A workshop to help beekeepers manage honey bee pests and diseases.
Workshop dates: Saturday 14th and Sunday the 15th September 2019
Varroa mites are a serious problem to beekeepers. They harm honey bees directly and also spread virus diseases that can kill the whole colony. Until recently Varroa could be controlled using Apistan strips. However, Varroa are now resistant to Apistan. There are many alternative treatments but how effective are they, and how can they be combined to provide integrated control?
This workshop is targeted at beekeepers who want to keep the Varroa populations in their hives under control. The focus will be on how oxalic acid can be applied using the sublimation method to kill 97% or more of the Varroa without harming the bees. The workshop will also give information on the effectiveness of some other Varroa control methods including hygienic behaviour, drone trapping, and Apistan. It will also show beekeepers how to quantify the Varroa in their hives.
The workshop will take place at LASI and will combine lectures with hands on activities, and will be based on the results of LASI research carried out in the Sussex Plan for Honey Bee Health & Well Being.
Teachers include Professor Francis Ratnieks, Mr Luciano Scandian, Mr Norman Carreck, Dr. Karin Alton and other LASI researchers.
Other information
Dates
The workshop will be taught: 11.30-15.00 Saturday 14th September and Sunday 15th September 2019. Please book one session. Aim to arrive around 11.15 to allow for parking and refreshments prior to the first lecture at 11.30.
Venue
The Laboratory of Apiculture & Social Insects, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QG
Cost
A small donation of £20 is requested towards the research we carry out at LASI, and is payable at the time of booking. The workshop is limited to 25 people per session. Please note places will be allocated on a first come basis.
Equipment
A notebook/pen is optional.
Travel
Sussex University is easily reached by road and rail. Falmer station is 10 minutes walk. Parking is available in visitor car parks for a small fee (free on Saturday). Please park in car park P1 or P4
Maps
Campus maps
How to get to LASI
Book your place on this workshop here:
Integrated varroa management workshop
We look forward to welcoming you to lab.
FEEDBACK FROM PREVIOUS WORKSHOPS:
Miriam Knight, Gwent Beekeepers Association: Many thanks for the excellent workshop yesterday.
Chris Went: Thanks again to everyone for the excellent workshop today it was great. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Chris Ahie: Many thanks to you and the LASI team for the Varroa workshop yesterday which I found extremely useful. A good mix of lectures, practical demonstration and Q&A... all crammed into one afternoon! For a novice beekeeper, it was a refreshing change to be given clear advice based on peer reviewed research rather than the usual (with no disrespect to my bk colleagues) opinion and anecdote. I shall be adopting the recommendations for OA sublimation this winter.