Susan Cobey, University of California Davis
Jerry Hayes, BeeLogics
“The Bee Informed Partnership over time will inform a pathway / direction for consistent successful beekeeping which translates into stronger pollination based agriculture, a more diverse green environment and sustainability of this important insect.”
Ramesh Sagili, Oregon State University
I am a first year beekeeper with two hives in downtown Sonoma, CA. From installation day on April 28, 2012, my hives were thriving and regular inspections allowed me to note the similarities and progression of these new hives and bees. But on June 1, 2012, everything changed when our closest neighbor having an ant infestation, sprayed the perimeter of their foundation with Fipronil (Termidor). My Italian queen’s hive was hit hard with dead and dying bees in piles in front of the hive entrance and strewn across the adjacent garden and patio. I estimate thousands of bees died. Subsequent hive inspections showed that the queen remained a strong layer and the bees that were still alive, continued to maintain the hive. A more recent hive inspection 2 weeks ago showed that although the numbers of bees in the hive were holding up, they had almost no honey stores except typical small amounts on frames with brood and pollen.
What is your experience with bee deaths from these chemicals? I contacted our county ag commission office and spoke to a field rep who discounted the affects of these chemicals on bees if applied by a “trained professional.” The bees were obviously foraging at 11 am when the chemical was applied 20 feet from their hive. Although I have not given up on this hive, I am trying to observe and help where I can, but I don’t really expect them to make it through the winter. My beekeeping mentor has suggested I move some frames of honey from my healthy hive to the affected hive so they have a chance through the winter, so that is what I will do when I harvest in two weeks.
Any suggestions/thoughts?