This notice on Coumaphos (Checkmite+™) use has just been received:

1) Small hive beetle: The use of Checkmite+ has been approved for an emergency registration for the small hive beetle beginning from February 21, 2007 and ending December 31, 2007 for all provinces, except for Quebec and Ontario. Conditions on how Checkmite+ is to be used will be sent out later.

2) Varroa mite: Checkmite+ was recently registered for the control of Varroa mites in honey bee hives. Details will be sent out later.

Chris Maund
Integrated Pest Management Specialist (Entomologist) and Provincial Apiarist
Crop Development Branch
NB Department of Agriculture and Aquaculture

Peek inside the hive and watch the Varroa destructor in action!

Jeff Harris of the USDA-ARS narrates The Life Cycle of the Honeybee and Varroa Mite. This informative 10-minute video (from Hivetool.com via Google Video) is available to watch online, or to download and watch later on your own computer. Highly recommended.

Tuesday, 13 March 2007
Central Beekeepers Alliance Meeting
Agricultural Research Centre, Fredericton, NB
7:30 p.m.

Want to learn more about Beekeeping? Visitors and new beekeepers are always welcome! Most meetings include an educational session, group discussion, or hands-on demonstration for the benefit of beginning beekeepers in central New Brunswick. The Agricultural Research Centre (”Experimental Farm”) is on the Lincoln Road, Fredericton. Entry is around the back of the building.

Top Stitch Manufacturing in British Columbia is now offering bee suits, jackets, and beekeeper’s hooded vests. The clothing is made of polycotton twill fabric in a design very similar to the leading brand. Features include various roomy pockets including right and left hivetool pockets, velcro closure on front flap pockets, UV-resistant and detachable veil, elastic on cuffs. Available in white or tan, in a range of sizes.

Contact Topstitch Manufacturing for more information.

Last night on the Coast To Coast a.m. radio show, host George Noory interviewed Eric Mussen (honey bee extension specialist with the Department of Entomology, University of California) about Colony Collapse Disorder. The program will be repeated at 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time, 11:00 p.m. Atlantic, and affiliate information is available on the Coast To Coast a.m website.

If you miss the show replay, the Coast to Coast site also gives links to audio files of the radio program that you can hear via Windows Media Player (standard equipment on most home PCs) or Real Player (free download software).