beekeeping - ipm strategies we use @ kiwimana

@ kiwimana HQ@ kiwimana HQ

http://kiwimana.co.nzhttp://kiwimana.co.nz

We are have been keeping bees for four years So we are still beginners, and learning more every

year. We write about our findings on our Blog (Web Site) We have also recently started audio show about

beekeeping (podcast) We sell beekeeping supplies through our online

shop

How do we keep bees???

Who are we?

Location

Sunny location all year around

At least 12 inches above the ground

Shelter from prevailing winds

Flight path away from People

Meshboards

What is a Meshboard?

Makes it easier to count mites

Provides ventilation all year around

Makes it easier to treat with vaporiser

By itself removes 10 to 20% of mites

Treat in Spring Treat in Autumn Treat when your mite count is high

We use Api Life Var (Thymol Based) and Vaporising with Oxalic Acid

Treatments

Managing Drones

Why do Mites like Drone Cells?

Drones have a longer gestation Period (24 Days)

Remove, when the brood has mites

Check every 24 days or when capped

Another way to check for mite levels

Select Bees that have low mite

counts Bees that build up well in Spring Bees that have a great nature,

angry bees are Neglected bees.

Good Genetics

Splitting Hives

The Varroa Breeding cycle is tied in with the bee breeding cycle

On average a mummy mite has two children every brood cycle

Increases your bee hives

Reduces the chances of Swarming

Recycling Combs

Old comb contains Pesticides

Contains Fecal Matter from pupas

Source of Infection and viruses

Why???

Recycling Combs

Mark the year you placed the frame in your hive

Replace combs every three years

Winter a great time to do this

Old Comb makes great candles

How???

IPM is the way forward The days of 99% kill rates are over By themselves these organic methods

won’t remove all the mites But combined you can control the mite

population to a level that your bees can live with.

In a perfect world the Bees and Mite would co-exist

Conclusion

Visit our web at http://kiwimana.co.nz Have a listen to our podcast “The

kiwimana Buzz” Sign up for our Newsletter (Its Free…)

Come and say Hello afterwards Further Questions Email me

gary@kiwimana.co.nz

Thanks for coming…