Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-03-19, Page 25THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 1997. PAGE A-5. Agriculture '97 Beekeepers utilize strips, sprays to fight mites Tonia Fear, whose father, Murray Fear operates Fears' Apiary in Wingham, takes a turn at filling a bulk container with liquid honey. The Fears have been active participants in the fight against Tracheal and Varroa mites which have infected thousands of honey bee colonies across the continent. Early prevention has limited any loss. By Janice Becker Citizen staff A tiny insect buzzes around on a warm spring day, barely noticed by the casual observer, but for farm­ ers, orchard owners and honey pro­ duces, the tiny, honey bee is a key component to the survival of their industry. However, over the last number of years, two strains of mites have slowly been infesting the honey bee population in North America. Doug McRory, provincial api­ arist who works through the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs office in Guelph, says the Tracheal Mite (HBTM) originated in England in 1900, “It was known then as the Isle of Wight disease which eventu­ ally spread through Europe/’ HBTM, which lives in the tracheal tubes of the bees, gradually kills them. “In 1921, a law was passed, pro­ hibiting the importation of bees to North America and we got 70 years out of that law,” says McRory. Over time the HBTM-infected bees got into Texas via Mexico and it has been spreading northward through the 1990s. The borders in eastern Canada were closed in 1985 against bees from Texas. The second type, the much larger Varroa Mite (VM), is found on the body of the bee. “If that size of mile were seen on a human, it would be like carrying a small pie around attached to the body,” says McRory. It is believed the VM was brought into Florida by a breeder bringing queen bees in illegally, from Europe and Brazil, he says. In 1987, Canadian borders were closed against Wisconsin bees, where VM was widespread. The VM travels 20 km per year and has crossed the Canadian border at Nia­ gara Falls, Cornwall and Sarnia, McRory says. Two-thirds of the bees in close proximity to those locations are affected. “HBTM has been slower to infest Canadian hives as it is a sluggish mover as well as requiring direct contact to transfer the mite. How­ ever, approximately 10 per cent of hives are affected by the mite,” he says. “The mites cross over where there is river contact. When the bees crossed at Sarnia, they spread along Lake Huron and can be found as far north as Owen Sound, though it is just spot infestation,” says McRory. “Areas south of Wingham have extensive VM infestations.” Resulting problem McRory says there has been a big loss in the number of honey bees in Ontario, with numbers dropping to as low as 77,000 from an average 85,000. “Honey prices are high right LAZY MEADOWS DAIRY FARMS INC. Congratulations to the new owners of Lazy Meadows Breeding Stock Jim, Lorraine & Patrick Hallahan R.R. #3 Bly th, ON Phone or Fax 519-523-9265 LUCKYME BC BABE Honourable Mention All-Canadian - All American Reserve All-Ontario Senior Yearling Now owned by Holywell Holsteins Rockwood, ON now, almost double, so producers are trying to keep the numbers up.” The worst losses were felt in Essex and Kent Counties and in the Niagara Region where there were many small beekeepers, he says— “A hobbyist with two or three hives may have lost the whole colony.” There were no major losses in the commercial industry, he says. The rampant spread of the mites has caused a large problem in the wild honey bee population, now almost wiped out, which once con­ tributed as much as 20 per cent of the pollination duties for crops. “This population was basically gone after three years,” says McRo- ry- The lack of bees does create dif­ ficulties, particularly if there are no commercial beekeepers in the area. “Some commercial orchard owners are having to pay to have bees brought in. It could change many aspects of the business.” The cost to rent one colony for spring pollination is approximately $40, while in the Niagara the rate is $50 and, for summer pollination, the cost is $80, due to the honey loss. “Commercial pollination is big in the U.S. and we may see more of that. Fifteen thousand hives are now- rented, which is a real increase.” Solutions Two approaches have been taken to deal with the mites. On a short­ term basis, chemicals have been developed to control the insects, while the long-term solution is seen in the creation of mite-resistant breeds. Studies are underway both at the University of Guelph and through local breeders. Researchers have found that approximately 10 per cent of bees appear to be naturally resistant to the mites. These bees are then being used to populate new hives and crossbreed with other HBTM resistant breeds. “This was a scientific break­ through,” says McRory. Research is also being done with Hawaiian and Australian beekeep­ ers because they have no miles and the queen bees develop earlier in the year. There are factors which lead to mite control, says McRory. The first is to develop hygienic behaviour in bees. By adding this component to HBTM resistant bees it helps with the VM. (The bees clean themselves belter.) “Il is not a cure, but it helps.” The second, a short-term fix, is a plastic strip coated with a very low dose of pesticide, a Sandoes prod­ uct called Apistan. “A lot of work went into this product,” says McRory, “because the dosage is so low it helps control the miles, but doesn’t affect the honey. The bees walk on the strip and it does not hurt them.” However, McRory says there is a slight possibility of the pesticide ANDERSON SALVAGE R.R. #1 Londesboro, ON Just west of Winthrop on Cty. Rd. #17 USED PICKUPS AT THE RIGHT PRICE We can help you get the job done easier! J. Ken Anderson (519) 527-0078 LUCKYME BROKER SUGAR Named All-Ontario Junior 3 year old Now owned by Ken Empey Jr. Dorchester & Howes Holsteins Alymer, ON getting into the beeswax. “This product has been accepted world-wide as a method of control and is 98.8 per cent effective.” Another control method is to fumigate the hives with formic acid. Formic acid is a natural part of the food product, with 70 parts per million in honey now, he says. “The fumigation kills the HBTM because they are small, and there may be some affect on the bees, but there is no measurable impact on the honey product.” “Canadian beekeepers, who have been using the two products in con­ junction, are ahead of the United States in that area. The researchers got into the studies quickly. Bee­ keepers are not in a bad position as they can treat the hives immediate­ ly-”