Breck Demers

The provided text explains how beekeepers can perform the Pettis test to identify if Varroa mites have developed chemical resistance to common treatments. This diagnostic procedure requires a specific infestation level of at least six percent and involves placing bees in mason jars equipped with acaricide-treated cards. Over a twenty-four-hour period, the user monitors the mortality rate of the mites…

The provided text examines the unexpected outcomes of Ontario's Class 12 legislation, which was originally enacted to shield pollinators from the excessive use of neonicotinoid pesticides. While the regulations aimed for an 85% reduction in these chemicals, data reveals that usage remains high and farmers are increasingly turning to substitute insecticides like Lumivia. Although manufacturers claim these alternatives are safer,…

Winter loss survey reveals shocking 58% of beekeepers exceeded 20% colony loss. Even more striking, 1 in 5 lost over 70% of their colonies. Chemical threats aren't the culprit this year. #Beekeeping #WinterLoss #ColonyCollapse #PesticideFree #WeatherImpact #BeekeeperLife #Apiculture #SaveTheBees #AgriNews #honeybees #valleybeekeeping http://www.valleybeekeeping.com

Commercial beekeeping fuels a global industry, pollinating billions in crops. But a tiny parasite, the varroa mite, poses an existential threat to this entire agricultural system. #Beekeeping #Agriculture #VarroaMite #Pollination #Sustainability #Farming #Insects #Ecosystem #honeybees #valleybeekeeping http://www.valleybeekeeping.com

An article from an apiary publication describes the theft of three beehives from a property near Cobourg, Ontario, during the middle of May. Business owner John Downey discovered the loss from a vacant plot of land that appeared abandoned to passersby due to its recent real estate listing. The stolen property included a custom-painted hive belonging to the owner's young…

This report details a surveillance study conducted in Ontario to evaluate how effectively three common synthetic acaricides—Apivar, Apistan, and Bayvarol—kill the parasitic varroa mite. Researchers utilized the Pettis test across various apiaries to determine if these pests have developed resistance to the chemical treatments meant to protect honey bee colonies. The findings indicate that Apivar remains the most successful treatment,…

Ontario's bee law, 28 years old, forces 30m setbacks from property lines. This rural rule cripples urban beekeeping, risking fines & limiting city pollination efforts. #Beekeeping #OntarioBees #UrbanBeekeeping #Pollinators #AgriLaw #BeeConservation #CityGardening #SustainableLiving #honeybees #valleybeekeeping http://www.valleybeekeeping.com