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ingo50 Scout Bee
Joined: 30 May 2014 Posts: 311 Location: Newport, Gwent, Wales, UK
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Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2014 8:14 pm Post subject: Bee gym |
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I saw this on a local beekeeping association website. Some of their members are trying it. Looks like it consists of a plastic frame with various edges and wires that the bees can use to scratch off Veroa mites. Won't do any harm, but not sure how many mites will be removed from a heavily infested colony. Will be interesting to see what the research shows. Amazing what backyard beekeepers will invent.
The website is: bee gym.co.uk
PS:
I do not know the inventor nor have any affiliation to this product. |
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mal Nurse Bee
Joined: 11 Jul 2013 Posts: 46 Location: Rutland, Leicestershire, UK
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Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2014 10:07 am Post subject: |
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Interesting, but if they are actively using it to rid themselves of mites then it indicates that the bees are unable (physically or communicatively) to groom each other to do the same. Which is maybe surprising ?
However if he has hit upon a 'bee failing' and provided a solution then bully for him ! |
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Kiwimana Guard Bee

Joined: 31 Mar 2011 Posts: 82 Location: Auckland, New Zealand
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Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2014 12:42 am Post subject: |
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Hmmm be interested to know if this works, I don't think it would.
Isn't it true that mites assume the smell of the hive pretty quickly, so bees don't even know the mites are on them? I seem to remember this was part of a study I read.
Has anyone tried this idea in their hives?
Gary |
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Quality Top Bar Hives by Andrew Vidler
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Conserving wild bees
Research suggests that bumble bee boxes have a very low success rate in actually attracting bees into them. We find that if you create an environment where first of all you can attract mice inside, such as a pile of stones, a drystone wall, paving slabs with intentionally made cavities underneath, this will increase the success rate.
Most bumble bee species need a dry space about the size a football, with a narrow entrance tunnel approximately 2cm in diameter and 20 cm long. Most species nest underground along the base of a linear feature such as a hedge or wall. Sites need to be sheltered and out of direct sunlight.
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Information about the Tree Bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum)
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Barefoot Beekeeper Podcast
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