The hive tool

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www.marylandstatefair.com. Now is the time to plan for THE CENTRAL MARYLAND
your entries. Where else can you get professional feedback on your honey/hive products and perhaps BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION
receive acknowledgement for your efforts. FOUNDED 1973
Second of all, consider consigning all or part of your honey crop at the fair. Consignment categories President Frame
and prices are listed elsewhere in this issue of The Summertime! . . . and the livin' is easy!?! Well, Hive Tool. Call Chuck Huselton with questions about sometimes (maybe!). Get together with other CMBA consignments. Last of all, look at your calendars now to members to celebrate summertime at our annual picnic decide when and how often you would like to volunteer - Saturday, July 21st. My wife Sue and I are inviting to work at the honey booth at the fair. Remember, everyone to come to our house in Pennsylvania this everyone who volunteers gets a free pass to the fair. year for the picnic (directions are listed elsewhere in Your family members are welcome to volunteer with this issue). We've recycled an old farmhouse and you (however, children must be 16 or older). Choose outbuildings on 5 acres - it's a nice place for a picnic. your shift: 10am - 2pm; 2pm- 6pm; 6pm - 10pm. There's a creek where you can cool off, woods and Choose your date(s): August 24, 25, 26, 27, 31, fields to explore, a nice old barn where you can relax September 1, 2, 3. Choose your honey: You will be and get out of the sun. There's plenty of room for thanked for volunteering with a one pound jar of any parking in the field above the house, an easy walk variety you choose. Best of all, you will enjoy talking to down. Bring a covered dish - an entree, salad or people about being a beekeeper. You'll be amused at dessert to share. CMBA will cook hamburgers and hot some of the misconceptions people have about bees dogs and will provide cups, plates, napkins and plastic and honey and you'll feel good about setting them ware. We'll also have soft drinks and water or feel free straight. This is one of the primary goals of our to bring your own favorite beverage. If you have any organization - educating the public about bees and beekeeping. So, thank you for giving of your time and Here's what we're planning: From 2 to 3pm - Arrive, tour/explore the property, bee talk, visit the Remember, no CMBA regular meetings in July or library, relax. From 3 to 5pm - Open hive August. See you at the September meeting on the 4th, demonstrations, beginning with a smoker lighting the day after the Fair closes. Your next issue of The contest (bring your smoker and fuel for the contest and Hive Tool will be the September issue with information whatever protective clothing you are comfortable at that time about our fall meetings' programs, ORNC wearing for going in the hives). We'll have a dozen or Honey Harvest Days the first weekend in October, a so colonies to examine and talk about in varying summary of the EAS Convention in August, fall conditions and stages of development (I'll bet we see management tips and suggestions, and more. I hope mites; I sure hope we don't see any AFB!). We'll you are having a wonderful summer. See you at the They'll be some different types of equipment in use or to talk about. Of course, we'll expect questions Colony Collapse Disorder
and comments; we'll want to hear about your bees and (CCD): An Update
experiences. From 5 to 6pm - Dinner/pot luck, followed by a brief meeting and an exciting round or two of Bee Jeopardy! From 6 to 7pm - Extracting honey demonstration in the bee house. Hopefully, we'll hear from members how they process and sell honey. From 7 to 8pm - Free time, linger a while, clean up, say Stuart, Florida last month sponsored by The goodbye. This is our first midsummer picnic in a while Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees1 and we hope you are planning to attend. Come and there have been several research initiatives about relax and enjoy being with the bees (and other the disorder and new reports about its effects. According to its Winter 2007 Newsletter, The Now, let's talk about the Fair. First of all, will you be entering the competition? The Apiary Division addition to that already donated by the Florida State categories and entry requirements are posted on the Beekeepers Association, the National Honey Board and others. The total is now in excess of $40,000 3. If you feed your bees sugar syrup, use and climbing. In addition, The American Beekeeping Federation's (ABF) delegation visiting Washington Why? At this time the CCD working group does got a sympathetic ear about the disorder, and a not believe that nosema disease is the underlying hearing was held on this issue by the House cause of CCD. However, infection with nosema is a stressor that can reduce the bees' tolerance to Agriculture on 29 March 2007, chaired by Dennis A. other disease agents. Treating for nosema helps Cardoza, (D-CA): The jurisdiction includes fruits and vegetables; honey and bees; marketing and 4. If you are experiencing colony collapse and promotion orders; plant pesticides, quarantine, see a secondary infection, such as European adulteration of seeds, and insect pests; and organic Foulbrood, treat the colonies with Terramycin, NOT agriculture. See the House web site for members of the Subcommittee.3 Now is the time to contact your Why? The effectiveness of Terramycin has congressional members via phone (Senate 202-224- been well documented, while Tylan has not been 3121; House, 202-225-3121) or via the Internet4 on tested as an EFB control agent. We know that Terramycin works for the treatment of EFB. The written transcript of the hearing is available 5. If you observe high levels of Varma mites, treat them using . soft chemicals, such as statements.html and you can listen to the entire Apiguard, Apilife VAR, or MiteAway II. We DO NOT recommend the use of oxalic acid, or home made According to its March 12,2007 Legislative Update, the ABF urges beekeepers to check Why? Colonies experiencing CCD have been colonies, feed and evaluate locations more often in shown to have kidney (Malpighian tubule) problems an effort to stave off the disorder. In addition, there similar to those seen in colonies treated with hard may be some disaster relief available in the future, chemicals. There are some reports that Oxalic acid so beekeepers should ensure that any losses are may damage bee Malpighian tubules. Also the well documented. There also may be some research harder chemicals (fluvalinate, coumaphos, and funding from this initiative. New documents at the amitraz) may have a sub lethal affect on bees Mid Atlantic Apiculture Research and Extension which may add additional stress on the bees. By ConsortiumS include the following advice: treating for Varroa mites with soft chemicals, you 1. DO NOT combine collapsing colonies with are helping to keep the colonies mite population low while avoiding the potentially negative effects of Why? We do not currently know the cause of CCD. If an infectious agent causes it and you Finally, these recommendations will probably combine a collapsing colony with a healthy colony, change as understanding of this disorder evolves." the healthy bees may succumb to the illness and All researchers on colony collapse disorder advise beekeepers to complete the survey devoted 2. When a collapsed colony is found, store the to this phenomenon6• This information wil be equipment where you can use preventative valuable and treated confidentially. Every beekeeper measures to ensure that bees will not have access should participate whether or not they believe their to it. Put the equipment in this storage area within TWO WEEKS of collapse to prevent robbing by David Hackenberg, one of the first people to lose neighboring colonies. CCD colonies tend not to be hives to the CCD phenomenon, has sent a letter to robbed out by colonies immediately after collapse. all his pollination customers making some of the When you take this equipment out for reuse, wear a protective face mask to prevent the inhalation of any "First, some people referred to this as 'disappearing disease' because the bees literally disappeared. The Why? The CCD team is currently investigating second symptom is that bees left behind frames of various sterilization techniques that allow for comb brood (young baby bees) and boxes filled with honey reuse. We are hopeful that we will soon have a that no other bees came in and robbed out as sterilization technique in place to treat equipment normally happens. The third symptom is that the before it is reused. We DO NOT recommend small hive beetle and wax moth would not move into burning infected equipment at this time. Keep it in the hive for at least three weeks; as if something storage (with necessary wax moth and SHB toxic was in the hive. When you place a dead CCD hive on top of a live hive nearby you kill the hive The Hive Tool Page 2 July 2006
below. This makes us think that there must be clothianidin (Poncho, Titan, Clutch, Belay,
something toxic in the hive from CCD. But when Arean; thiacloprid (Calypso); and dinotefuran
aired out for several weeks the toxicity levels seem (Dinotefuran).
to go away. The last symptom is that the dead bees Because so little is known at the present time always seem to have a fungus found in the bee's about CCD, skeptics remain. Some call this nothing mid-gut and sometimes through their entire body. "Preliminary work has identified several likely beekeepers pushing their colonies to the point of factors that could be causing or contributing to CCD. collapse, exacerbated by their own pesticide use Among them are mites associated diseases and (organophosphates particularly) inside colonies for viruses, some unknown pathogenic disease and Varroa control and malnutrition while on pollination pesticide contamination or poisoning. I have been in CCD group discussions from the beginning. I have "disappearing disease" has been with us for many had detailed talks with affected beekeepers, years in a variety of forms, and that this is nothing researchers, bee inspectors, growers, farmers, seed more than the consequence of inadequate mite company representatives and anybody that might be able to contribute any useful information. The picture In the latter case, Dr. Bromenshenk, one of the that has emerged so far has many people in this prime investigators of CCD, stated in a response:8 "Please be careful of sweeping generalizations. "Beekeepers that have been most affected so There are beekeepers who have experienced CCD far have been close to com, cotton, soybeans, and who have also had problems controlling mites. canola, sunflowers, apples, vine crops and pumpkins. In conversation with farmers, growers also seen tracheal mites in high levels in recovering and seed and spray company representatives we hives (but these mites were not in the same hives have learned that there has been a big change in before collapse). We've seen CCD in operations pesticides used to treat these crops. From what I have learned so far, I am convinced that "I just saw a new collapse in CA where neonicotinoids may playa role in CCD and exposure aggressive mite treatments were used in the fall, to these materials is something that is under our repeated in Jan when a few mites were found. control. From research on the internet I have Colonies were strong, wall to wall bees, four to five learned that neonicotinoids are systemic insecticides frames of brood, no evidence of mites (two weeks used to control sucking insects on plants, everything ago). Yesterday, out of 400, only 30 were strong from com, tree crops, most vegetables, cranberries, enough to shake bees from, and the majority had collapsed down to three to four frames or less of bees, with lots of brood, 40 lbs honey, and frames of "I think that the reason neonicotinoids may be so damaging to honeybees is that they are found in "Finally, most of the CCD work is still unfunded - fairly low "sub lethal" levels in the pollen and nectar we all have to prioritize which samples we're going of the plants. The field bees often do not die when to take, analyze - just don't have the funds to check every sample offered - and at this point, we're not on plants treated with these products. Instead they short of operations from which to obtain samples, so may bring the pollen and nectar back to the hive and we're trying to take samples in ways that will allow store it in their comb to use later. The young bees us to make comparisons within a beeyard or raised on this (contaminated) food may exhibit operation, and among yards and bee operations." memory loss and impaired immune response. Of One observer remarked on the Bee-L list that course, these symptoms appear several months there seems to be a remarkable similarity between after exposure to neonicotinoids and up until recently the symptoms of CCD and those of "Marie Celeste the cause of effect appeared unrelated. " Syndrome" in the UK.9 He referenced an interesting Mr. Hackenberg concludes his letter with a
and comprehensive set of minutes of the annual plea to growers to use something beside the
meeting of the Department of Environment Food and following products this season: imidacloprid7
(brand names: Confirdor, Merit, Admire, Legend,
organizations dated 9 December 2005. 10 This is a Provado,
Premise);
must read for anyone comparing the European and thiamoxetham (Actara, Platinum, Helix, Cruiser,
Adage, Meridian, Centric, Flagship); acetamiprid
In that document, a Mr. Craig reported that (Pristine, Tristar, Assail, Intruder, Adjust);
beekeepers in Scotland who had been treating The Hive Tool Page 3 July 2006
Varroa-infested colonies (usually with Apistan) had 2.Eastern Apicultural Society web site, accessed been finding hives empty of bees, but not winter March 20, 2007 http://www. easternapiculture.org/ stores. Together with these unexplained colony 3.House Subcommittee on Horticulture & Organic losses ("Marie Celeste" Syndrome) there were Agriculture web site, accessed March 20, 2007 failures in queen mating. These events were http://agriculture.house.gov/inside/subcomms.html. happening particularly in oilseed rape growing areas. While acknowledging that these could possibly be explained by the effects of viruses, for 5.Mid Atlantic Apiculture Research and Extension which the Varroa mite provides a vector, he was Consortium web site, accessed March 20, 2007 concerned that we might be observing sub-lethal behavioral effects of systemic insecticides such· as imidacloprid, causing disorientation in the bees 6.Accessed March 20, 2007 http://www.beesurvey. leading to an inability to return to the hive. He quoted the losses of French bees in the late 90s and 7.Wikipedia and imidacloprid, accessed March 20, the subsequent banning of imidacloprid by the 2007 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/lmidacloorid This brings us to the Melksham Beekeepers 8.Bee-L Discussion List, dated March 19, 2007 publication known as Beelines and "Chuckle With Chad." His response in part to the Marie Celeste 9.Bee-L Discussion List, dated March 10, 2007 "I feel that, yet again, I need to give a new personal perspective on an old theme, that of Mary characteristics of this syndrome are startling; 10. Department of Environment Food and Rural seemingly healthy colonies of bees will disappear Affairs web site, accessed March 20, 2007 over night, leaving no trace or clue as to their scratched all over the country as theories of 11. Melksham Beekeepers Beelines web site, varroosis or environmental factors affecting queens' "The problem is, of course, that the majority of beekeepers are too well-meaning, straight laced and altogether too wholesome for their own good. One Directions To The Picnic
needs only look at the strong tradition of beekeeping in the clergy, to realize that the majority of 12703 Blymire Hollow Road/Stewartstown, PA Reverend Digges would have had a truly different outlook on life if he'd grown up on a housing estate (from ORNC) - North on I-83. Take Exit 4 (first "Let me shout it loud so that you hear me, Mate, exit in PA). Turn right at bottom of ramp (Forrest Ave). your bees have been nicked! Closer scrutiny of data Turn left at first light (Wolfe Road). Turn right at old will show that Mary Celeste Syndrome has never barn (Sieling Farm Road). Turn left at stop sign been reported in hives that are inaccessible to the public. I bet you the bees in my bedroom Proceed straight across intersection (Plank Road) at observation hive won't suddenly vanish, 'without a stop sign (you are now on Mt. Olivet Road). Go trace.' The thing is, of course, that the venerable approximately 2 miles; turn right (Shangri-La Road). Go Rev. Digges could not have entertained the thought about a mile; turn left (Blymire Hollow Road). Look for that his neighbor might be so brazen as to break the 12703 on mailbox; we're the first farmhouse on the right past the farm with the pond on the left. beekeeping community must drag itself into the modern mind set; there are baddies out there. (from MD Rt 23) - Becomes Rt 24 (in PA). Go through Stewartstown. Proceed about 5 miles. Look for John Shelley's Nursery on right. Turn left shortly past 1.Foundation for the' Preservation of Honey Bees nursery (Evergreen Road). Go about a mile to bottom of hill/stop sign. This is Blymire Hollow Road. Turn right. We're the first driveway on the right. The Hive Tool Page 4 July 2006
CONSIGNMENT PRICES FOR 2007 MD STATE FAIR
Liquid Honey
4. PRICES
COMMITTEE (NO EXCEPTIONS).
Chunk Honey in Jar
5. THE FAIR COMMITTEE RESERVES THE
RIGHT TO REFUSE ANY ITEM NOT
Square Section - Round
SUITABLE FOR SALE. e.g. ITEMS NOT
Creamed Honey
Wax Products
ETC. PRODUCTS MUST BE OF TOP QUALITY. ALL PRODUCTS MUST BE Any wax product must be 100% bees wax and may not be have more than 25% of it’s surface covered by paint or any similar substance. Blocks of wax weighing less than ¼ pound All other bee related items that a beekeeper wishes to consign to the State Fair for sale first 7. ALL HONEY AND HIVE PRODUCTS MAY
MUST BE APPROVED by the Fair Committee.
BE DELIVERED AUGUST 21 THRU 23 TO
Then the supplier will establish the cost of the THE HONEY BOOTH IN THE FARM AND
item and the Fair Committee will then compute GARDEN BUILDING BETWEEN 10AM AND
the sale price for the item by adding 30% to the 4PM. BE SURE TO OBTAIN A RECEIPT
The only bee related items that will not be considered by the Fair Committee is bee pollen, royal jelly and propolis. This ruling was established primarily because of product liability 8. ALL UNSOLD PRODUCTS WILL BE
RETURNED TO THE SUPPLIER. ALL
CONSIGNING HIVE PRODUCTS TO
ITEMS MUST BE PICKED UP TUESDAY
THE MARYLAND STATE FAIR
SEPTEMBER 4 BETWEEN 10AM AND
4PM. ANY ITEMS THAT ARE LEFT WILL
MARYLAND
BEEKEEPER
BE DONATED TO THE OREGON RIDGE
CONSIGN HONEY OR HIVE PRODUCTS
NATURE CENTER.
FOR SALE AT THE FAIR.
2. ALL SUPPLIERS MUST CONTACT Chuck
THE QUANTITIES YOU CAN SUPPLY. DO
NOT JUST BRING ITEMS TO THE FAIR
WITHOUT PRIOR ARRANGEMENTS, AS
YOUR ITEMS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
The Hive Tool Page 1 July 2006
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
DATES TO REMEMBER
David Papke, President
717-246-2339
Picnic – July 21, 2007 2 – 8 PM at the home
Steve McDaniel V. Pres.
410-239-7496
of David Papke see the “Presidents Frame”
Helen Nelson, Secretary
410-833-9535
for details and the “Directions To Picnic”
Bob Crouse, Treasurer
410-265-7999
article for directions.
Jerry Fischer, State Bee Insp. 410-562-3464
Oregon Ridge Nature Center 410-887-1815
General Meeting – August 2007–There will
Chuck Huselton, Past Pres.
410-592-6598
NO meeting this month.
Lloyd Snyder, Editor
410-329-6671
Editors E-Mail -
MD State Fair – August 24, 2007 – September
3, 2007. Call Steve McDaniel to sign up to
work a shift at 410-239-7496.
General Meeting – September 4, 2007–There
will be a meeting on this date information
about the meeting will be in the next
newsletter.
Be sure to check out the CMBA website at:

Lloyd Snyder – Editor
4747 Norrisville Road
White Hall MD 21161

Source: http://www.cmbeea.org/sub/HiveTool_200707.pdf