I do not think that Dr. Samuel Ramsey's incredible presentation on the weekend at the Zoom BCHPA semi-AGM was recorded, but here at least is a link to a paper that includes the electron micrographs that he used in his talk. Some really incredible stuff. I was particularly blown away by the use of gelcap… Continue reading Varroa Mite Feeding Study
Category: Varroa
May Meeting
Hello Beeks. This is your reminder of our next meeting on Sunday 5 May at Paul’s place, 987 Bridgeview Road, in sunny Ootischenia, starting at 13:00. Our agenda items will be; 1. Report on community information days, recent (Salmo and Taghum Earth Days Easter Sunday, 21 April, Kootenay Co-op Earth Day, 24 April) and future… Continue reading May Meeting
Beekeeping and Almonds
Do you like almonds? Or anything made from almonds, like almond "milk" or marzipan? Here is an informative article about the dependency of the almond industry on beekeeping; https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/15/magazine/the-super-bowl-of-beekeeping.html?emc=edit_nn_20180815&nl=morning-briefing&nlid=6984410420180815&te=1
Werner Gysi’s Modified Method
Werner Gysi’s modified springtime method of; Swarm Control, Varroa Control, and Queen Replacement: He calls it SMC, sustainable mite control (everyone has to have a three letter acronym!) Timing: is when the dandelions are in full bloom. This will vary from one beekeeper to another due to the microclimates of the bee yard locations. Dandelion… Continue reading Werner Gysi’s Modified Method
Lithium for Varroa treatment
At our March meeting I mentioned the recent (published Jan 2018) article detailing the discovery that various Lithium compounds can be used to control Varroa mites. If you would like to read this article for yourself, here is the link; https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-19137-5#Tab2
Plumbing pipe Varroa gizmo
For those of you who attended our "Gadgets and Gizmos" session at the last WK Beekeepers meeting, and want more information on the Varroa mite sampling gizmo that beekeeper Kenneth demonstrated, here is the instructional link; https://www.beelab.umn.edu/sites/beelab.umn.edu/files/cfans_asset_317462.pdf
Another method to apply oxalic acid
At our February 5 meeting, beekeeper Brian mentioned the Randy Oliver article about applying oxalic acid dissolved in glycerin and soaked into blue shop towels. This provides a third method to use oxalic acid to control Varroa mites in addition to the drizzle and vapourization methods. Below is the link to the article on Randy… Continue reading Another method to apply oxalic acid
Bee Research at UBC
An interesting article and further links on the proteomic (that's protein based) honey bee research that's going on at Dr. Leonard Foster's lab at UBC. http://www.ubc.ca/stories/todays-assignment/breeding-a-sweet-solution.html
Varroa vectored viruses
An excellent article to help with "mysterious" colony deaths; http://www.michiganbees.org/2016/why-did-my-honey-bees-die/
New Kirk Webster Article
I have to admit that I am biased toward Kirk Webster's approach to beekeeping and his ideas may not sit well with everyone. He has not written anything for two years and I am very pleased to see something new from him. I heard him speak at a conference in Oregon, summer 2013. His approach… Continue reading New Kirk Webster Article
West Kootenay Beekeepers 
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