Tree bee keeping in Euope, UK

[Dallasbeek]

Here's a link to a story about tree and log beekeeping that's interesting.  Claims bees have developed resistance to varroa.


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/how-to-grow/meet-the-men-reviving-the-ancient-craft-of-tree-beekeeping/

[bwallace23350]

Great article thanks.

[Michael Bush]

>Claims bees have developed resistance to varroa.

Or maybe they are just on natural cell size...

[Dallasbeek]

>Claims bees have developed resistance to varroa.

Or maybe they are just on natural cell size...

Most likely.  Attribute the ability to cope with mites to whatever you're trying to "sell," I guess, and people will buy into the idea you're promoting.  Since these are not removable frames for comb, wouldn't it be illegal to use them here?  I mean, if bees occupy a hollow tree, that's okay, but if we create a hollow "tree" for them, it would be illegal, I think.

[little john]

I had three thoughts when reading this ...

the first was "Pity the poor Bee Inspector" - if there's an outbreak of anything nasty in that area, then every single comb in those hives will have to be removed, and carefully inspected.  And down on the ground.

The second thought I had was - seems that there's an element of trying to turn the clock back here - when the reality is that those hives will have to co-exist with the hundreds of hives surrounding them, and make the best of it.

The third thought was that these guys are making the same mistake so many alternative/natural beekeepers make when assuming that tree nests are nice warm and dry places.  Tree cavities are created as a result of the rotting of heart-wood, which occurs due to rainwater ingress or (in the case of cavities lower down) from rising damp.  But in both cases, the wood will have rotted due to it being damp, if not wet.  Tree cavities are thus anything but warm, dry places within which to live.

But - a good story nevertheless.  Thanks for posting the link.
LJ

[GSF]

I've thought about doing something like that for a swarm trap. But dang, who got the time..,