Howdy from Arkansas, new member here.

Started by Van, Arkansas, USA, February 12, 2017, 07:01:20 PM

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Van, Arkansas, USA

Looking forward to learning from experience members.  I am planning on raising my own queens this year, 2017, also I plan to artificially inseminate (AI)my queens to produce/maintain hygienic qualities of my Cordovan Italians.  AI will be new to me, I have a lot to learn.
I am a retired genetic engineer, however my expertise is antiquated with limitations to disease causing bacteria.  I have little knowledge of the genetics of these super organisms, we call honey bees.
Blessings,   Van

Van, Arkansas, USA

Oh, I should note, I started raising bee as a kid in the 1960s.  No varroa, no small hive beetle, just wax moths and little worries with bees.  Now, these days, the small hive beetle is as much a threat as varroa.  I use Freeman bottom boards (beetle traps) baited with pollen patty surrounded with diatomaceous earth to control the beetles.  Understand, in summer my beetle traps can average up to 20 beetles a night migrating into each hive.  North Arkansas was plagued with beetles in 2016.  Many hives were lost to beetles in this area.  I was fortunate, my traps kept beetles at a manageable level. 

I hear people say with a cavalier attitude, a strong hive will manage the beetles, no problem,,,,,, well 600 beetles a month is a tuff one to overcome for my hives and I consider my hives to be strong.
Blessings

bwallace23350

Great to have you. You will probably be teaching me

herbhome

Neill

cao


BeeMaster2

Welcome to Beemaster
Put your bees on bases with oil trays. If you have a lot of hives, you can devistate the SHB population.
Jim
Democracy is 2 wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well armed lamb contesting the vote.
Ben Franklin

Van, Arkansas, USA

Yes, oil trays would be helpful.  However my hives are not on level ground.  I do place hives on bases to somewhat level the hives but I leave each hive slightly tilted forward to prevent rain accumulation.  That's is why I'd use diatoms, does not have to be level.

GSF

When the law no longer protects you from the corrupt, but protects the corrupt from you - then you know your nation is doomed.