Everyone is talking about the weather. So, of course, do beekeepers. Bee health and honey yield are strongly influenced by the weather.
The year 2019 started with a relatively mild winter. Already in February, unusually high temperatures were recorded - with regional variations - at many locations. The bees were offered a wide range of pollen. This stimulated intensive brood already in February.
In March and April, the development dynamics were considerably limited. Unusually cold weather and high precipitation delayed the harvest and hindered the bees' outflow.
Beekeepers reported that due to this emergency situation at affected sites, the brood was completely or partially eaten by the nurse bees. It was also increasingly observed that at this early point in the year the "drones" were already banned from the hive.
At most sites, it was observed that the queens set considerably fewer pins. The "bad" weather continued into May, when, earlier than usual, colonies already tended to swarm. In forest areas, as can be observed cyclically every 5-7 years, an intensive tree bloom could be recorded. Almost at the same time, due to the strong rise in summer temperatures in the second half of May, the fruit trees began to blossom. The potential could not be fully exploited against the background of partly weak colonies and the diversity of the large supply.
The summer turned out to be rather dry, but not comparable with the summer of 2018.
Fortunately, more and more flowering strips and flowering fields can be found, so that despite the abundance of greenery, there is a - limited - hive supply for the bees. A beginning has been made in many places.
The autumn weather showed itself without capers and the drop in temperature could be observed in accordance with the season.
Honey harvest
Few beekeepers commented on satisfactory results. Overall, the yields remained almost everywhere significantly below those of the previous year. The wet and cold spring weather was responsible for this. Even without honey collection, beekeepers - with regional variations - had to feed as early as the end of May - mid-June.
Bee health
The central topic of our concordiaNATURA foundation is bee health. Correctly we have to talk about "insect health". Unfortunately, there is no positive news here from the past year. A study by the "Entomological Association Krefeld", which was first published back in 2017, is startling. According to these figures, the total mass of flying insects in parts of Germany decreased by more than 75 percent from 1989 to 2016. Other studies also show that many insect species are affected. In addition to bees, we're talking about butterflies, caddisflies, ground beetles, ants and other species. Last summer, you didn't need a laboratory to notice this trend. Looking at street lamps or even cleaning the windshield, it was noticeable that the number of insects continues to decrease significantly.
There are several reasons for this alarming development, which continues unchanged, that play a role. Experts and scientists see the further intensification of soil and plant cultivation in the agricultural industry as the main cause. Complete "natural landscapes" are sacrificed to fields that do not provide food and breeding sites for insects. Here, the so-called energy farmers often also no longer grow food for animals or humans. This is accompanied by a further transformation of natural landscapes. The "colorful diversity" is not to be seen in most cultivated areas. Insects are also suffering from the unabated use of pesticides. Pesticides containing nicotenoids are highly toxic to our bees.
This issue is not about cosmetic treatment. It is about rethinking how we treat nature, for which we as humans are responsible. Banning substances that have been proven to be highly toxic and then still allowing them to be used until the end of 2023 is not the way that promises success in reversing the trend.
But there is also positive news. It is a success that within a decided action program of the federal government, a nationwide insect monitoring is to be carried out to further investigate the extent and the cause of the insect death. It is to be implemented from 2020 (after a trial phase).
We also positively evaluate the efforts of cities and municipalities that are committed to species protection measures in their area. This concerns redesign of paths, playgrounds, cemeteries, parks, shore areas, etc. Already 500 cities and municipalities do without the use of chemical-synthetic poisons (source dpa). BUND has an informative brochure available for interested municipalities.
At this point here also again the appeal to all garden terrace and balcony owners. Each "wild corner" in the garden, each, also still so small bee pasture helps. And completely besides one has still the joy at buzzing, humming and colorful blooms.
The package of measures of the legislator plans a reduction of the plant protection agents until 2030 around 40 to 50 per cent. The share of organic farming is reportedly to increase by 30 to 40 percent by 2030 - albeit taking into account the development of demand. There is dialogue, and that is a good thing.
In various regions, colonies infected with American foulbrood were reported to the veterinary offices last year. There is no definite knowledge about the causes of this bee disease, which is fatal for the colonies.
As probably the most effective method against the infestation of bees with the Varroa mite, we recommend treatment with oxalic acid, which should be carried out at the beginning of the cold season. With this recommendation we join established institutions in the field of bee health research (e.g. University of Hohenheim, Landesanstalt für Bienenkunde). If required, we will be happy to provide you with relevant information on the treatment procedure free of charge.
Varroa infestation is still a very serious threat to bees. We recommend a thorough check of the varroa load in all colonies already at the end of June/beginning of July. Spot checks are not sufficient.
At this point it should be noted that we sometimes get the impression that beekeepers consider a certain "failure rate" in the population of their colonies as "normal". We do not share this opinion at all. Just in a nature-fair bee attitude it should succeed to hold the continuances over years to a large extent stable. Let us continue to work on this goal.
Conclusion
We notice a gratifying, increasing sensitization in broad sections of the population and among politicians. The concordiaNATURA foundation will continue to work for an improvement of the situation.
Klaus Heinzel
January 2020
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