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The article argues that honey bee health and productivity depend strongly on colony management and biosecurity, yet “best practices” lack a clear field-based evidence map. It compiles a structured dataset of peer-reviewed field studies (since 1995) on hive interventions tested under real beekeeping conditions, recording each practice–outcome combination separately. The synthesis highlights dominant topics (notably Varroa and brood diseases), as well as regional and seasonal influences on applicability. The authors present the dataset as a bridge between research and practice, while noting heterogeneity and selection bias that limit global generalization.
Ideally, high-quality honey has a water content not exceeding 17.5%. This allows the beekeeper to sell honey of high quality that does not ferment once it reaches the consumer.
Researchers have observed that on the island of Gotland in Sweden, honey bee colonies that were abandoned and left untreated for ten years led to the emergence and selection of spontaneously varroa-resistant strains. Subsequently, several other naturally resistant colonies were discovered in other parts of the world. This article presents the state of the literature on the three phenomena influencing resistance behaviours of the honey bee in response to the varroa mite.
This article provides a structured synthesis of current scientific knowledge on the factors influencing honey quality. It is based exclusively on a recent literature review, examining honey composition, quality criteria, the impact of beekeeping and environmental practices, as well as the links between colony management, honey processing, and biological properties.
Registered veterinary medicinal product (successor to MAQS), ready to use for simple application in colonies with at least 10,000 bees. If the results differ from those stated in the package leaflet, please inform Swissmedic: www.vetvigilance.ch/meldung_F.html
Our bee populations are not always able to defend themselves against diseases and pests on their own. They therefore rely on you, beekeepers, to support them. In this regard, the fact sheets developed by the Bee Health Service (BHS) can be a valuable resource.
Varroosis primarily affects the brood. The adult varroa mite measures approximately 1.6 mm in width and 1.1 mm in length. It reproduces exclusively in the brood and has no host other than the honey bee. The varroa mite itself is a carrier of bee viruses. It feeds on haemolymph (the “blood” of bees) and transmits viruses directly into the bee’s body. Without varroa treatment, or with insufficient varroa control, it weakens colonies to such an extent that they usually perish within one to two years.
Bees and brood tolerate elevated temperatures better than the Varroa mite. Hyperthermia exploits this fact and reduces the number of mites through thermal treatment. However, damage to the brood cannot be completely avoided. Based on current research findings, negative effects of hyperthermia on bees emerging after treatment also cannot be ruled out.
The process of swarm formation involves certain mechanisms that are necessary for bee health and that notably reduce varroa infestation. Capturing swarms is part of good beekeeping practice.
Observation at the hive entrance makes it possible to draw numerous conclusions about the health status of a bee colony. Especially in spring, it is important to assess colonies in this way. Anomalies indicate the aspects that require particular attention during the next colony inspection or when an additional examination becomes necessary. Observation at the hive entrance also helps to avoid interventions within the colony under unfavorable weather conditions.
By adopting a clean working method adapted to beekeeping practice, you significantly improve hygiene in the handling of your bees and thereby contribute to better colony health and more hygienic apicultural products.
Chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV) is a contagious disease that is transmitted mainly through direct contact and the exchange of food. Bees crowded tightly in the hive, prolonged periods of poor weather, long transports during migratory beekeeping, heavy forest nectar flows, and a high density of colonies in an environment with limited food supply appear to favour the occurrence of the disease. The virus can be fatal for infected adult bees. In general, only a few colonies are affected.
An artificial swarm can reduce the varroa population. To this end, young bees must be taken from one or more colonies. Depending on the season, an artificial swarm should consist of 1 to 3 kg of young bees.
Waste control makes it possible to draw numerous conclusions about the health status of a colony. Frequent checks do not disturb the colony. By examining the bottom boards, anomalies and irregularities can be identified, providing indications for future interventions to be carried out on the colony.
European foulbrood is a bacterial disease. Under optimal conditions, the bacteria multiply by cell division. When conditions become unfavorable, resistant capsules are formed that can remain viable for several months. These highly infectious capsules are distributed within the colony in the brood nest through the cleaning and maintenance activities of worker bees. Infection via the capsules occurs through the food fed to young larvae. Adult bees are not infected but can act as carriers of the pathogen. Diseased larvae usually die before the cells are sealed.
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Unmarked queens are sometimes very difficult to locate. We recommend having marking equipment available during every colony inspection so that unmarked queens can always be marked. This requires a good eye, and not all beekeepers necessarily have the ability to spot queens. When a nucleus colony has to be formed or a queen introduced, the beekeeper is then often faced with difficulties.
We recommend marking the monitoring board with a grid using a permanent marker to facilitate subsequent counts. In order to count varroa mites reliably, it is very important to protect the board with a mesh and to ensure that ants do not have access to it, as they feed on the fallen mites.
The combs are also referred to as the “skeleton” of the bee colony and thus constitute a central element of the superorganism formed by the colony. They serve as sites for larval rearing and for the storage of food, honey, and pollen, and they also transmit vibrations used for communication within the colony.
Targeted measures can be used to prevent or stop robbing. This helps to avoid the weakening or loss of the robbed colony. In addition, appropriate measures protect affected colonies against the possible introduction of pathogens and varroa mites.
This fact sheet provides guidance on assessing bee health. Regular monitoring of colonies makes it possible to identify potential health problems at an early stage and to implement planned and targeted measures. It is essential to check and assess colonies at least in spring (when grape hyacinths are in bloom), in summer (between the summer honey harvest and the first summer treatment), and in October (before overwintering).
Queen reproduction in the Mini Plus system is based on the principle of forming young colonies with brood. In addition to Mini Plus, there are Swiss Mini and other systems that are perfectly suited for queen rearing. A Mini Plus colony with several boxes is divided among different mating units, and each small colony thus formed rears its own queen. With six Mini Plus units, it is easy to rear three to four new queens within one month. A very important point is that reproduction should only be carried out within high-quality populations. You may have an older queen that has proven her value, or a purchased pure-bred queen suitable for reproduction. Mini Plus queen rearing forms the basis of queen reproduction.