Bees for Development Journal 95
PHOTOS © MIKE ALLSOPP
LETTER
There has been great concern in beekeeping in The Gambia. The Professional Beekeepers Association have a problem which has been reported also in other parts of the country. In some of our hives, especially in top-bar hives, which are used most in The Gambia, we find a lot of black beetles among the combs and the bottom of the hive. In these hives the combs become very dry. So I would like to ask some questions about these beetles: 1. What causes them to be in the hive?
2. Are these beetles harmful to the bees? 3. Can they contaminate the honey?
4. If they are harmful to the bees and honey what are the ways to prevent them?
Thank you Bf D for the good work that you are doing - keep it up.
Musa Gibba, CEO, Professional Beekeepers Association, Brikama, The Gambia
Black adult small hive beetles visible among the bees
Bf D replies
The beetle is the Small Hive Beetle (see image above, top right) Aethina tumida. This occurs in bee colonies across Africa, but does not usually present a significant problem for strong colonies of African honey bees. The Large Hive Beetle (LHB) Hyplostoma fuligineus also occurs naturally here. There are two solutions: 1. Have smaller entrances - this will prevent the LHB from entering the hive. 2. Keep colonies strong enough to be able to cope with any damage caused by the beetles.
Read more in our Information Portal (register to access, free of charge) www.beesfordevelopment.org/portal Has anyone else experienced problems with beetles in their hives?
The large hive beetle
NOTICE BOARD
CONGRATULATIONS Dr Nizar Haddad, Head of the Bee Research Unit based in Baq’a has been selected by the Jordanian Government to win an award from the prime minister of Jordan – the Ideal and Outstanding Government Employees Award for 2009. Dr Haddad is one of 10 winners and received the award in recognition of the research and development work he has carried out with honey bees. PROJECT FUNDING FAO, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, supports beekeeping projects in developing countries.
TeleFood Special Fund Beekeepers’ groups and associations may apply for small project funding of up to US$10,000. Request documents should include a brief description of project objectives, proposed food production or income-generating activities, work plan, number of participants, detailed list of inputs with cost estimates and reporting arrangements. Submit your request to the FAO or UNDP office in your country. See www.fao.org and inform BfD of the outcome of your application. 1% for Development Fund Small grants to enable community based beekeeping projects in developing countries to get off the ground. Applicants must clearly define objectives and how they are to be attained. See One-Per-Cent-Fund@FAO.org BEE CRAFT The UK’s leading monthly beekeeping magazine. View a digital copy and subscribe on line at www.bee-craft.com
COPYRIGHT You are welcome to translate and/or reproduce items appearing in BfDJ as part of our Information Service. Permission is given on the understanding that BfDJ and author(s) are acknowledged, Bf D contact details are provided in full, and you send us a copy of the item or the website address where it is used. 15
