Professor David Evans is a virologist studying the biology of single stranded positive sense RNA viruses, including poliovirus, hepatitis C virus and deformed wing virus of honeybees. He has a fascinating, practical beekeeping blog, https://www.theapiarist.org/
- Slow-release oxalic acid strips activate honey bee immune responses — is this a good thing?
- Reviewing the consequences of recent storms, apiary vicinity mating and the adaptions of Cape honey bees to windy locations (and the undesirable side effect of social parasitism).
- The bees, like the beekeeper, are preparing for the season ahead. Much of this early work is done by the — now very old — overwintered workers. Plus avoiding colony starvation at this critical time and the signs of spring to look out for.
- Frame symmetry, nest symmetry and hive asymmetry. How it is created, why it exists and how colony inspections might disrupt it (and how to avoid the disruption).
- Slow-release oxalic acid formulations provide the main thing missing from this excellent miticide — residual activity — so repeat applications are not needed.
- A recent UK survey emphasises the importance of the timing of miticide treatment, but surprisingly demonstrates that a third of beekeepers don't follow the instructions. Meanwhile, in the USA, CCD-like losses by bee farmers are reported to be very high.
- Wind topples hives, makes bees fly at different altitudes, reduces foraging rates and – indirectly – causes social parasitism by Cape honey bees.
- The vertical split is a convenient swarm control method if you're short of equipment or space. It is easy to implement, requires minimal hive manipulations and – done properly – is very effective.
- Sub-lethal doses of neonicotinoids reduce foraging efficiency. Recent studies demonstrate that this is (partly) due to the loss of memory that associates colour with reward.
- Winter is a convenient time for apiary maintenance, but moving hives requires careful planning and suitable weather. And, while you're at it, give them some fondant if the hives are underweight.