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Post by gardendaddy on Mar 22, 2012 16:00:04 GMT -6
I had mentioned I was somewhat involved with the JABA (Jackson Area Beekeepers Assn) this past year and I was relating that you are required to report and record having hives with the State of TN Dept. of AG. As I am still getting their emails, infor., etc. I just got an email about a state-wide outbreak of something called "EFB" or European Foulbrood, which is infecting colonies across the state this spring. It can be treated with antibiotics fed to the colony, etc. without having to burn the colony, hive body and loss of the entire group or possibly lose your entire operation. It is caused often due to the large amounts of wet weather we have had this spring which in turn causes stress on the colony which causes certain diseases to run wild. Yes, STRESS can kill out your colonies!
So you can see how important it is to keep these bees healthy we have that provide so much for us. The email was insistent for keepers to have their hives tested by Dept of Ag personnel to prevent further outbreaks or cure current ones. There is more to being a keeper than just getting hives and ordering bees and I strongly advise you to take the JABA short course every February and attend their monthly meetings.
I just thought I would give those who had mentioned beekeeping recently a little information as to what goes on and how important it is to have proper hive maintenance and protection. You know how much we take care of our birds...bees have the same needs!
Mike...aka...GARDEN DADDY
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Post by Timbo on Mar 22, 2012 19:25:54 GMT -6
Good job thanks Mike!!
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Post by rinksgi on Mar 22, 2012 20:09:24 GMT -6
Thanks Mike
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Post by chowdownsilkiefarm on Mar 22, 2012 20:51:59 GMT -6
Mike. is it time yet to move bees. Those I have in the tree that need to go. I have this flowering tree just by my side door which is the one we use and the bees are all over it.
We have hornets, wasps - the red ones and the dark ones, and honey bees and wood bees. We need to be BEE FREE and the honey bees need a new home. The other ones will go to bee heaven as soon as I stock up on wasp spray.
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Post by gardendaddy on Mar 23, 2012 7:21:22 GMT -6
Chow...PLEASE do not kill any honey bees. Were it not for our honey bees we would not have one bite of food for ourselves or our poultry to eat! I will contact the local keepers and see if they know anyone in your area who will come and harvest them ASAP. Bees in our area have been gone for two years and they are back this spring. I could not be more thrilled. As an avid gardener, I am very pleased as over the past several years due to the lack of honey bees the local farms and home gardeners have been suffering due to lack of pollenators. I am hoping for a good home vegetable again this year with them back! Hold on to those bees till I can find out someone to harvest for you.
Thanks, Mike
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Post by chowdownsilkiefarm on Mar 23, 2012 12:03:09 GMT -6
I would rather the honey bees where moved. I wouldn't mind if they where living in the woods behind the house but to have set up house keeping in my front yard isn't acceptable. I won't hurt the honey bees the the wasps have to go. I know they serve a purpose but there are lots of them and I don't want anybody that may be allergic to get stung.
The honey bees are inside of a big tree and pretty high up.
Does anybody know how to get rid of the wood bees? This place we have here was severly neglected and there is enough old wood that has to be reopaced. The last thing we need is something burrowing holes in it. Makes it more dangerous for Bobby when he has to get up on a roof to replace the tin thats blown off.
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Post by gardendaddy on Mar 23, 2012 12:34:36 GMT -6
Chow, I have emailed the pres. of the JABA about someone in your area who could harvest your tree colony. Will let you know as soon as I hear from him...hope to meet you tomorrow at TSC.
Mike
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Post by chowdownsilkiefarm on Mar 24, 2012 6:58:49 GMT -6
I'll be in jackson today. I'll be late but i'll be there. I'm getting ready now. Just wanted to check to make sure it hasn't been cancelled. If it does will somebody call me. I won't be getting back online after I send this reply. My cell is 731-796-1534
Thanks Marie
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Post by gardendaddy on Mar 24, 2012 12:40:39 GMT -6
Chow,
I got an email back from the President of the Jackson Area Beekeeper's Assn. today and he says he does not know anyone in your area who can harvest the honeybees. You might call your local UT Extension office in your county, Obion.
Your office is located at:
302 South 3rd Street Union City, TN, TN 38261 Phone: 731-885-3742
Hope this helps...this is all I have access or information to pass on. I hope this helps. It was nice to meet you today and put a face with a name. Hope you enjoyed meeting others you might not know.
Had a good meet today and again, Chow, hope this helps and maybe your extension office can help.
Mike
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Post by chowdownsilkiefarm on Mar 24, 2012 20:06:25 GMT -6
It was nice to meet you too and see those i've already met. I'm terrible with names so it will be some time before I can get everybody's straight but I plan on being around for a while.
Thanks for the info and I'll call them Monday. We really dont want to have to kill the colony because they are necessary to have around. I'll search till i'm searched out before we do anything drastic. But the wasps I have ammo for. Bought several cans of wasp and hornet spray. I get tired of having to dodge getting attacked when I want to come in or go outside. I have a sister n law that is so allergic she breaks out with hives just being around where they live. Last sunday she had to go home because she was getting broke out. I hate to think what would happen if she got stung.
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