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For latest on the DEFRA Contingency Plan for Exotic Pests and Diseases of Honey Bees see http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/disease-bees/index.htm Comments on the plan are required by May 12th

Queen Mating Problem

Roger Patterson has been writing about the Queen Mating Problem. He has asked for help from all BBKA Associations. This is a problem which has been experienced by beekeepers since 2004. Various causes have been put forward in various media. Articles have been written in Beekeeping magazines, particularly BeeCraft. This problem will have to be understood and the rearing of young queens watched very carefully.

Damage to Varroa Mites

It is is safe to assume that Varroa mites are in every colony. Some beekeepers are looking carefully, using a microscope, at mites which have fallen through the open mesh floor. The shell or carapace of some of these mites is seen to be damaged. Glyn Davies has put some photographs on the BBKA Website.

Membership of the National Honey Show

The NHS has introduced, “for a trial period, a reduced membership of the Show to affiliated Associations for £8 so that they in turn could sell them on to their members for £9 - which would be a 10% discount on the annual membership fee discount”. It is based (1) on the new member would complete a Bankers Order for payment of future subscriptions and (2) the initial trial would be until the end of July. Anyone wishing to take advantage of this trial please contact our General Secretary - Robin for a copy of the Bankers Order.