Social Immunity and Propolis
Outcomes Learners will develop a comprehensive understanding of the principles underlying social and individual immunity in honey bees. Key Takeaways Honey bees, like many social insects, have collective behavioural defences called “social immunity” to help defend and protect the colony against pathogens and parasites. Propolis is known to have many antimicrobial proprieties against bacteria, fungi, […]
Combining Mating Nucs
Outcomes Learners will be able to effectively prepare and combine mating nucs to ensure thriving colonies during the winter season. Key Takeaways Optimal Winter Preparation: Focus on achieving the right winter weights and cluster size by reviewing weight requirements and assessing brood frame numbers for strong winter clusters, regardless of your hive setup. […]
Sampling for Varroa
Outcomes Learners will gain an understanding of the significance of regular sampling for Varroa mites in beekeeping. They will be able to recognize and differentiate between effective treatment methods. Key Takeaways Early Detection and Prevention: Regular sampling for Varroa mites is crucial for detecting infestations early, preventing colony failure, and mitigating the spread […]
Controlling Varroa with IPM
Outcomes Students will have gain an awareness of various strategies for managing varroa mites and the differing levels of efficacy associated with these strategies. Key Takeaways There are 5 strategies for applying IPM: Prevention, Cultural, Mechanical, Biological, and Chemical. Prevention is all about decreasing the risk of contact with diseases which are rated […]
Chalkbrood
Outcomes Learners will be able to recognize the signs of chalkbrood in honeybee colonies, understand effective prevention strategies, and comprehend appropriate treatments to mitigate its impact. Key Takeaways Chalkbrood is a fungal disease affecting honeybee larvae, caused by Ascosphaera apis, and can be transmitted through ingestion of spores. Infected larvae undergo mummification, resulting in chalky-white […]
American Foulbrood
Outcomes Learners will be able to identify AFB’s clinical signs and employ early detection methods Key Takeaways American Foulbrood (AFB) is a highly contagious bacterial disease affecting honey bee colonies. Its resilient spores, ability to kill healthy hives independently, and easy transmission make it a formidable threat. Recognizing AFB’s clinical signs, such as […]
Sampling for Nosema
Outcomes Learners will recognize the procedure for conducting a Nosema field test in a bee colony. Key Takeaways Nosema, a subtle fungal parasite, can affect bee colonies’ health without obvious signs. Sampling helps uncover its presence, enabling informed actions to protect bee vitality. Sampling for Nosema is an accessible process involving collecting bees, […]
Ongoing Beekeeping Tasks
Outcomes Learners will have a comprehensive understanding of the year-round tasks necessary for successful beekeeping. Key Takeaways Beekeeping involves managing hives for honey production and immersing in the intricacies of nature. Successful year-round beekeeping requires adapting tasks to changing seasons. Seasonal preparation includes stocking up on feed, equipment, and medications. Regular hive inspections […]
Seasonal Beekeeping Tasks
Outcomes Learners will have a clear understanding of the essential seasonal tasks necessary for effective beekeeping. https://youtu.be/Hhi7KiXztBU Beekeeping is a fascinating and rewarding hobby or profession, but it’s not a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor. To successfully manage your apiary, you need to follow a set of essential seasonal tasks that cater to the needs of your […]
Flower Power: Land Reclamation with Bees in Mind
Outcomes Learners will be able to understand the critical role of pollinator habitats, including the significance of pollen and nectar for bee health and colony sustainability. Key Takeaways Importance of pollen: Pollen, unique to each flower, not only serves as a source of nutrition but also contributes to the honeybee immune system, fostering […]
