all who are interested in honey, bees, and the science of it all. I personally guarantee that there is something of value here for all, including hobbyist, commercial, academic, or regulatory. Brian and I have put this information in a form that anyone with a personal computer, DOS, can use. Because of my own limited financial conditions I can not send this file via the internet File Request or FAQ, but all are welcome to call and download it. Wild Bee's BBS @ 209-826-8107 <2400 to 28.8 baud> I have posted the file to Europe via Hugo Veerkamp in Holland and he will make the file available to all there. Special Thanks to BRIAN FERGUSON for working on this file with me. And working over the HONEY-94 data base provided by the NATIONAL HONEY BOARD, FOOD TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM at Thomas J. Payne Market Development San Francisco, California. Supported by all United States honey consumers when they buy honey. * To fast use this program [autoread.exe] and move down the list to "HONREF.TXT" [ENTER]. Then hit [F2] and you will find a list of topics. You can add to the list with the [F7] key...Read the Doc's for more features of the Auto Read Program. Go for it..!! * You are welcome to read the doc's and set up your own index files, the limit is 500. Auto Read is a shareware program and we can not tell you if it can still be registered as the author is in Australia and we have not heard from him for several years... The idea for this project was that of Wild Bee's BBS and the system's operator, Andy Nachbaur. Comments to andy.nachbaur@beenet.com or call the bbs @ 209-826-8107. Located in the Central Valley of California at Dos Palos.. Andy and Brian have done 80+ years at hard labor in the bee's. (c) Permission to reproduce is granted. AUTO READ(c) is a sharware program and information on registration is included in the archive. The Honey-94(c) data files are for public use and any other (commercial use) requires written permission from the National Honey Board, Longmont, Colorado 303-776-1177 or FAX 303-776-1177... <30> ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 29 Mar 1995 22:20:55 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: John A Atkinson <74752.2665@COMPUSERVE.COM> Subject: Label Design Am in process of designing own set of jar labels. need info re: sketches/ctip art of bee/bees;wildflower sprigs etc. have access to CompuServe. John Atkinson,74752,2665@compuserve.com ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 04:31:00 GMT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Andy Nachbaur Organization: Wild Bee's BBS Subject: *new file* error ---------------------------------------- errata 3/29 *HON-BIBL.ZIP 223K or HON-BIBL.EXE* (A bibliography of beekeeping information, with abstracts) A must have file for all who are interested in honey, bees, and the science of it all. I personally guarantee that there is something of value here for all, including hobbyist, commercial, academic, or regulatory. Brian and I have put this information in a form that anyone with a personal computer, DOS, can use. Because of my own limited financial conditions I can not send this file via the internet File Request or FAQ, but all are welcome to call and download it. Wild Bee's BBS @ 209-826-8107 <2400 to 28.8 baud> ** From the Main Menu ENTER [2] and you will have this file in the self-extracting version in a few minutes depending on the speed of your modem. Wild Bee's is an ansi bbs and has been called over 20,000 times from all over the world for files and mail so don't give up if you find the environment strange. I have posted the file to Europe via Hugo Veerkamp in Holland and he will make the file available to all there. Special Thanks to BRIAN FERGUSON for working on this file with me. And working over the HONEY-94 data base provided by the NATIONAL HONEY BOARD, FOOD TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM at Thomas J. Payne Market Development San Francisco, California. Supported by all United States honey consumers when they buy honey. * To fast use this program [autoread.exe] and move down the list to "HONREF.TXT" [ENTER]. Then hit [F2] and you will find a list of topics. You can add to the list with the [F7] key...Read the Doc's for more features of the Auto Read Program. Go for it..!! * You are welcome to read the doc's and set up your own index files, the limit is 500. Auto Read is a shareware program and we can not tell you if it can still be registered as the author is in Australia and we have not heard from him for several years... The idea for this project was that of Wild Bee's BBS and the system's operator, Andy Nachbaur. Comments to andy.nachbaur@beenet.com or call the bbs @ 209-826-8107. Located in the Central Valley of California at Los Banos.. Andy and Brian have done 80+ years at hard labor in the bee's. (c) Permission to reproduce is granted. AUTO READ(c) is a sharware program and information on registration is included in the archive. The Honey-94(c) data files are for public use and any other (commercial use) requires written permission from the National Honey Board, Longmont, Colorado 303-776-1177 or FAX 303-776-1177. errata 3/29 ...<30>...<30>...<30>.... ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 00:34:58 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Michael Moroney Subject: Re: Compare/Contrast bee breeds In-Reply-To: <199503291423.AA17491@world.std.com> > Basically you'll run into two different strains that can be categorized > as dark or light. The dark bees (Midnight is an excellent example) are > VERY gentle. Being used to Italians you'll be AMAZED!!! at how gentle > the dark bees can be! Well here's the exception that proves the rule I guess... I have one hive I started last year with a Midnite queen and soon I had the meanest most ornery hive I've seen. They laughed at smoke and there would be a cloud of angry bees that would follow you around for an hour or more after you closed up the hive and left. They were also good at finding chinks in the armor (ouch!) However, these bees weren't all that dark so I suspect the queen was superseded early on and who knows what the new queen mated with (but if I didn't know better I'd swear it was Africanized "killer" bees...). I never did find the queen after starting the hive so I don't know for sure about this. It produced very well however, so did the (much nicer) Buckfast next to it. -Mike ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 11:44:11 GMT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology Comments: MEMO 1995/03/30 11:44:52 From: Mihaly Ligmond Subject: Lead in Propolis To: PCCSSW.MAILER SSW[PCCSSW.MAILER] From: Mihaly Ligmond@SEA.LAB@FDAORAPAR Subject: Lead in Propolis Date: Thursday, March 30, 1995 at 11:44:52 am EST Attach: Certify: N ---------------------------- [Message Follows] --------------------------------- Martin, In answer to your questions: Pb was detected in propolis samples from China(purity unknown). Amounts found ranged from several hundred to several thousand ppm. A propolis control from one of my own hives showed only 0.6ppm.The detection method was flame AA. I do not know the environment from which the sample propolis came.These very high Pb levels lead me to beleive that the propolis tested was not 100% propolis but I dont know this for sure. Hope these answers help. Mihaly (mligmond@fdaem.ssw.dhhs.gov) ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 16:04:16 GMT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology Comments: MEMO 1995/03/30 16:04:44 From: Mihaly Ligmond To: PCCSSW.MAILER SSW[PCCSSW.MAILER] From: Mihaly Ligmond@SEA.LAB@FDAORAPAR Subject: Date: Thursday, March 30, 1995 at 4:04:44 pm EST Attach: Certify: N ---------------------------- [Message Follows] --------------------------------- Martin, China is the only country I know about. There may be others. Mihaly ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 15:32:29 -0800 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Ian Farber Subject: Re: Label Design In-Reply-To: <9503300329.AA15916@cln.etc.bc.ca> John; I am a rookie on the internet but have designed my own label. I found a nice pagkage of wildflower seeds in a seed store, bought the package and took the label to the printer. The printer then used a photocopy process to add four colours and this formed the background to my label. Other tips are to avoid real bees (use artistic or comic bees) to avoid scaring the purchaser, avoid the typical wooden super style beehive as beehives may look like coffins to some, keep the label bright and yet clean looking, and use words like "natural, pure, 100%, etc. Hope this helps. Ian Farber 3249 Schubert Road Kamloops BC Canada V2B 6Y4 604 579 8518 P.S. Gleanings in Bee Culture has printed an article on label design. On Wed, 29 Mar 1995, John A Atkinson wrote: > Am in process of designing own set of jar labels. need info re: sketches/ctip > art of bee/bees;wildflower sprigs etc. have access to CompuServe. > > John Atkinson,74752,2665@compuserve.com > ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 17:10:35 -0700 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Allen Dick Subject: Re: Label Design In-Reply-To: <9503302335.AA14570@cuugnet.cuug.ab.ca> On Thu, 30 Mar 1995, Ian Farber wrote: > John; > I am a rookie on the internet but have designed my own label. I found a > nice pagkage of wildflower seeds in a seed store, bought the package and > took the label to the printer. The printer then used a photocopy process > to add four colours and this formed the background to my label. Other This is, in a very simple form, theft of intellectual property. Don't do it. There are legitimate advertisers in bee magazines who will put your name and address on very nice labels which they have paid to have designed. W. Allen Dick, Beekeeper VE6CFK Rural Route One Swalwell Alberta Canada T0M 1Y0 Email: dicka@cuug.ab.ca or allend@internode.net Virtual Art Gallery: http://www.cuug.ab.ca:8001/~dicka __________________Why not drop by?____________________ ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 31 Mar 1995 08:09:00 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Aaron Morris Subject: In Search of, Follower Boards Comments: To: bee-l@ALBANY.BITNET In Eugene Killion's "Honey in the Comb" he mentions a follower board, which is a frame-like piece of equipment that is placed between the inner walls of a super and the frames. Killion runs his hives with 9 frames sandwitched between two follower boards, which can be easily removed when working the hive, providing room to move that just isn't there in a ten frame hive. The plans for the follower board are included in his book, and a follower board should be easy enough to make up, except that the width of the follower board (3/8 in or 10 mm) is not a standard stock for pine. This is no problem if one has the right tools, specifically a planer to reduce standard stock (3/4 in) to the needed width, but the price of a planer will more than cover the cost of commercially offered follower boards, except I've never seen follower boards offered commercially. Anyone know of a source? TIA! Aaron Morris ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 31 Mar 1995 09:00:18 EST Reply-To: YVONNE_DILLING.parti@ecunet.org Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Yvonne Dilling Subject: SEEKING ADVICE Comments: To: BEE-L%albnyvm1.BITNET@uunet.uu.net I'm looking for advise from beekeepers in the New England states, Hartford area preferably. I'm a low key hobbyist, living near Chicago. I'm moving to the Hartford area in this coming mid-June, and I'd been planning to move my 4 hives sometime earlier this spring before the major honey flow. But unfortunately 2 weeks ago when we had nice weather I check my hives and found them all dead. The local bee inspector says the varroa mite got them, so there's no contamination to the hive equip. Now I have a dilemma. Do I order bees here, and install them in late April, then try to move them in mid June? If I move the empty equip. out to the Hartford area with the rest of my belongings in mid June would it be too late to install a new pkg. of bees? Should I just forget it this year and start up next year? I don't have much experience moving live hives, but it seems to me it would have been simple to move them to CT during the cool spring weather, but it will be a major hassle to drive them 20 or so hours in mid June. Any advice will be appreciated. (written at 7:37 am on Fri, Mar 31, 1995) ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 31 Mar 1995 09:46:51 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "" Subject: Re: In Search of, Follower Boards At 8:09 AM 3/31/95 -0500, Aaron Morris wrote: p, except that the width of the follower board (3/8 in or 10 mm) >is not a standard stock for pine. Anyone know of a source? Plywood works fine for me. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 13:20:00 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Michael Blankenstein Subject: Canned Bee Smoke? Does any manufacturer produce canned smoke for bees? Is the smoke effect due to olfactory or visual effects in the bees? Michael Blankenstein ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 31 Mar 1995 08:23:42 -0700 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Allen Dick Subject: Re: Canned Bee Smoke? In-Reply-To: <9503311504.AA15026@cuugnet.cuug.ab.ca> On Thu, 30 Mar 1995, Michael Blankenstein wrote: > Does any manufacturer produce canned smoke for bees? Is the smoke > effect > due to olfactory or visual effects in the bees? Yes, it is available, but it may affect the flavour of your honey. W. Allen Dick, Beekeeper VE6CFK Rural Route One Swalwell Alberta Canada T0M 1Y0 Email: dicka@cuug.ab.ca or allend@internode.net Virtual Art Gallery: http://www.cuug.ab.ca:8001/~dicka __________________Why not drop by?____________________ ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 31 Mar 1995 08:28:06 -0700 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Allen Dick Subject: Re: In Search of, Follower Boards In-Reply-To: <9503311312.AA31192@cuugnet.cuug.ab.ca> On Fri, 31 Mar 1995, Aaron Morris wrote: > In Eugene Killion's "Honey in the Comb" he mentions a follower board, > which is a frame-like piece of equipment that is placed between the > inner walls of a super and the frames. Killion runs his hives with > 9 frames sandwitched between two follower boards, which can be easily > removed when working the hive, providing room to move that just isn't > there in a ten frame hive. The plans for the follower board are > included in his book, and a follower board should be easy enough to > make up, except that the width of the follower board (3/8 in or 10 mm) > is not a standard stock for pine. This is no problem if one has the We use 3/8 plywood (construction grade). W. Allen Dick, Beekeeper VE6CFK Rural Route One Swalwell Alberta Canada T0M 1Y0 Email: dicka@cuug.ab.ca or allend@internode.net Virtual Art Gallery: http://www.cuug.ab.ca:8001/~dicka __________________Why not drop by?____________________ ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 31 Mar 1995 08:18:00 -0800 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Kerry Clark 784-2225 fax (604) 784 2299" Subject: Re: In Search of, Follower Boards I've seen successful follower boards made with a wooden top bar attached to a piece of 1/2 or 3/4 inch solid styrofoam insulation board (not the white pellet type, the bees chew that too easily). A really strong colony might chew up this type of board, but maybe these boards were designed for extra spring coziness, and would be removed in summer. 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: Fri, 31 Mar 1995 10:58:09 CDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Pemiscot County Subject: follower boards First of all, only 1 follower board should be used. Standard 1" lumber is fine. Use 1x4, 1x6, 1x8 or 1x10 depending on super size. Cut each board 18 and1/2" long and place a finishing nail in each end at about 1/2 inch down from the top. These boards replace a frame at one side of the brood nest. These boards are easy to remove so that your 9 frames can be worked easily. Go through the frames from one side then place the follower board on the other side when finished. Follower boards are not critical as to dimension as long as bees are worked frequently. It they are left in for many weeks without working your bees you may find brace comb built onto the side of your board. You can cut ears into a longer board to make it fit if you wish to be a little more fancy. Follower boards are simply a matter of preference. I have used them for many years and like them. At this time, I am not using them. They are inexpensive and easy to make. I recommend that you try them on 1 hive and see if you like the idea. Good Luck, Ray Nabors University of Missouri Apiculture Specialist ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 31 Mar 1995 16:33:38 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Kelley Rosenlund 904-392-5551 Subject: Re: follower boards hello, Being the new kid on the block, maybe I am missing out on the logic of using a follower board. Why would you want to reduce your hive strength/honey by 10 %? Why not place frame # 10 on the ground against the hive while you inspect the other 9? Kelley rosenlk@freenet.ufl.edu ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 31 Mar 1995 18:07:00 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: ga14 Subject: Re: Canned Bee Smoke? In-Reply-To: <9503311503.AA22928@umailsrv1.UMD.EDU> 3/30/95 Michael Blankenstein wrote: Does any manufacturer produce canned smoke for bees? Is the smoke >effect > due to olfactory or visual effects in the bees? > > Michael Blankenstein > Michael: Fifteen years ago I purchased a can of spray smoke from one of the major suppliers (Kelly I think it was, although I don't think they sell it now). It didn't work that well. I first tried it on a large colony then thought it would be good for working nucs. I soon realized that I was better off with nothing rather than to use the canned smoke. To answer you second question, I think it was intended to impact their olfactory sense. Although, it didn't hang in the air as long as a good puff of smoke does. I'm guessing the droplet size was too large. And now that I think about it I wonder what the propellent was? Gordon Allen-Wardell Apiculture Specialist ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 31 Mar 1995 18:52:21 -0500 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Mike Worrell Subject: Re: BEE-L Digest - 29 Mar 199... I am looking for, preferably, a wooden gift pack or cardboard if I have to, that would hold 3, 12 oz. hexagon botles. Any leads on sources would bee appreciated. Mike