Articles

Beekeepers MUST work in the spring to keep mite numbers low in September and October. The concept: if we flatten the mite growth curve in the spring their eventual population will not be as large and the harmful viruses they foster will mean less fall colony collapse and overwinter colony losses. Read to end for how to flatten mite growth in the spring. It seems varroa mites are using drone brood to grow their spring population, based on new research from University of Maryl

Many WVBA members probably saw the news about the development of a honey bee vaccine to protect colonies from American foulbrood. The most recent good news was that the USDA has issued a conditional license for two years for vaccine use. The vaccine, PrimeBEE , should be available for purchase in 2023. And additional good news is that it will not be necessary to give a vaccine shot to every bee in the hive- only the queen will get the vaccine.   Dalan Animal Health, a small

WILLAMETTE VALLEY BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION 2023 Bee School What: The WVBA is offering an introduction to beekeeping course in February 2023. We will cover equipment needed, where to obtain bees, how to “work” bees, pests and diseases, and much more. When: Monday evenings February 6, 13, 20, and 27 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Plus in April we host a “bee day” where we actually inspect colonies of bees. Place and time TBD. Where: Salem Evangelical Church, 455 Locust St, NE, Salem. R

Well winter finally caught up to us after milder than normal summer and fall months. Our bees were winding down but it became serious business for them after mid-October now into November rain and colder nighttime temperatures. We should now shut down for any further manipulations with a couple of exceptions. We can still arrange to put winter “emergency” feed on our colonies. That would be a sugar brick, fondant sugar or dry sugar. These should be fed at the top of the co

August was definitely NOT  a month for much hive examining. Temperatures were hot and hives full of bees (and maybe supers had some honey).  September is a critical juncture in our annual mite fight - take samples NOW. A nice resource is the August BetterBEE Buzz (a bee supply newsletter) “Winter Bees and Varroa Mites”. As you watch bees coming and going, do you see bees coming in with balls of pollen on their hind legs? This is good. It means the bees are foraging well. C