Platform for beekeeping practice and know-how

This method can be repeated as often as desired without harming the bees. Within approximately 15 minutes, the level of varroa infestation of a colony can be determined.

Diarrhoea in bees is most often caused by Nosema or dysentery. Nosema is a fungal disease that can be caused by two different pathogens: Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae. Transmission occurs in the form of spores via food, water, and contaminated surfaces. The fungus germinates in the midgut and subsequently multiplies in the intestinal cells. New spores are transmitted through the excreta. In this factsheet, only diarrhoea resulting from Nosema apis is addressed and discussed. The disease is strongly season-dependent and occurs mainly in spring. The pathogen can be detected within the colony throughout the year even in the absence of clinical symptoms.

The wax moth is not considered a disease. In nature, wax moths play an important role by destroying old, abandoned combs, which are potential sources of pathogens. Attracted by odours, wax moth adults enter hives and lay their eggs there. The resulting larvae feed on pollen residues and on cocoon remnants that remain at the bottom of the cells.

Colonies often become queenless during winter or after swarming, when the new queen is lost during the mating flight. Queen losses may also occur following a formic acid treatment or due to inattention on the part of the beekeeper.

The health of bee colonies and the success of beekeeping often depend on the location of the apiaries. It is worthwhile to choose locations carefully and to check their suitability with two or three colonies. At an optimal site, colonies develop rapidly and strongly in spring. Well-formed brood nests and sufficient pollen and nectar reserves are a good sign.

Overview of good beekeeping practice
There is no single good beekeeping practice. Rather, there are rules based on common sense and the experience of seasoned or professional beekeepers. While the queen is indeed the driving force of the colony, hive cleanliness, control of varroa, swarm-prevention strategies, apiary location and preparation for overwintering are just as important for the proper development of the colony with a view to a good honey harvest.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.