Integrated Pest and Disease Management Workshop

This is the time of year that many beekeepers are not only harvesting honey but also checking their colonies for mites and add treatments. Not sure if you colonies have mites or how many? Not sure what product to use and why? if these questions have crossed your mind at some point then this workshop is for you!

We will discuss methods of monitoring for different levels of pests and disease, what those results mean and how to apply various treatments. We will also discuss “natural” or non treatment methods!

This field-based workshop will discuss recent trends and focus on methods to monitor, identify, and treat. We will be in the hives so bring your veil/jacket, wear jeans, and closed toe shoes. Prior to entering the hives, we will have a discussion of the topics outside the fence in the education area. Bring a chair so you can be comfortable during the discussion.

Course Outline:

IPM for Honey Bees Field Session

PART 1: Preventative Measures
– Siting a hive & Micro-climate effects
– Genetics
– Forage Quality Assessment (nectar, pollen, water, propolis)
– Hygienics/Sterilization/Culling
– Digital Monitoring Options
– Protection Strategies for Predators

PART 2: Field Diagnosis 
(Reference: PSU: A Field Guide to Honey Bees and Their Maladies)
– The 6 Senses of Health Assessment 
– Sugar Roll
– Alcohol Wash
– Laboratory Testing Contacts

PART 3: Seasonal Treatment Options
(Reference: Certified Naturally Grown Standards)
-Remediating Queen Issues (drone-layers, Africanized honey bees, etc.)
-Diseases
– Mites: Varroa Mites & PMS, Tracheal Mites
– Viruses: DWV, Sacbrood
– Bacterial Infections: AFB, EFB, 
– Fungal Infections: Nosema spp. 
– Small Hive Beetle
– Wax Moth(s)

Join us on August 4th from 1-5pm at the Burgh Bees Community Apiary!
Cost is $25.00 per person. $35.00 for non-members