February 2018
BEE NEWS
Straight from the Hive!
Save the Bees! A Harvard University study published in 2015 concluded that neonicotinoids are killing bees at an exponential rate. They are now broadly regarded as the direct cause of colony collapse disorder (CCD). Neonicotinoids are a range of nicotine-based insecticides introduced in the 1990’s replacing insecticides such as DDT. Now, globally they are the most commonly used insecticides. In insects they cause paralysis and death. They are sold under brand names such as Tristar, Prospec, Safari etc. They were originally thought to be much safer than their predecessors. However, when applied to the soil or as a seed treatment, they are taken up by the roots and transported throughout the entire plant. Residues are now being found in pollen and in corn grown from treated seeds, bringing into question their safety. Worse yet is the revelation that bees may be becoming addicted to these chemicals and may prefer foraging crops sprayed with these insecticides. No wonder one scientist describes them as 1,000 times more dangerous than DDT. When pollinators visit these plants, they take back the poisons in the form of nectar and pollen. This is then stored in their cells affecting future generations and eventually leading to CCD. Because of this, a provisional ban was placed on these insecticides by the European Union in 2013, after 50% of Germany’s insect population was devastated. A permanent ban is anticipated this year. Bees do not only produce honey for us, they perform the job of pollination which causes our plants to produce fruits and seeds. Their loss would create a human and economic disaster unknown in modern times. … Gordon Deane
What our beekeeper has been up to
Bee Fact! Hives have their own security guards Some worker bees at around 21 days of age are given the task of being guard bees, as the venom in their sting is most potent. They stand at the hive entrance on their two hind pairs of legs and inspect every bee entering the hive with their front legs and antennae, like a security guard at the airport. This is to detect intruders such as bumble bees and wasps. If they need “back up”, they can also extend their stinger and release an alarm pheromone to attract other guard bees. … Dr. Jo-Anne Sewlal
Gordon Deane gave a talk on bees and beekeeping at a meeting of the Rotary Club of Port of Spain in November 2017.
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News from the Apiary! — Gordon Deane When will this rain stop falling? This is the question which was being asked by beekeepers everywhere. While the Soap Vine and other “earlies” arrived on time, the constant rain quite dramatically interfered with the honey flow which these species produce. This situation affected our developing colonies in Cumana, where Soap Vine is prolific. Fortunately, our main apiary in Matura is not reliant on these species, and has been made ready for the flowering of the extensive Rubber forest, which surrounds the apiary. We continued to provide the bees with syrup until they told us to stop. They prefer to forage for natural nectar than survive on what we provide. All nooks (new colonies in development) have been transferred to full boxes and strengthened. Their foraging will contribute to some extent to this year’s production. Nook boxes have also been made ready for the splits which must follow the flow to prevent swarming and to create more colonies to expand the apiary for 2019. The Rubber trees should flower for about six weeks and will be supplemented by other species such as, Cypre, Olivier, Hogplum, citrus and the like, giving the honey a lovely blend of flavours. We hope you enjoy this year’s offerings!
From the apiary, have a safe and fun Carnival season.
Testimonial I have had the distinct pleasure of enjoying this brand of nectar of the Gods (or is it Gordon's?) via his wellmanaged hives ab initio. Apart from the natural wellness of this affordable food, the taste and texture of this honey makes you want to have it again and again. My wife and I will continue to partake of this fare for as long as it is produced. … Carlos (Angel) Landeau (King of the J’ouvert band) “Oh Mudder Earth”
Health Tips! Make honey part of your carnival burn! Honey can kickstart your workout and it provides a healthier alternative to energy drinks that may contain artificial sweeteners, preservatives, dyes and food colourings. Runner’s World even dubbed honey “the perfect running fuel” because its natural unrefined sugars can be easily absorbed by the body. ... Breanne Mc Ivor
Elsie’s Finest Honey, $180 for a 750 ml bottle & $65 for a 200 ml bottle.
In This Issue Managing Editor Dr Jo-Anne N. Sewlal BSc., MPhil., Ph.D., FLS., CBiol., CSci., MRSB., FRES., FRGS., FBNA., R. Anim. Sci., MIEnvSc. Content Editor: Breanne Mc Ivor MA (Cantab), MSc (Edin) Layout Design: Dr. Jo-Anne Sewlal Contributors: Gordon Deane, Carlos Landeau, Breanne Mc Ivor, and Dr. Jo-Anne Sewlal