BEEKEEPING: General Information by R. A. Morse and E. J. Dyce

A Cornell Cooperative Extension Publication Information Bulletin 90

The New York State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is a statutory college of the State University, at Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. 2

BEEKEEPING: This bulletin provides general informa­ Honey Bee as a Pollinator tion about beekeeping that is not usually General Information included in current publications. Informa­ The pollination of agricultural crops is by R. A. Morse and E. J. Dyce tion on specific beekeeping problems can the most important contribution of honey be obtained by writing to the Office of bees to our national economy. Although Apiculture, Department of Entomology, the value of honey bees for pollination Contents Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853. cannot be estimated , it is many times the 2 Extent of Beekeeping Industry total value of both the honey and bees­ wax that they produce . Without cross­ 2 Honey Bee as a Pollinator Extent of Beekeeping Industry pollination many crops would not set seed 3 Who Keeps Bees? or produce fruit. Many insects other than In New York State about 8,500 people the honey bee can carry pollen from one 3 Where Bees Can Be Kept keep at least 125,000 colonies of honey plant to another; but in areas where agri­ 4 A Skilled Occupation bees. The annual production is about 8 culture has been intensified, such as the million pounds of honey and 120,000 fruit areas in New York State, the number 4 How to Acquire a Knowledge of pounds of beeswax. These figures are of these other insects is inadequate for Beekeeping higher than the national average of state commercial pollination. 4 State Apiary Inspection production but not as high as those for Several conditions have contributed to the leading honey-producing states in the a decline of the native pollinating insects 4 Beekeeping Literature and Midwest. New York ranks first in the East in certain areas. In recent years there has Beekeepers Associations in honey production and is usually among been a trend toward intensive and special­ 7 Cornell Home Study Course in the first 7 in the country in the number of ized agriculture. General or diversified Beekeeping colonies and production. farming is neither popular nor profitable. 7 Cornell Summer Short Course in Land that is used to grow only one crop Beekeeping does not provide nectar and pollen for wild pollinating insects over a long period 7 Visual Material of time. The elimination of hedgerows 7 When to Start Beekeeping when fields are made larger reduces the nesting locations for pollinating insects. 8 Buying Bees Pesticides can affect the populations of 8 Equipment certain insects. BEEKEEPING REGIONS 9 Bee Stings IN NEW YORK

9 Causes for Success or Failure in 1 Primary ~ Beekeeping 2 Secondary G:::J 3 Marginal D 10 Summary of Seasonal Management 4 Submarginal §

IS_ :) .3 1 ~ . -~·.:

-:'ORLEAN's'::,,.

GENESEE

~-: - . •. SHAER 3 .;;•·•··.··:•@t•"n~;',3oi,;'F ?t~.)CF2f.J.1J;;·r·~;···~~tEii~,1~ , ULSTER.::.:_;:.·:,:_;. '·. )~{~~;-

Figure 1. A single colony of honey bees will survive almost anywhere In New York State. However, profitable beekeeping Is undertaken only In those areas where honey plants abound. 3

It is estimated that over 15,000 colo­ Where Bees Can Be Kept Beekeepers who have remote apiaries nies of honey bees are used to pollinate may suffer from vandalism and the occa - apples and other fruits in New York State A small number of people have a great sional curious person who removes a hive each year Additionally, New York State fear of honey bees. Often such people cover without knowing what is withi_n For bees are moved to Vermont, Massachu ­ confuse bees and wasps . They may also these reasons beekeepers usually hide setts, Connecticut, and Maine for the be unaware of the service honey bees their apiaries behind or in woods. This too same purpose . Although fruit pollination is perform for mankind. Beekeepers will prevents their flying where they may be a the primary use for which beekeepers are testify that bees busy pollinating flowers or nuisance . paid, about 1 000 colonies are rented for gathering nectar will not sting unless A good apiary location receives a max­ the pollination of other agricultural crops , disturbed. imum of sunlight. It should have good air including birdsfoot trefoil, cucumbers, and Bees have been kept successfully and and water drainage and slope to the south cantaloupes . Beekeepers tend to think in without being a nuisance in large cities. or east. A windbreak is helpful. A source terms of crops from which they receive For a number of years, for example , about of clean water is needed by bees, which compensation, but conservationists are 10 hives of bees were kept in the Brook­ use water to dilute the food fed to larvae aware of the pollination of wild fruit, nut, lyn Botanical Garden, which is located in and also to cool the hive in warm and seed crops that benefit from an a densely populated area . Since 1925 weather . abundance of honey bees. there has been a fairly large apiary im­ It is an unwritten law among beekeep­ mediately adjacent to the Cornell Univer­ ers that no sizable apiary should be sity campus. It is surrounded by a hedge placed within 2 miles of another such Who Keeps Bees? of evergreens about 1 0 feet thick and 15 apiary . If this practice is violated, there feet high. There is only a single , narrow Bees are kept by persons in all walks of may be too little forage, and the colonies entrance to the apiary , and the bees are life. For some , beekeeping is an interest­ in both the old and new apiary will suffer . forced to fly over the hedge and above ing hobby; for those who operate several the heads of people or the tops of cars thousand colonies , it is an important driving in the vicinity . source of income . Figure 2. Although the primary source of income When bees fly unhindered across a for the New York State beekeeper Is the honey road or from their hive along a path used produced, thousands of colonies of bees are rented by walking people, the bees could be a for pollination. Many crops, including these onions nuisance. Bees accidentally hitting a per­ grown In muck In central New York, require cross­ pollination by insects to set seed. son are not inclined to sting ; however, if such a bee is hit or struck , she may sting . Races of bees vary in their propensity to sting . Beekeepers in cong ested areas are advised to check their colonies and to requeen those that show a greater ten­ dency to sting . 4

A Skilled Occupation State Apiary Inspection Beekeeping Literature and Beekeepers Associations Beginners in beekeeping are often mo­ Most states, including New York, hire a tivated by a desire to make a living from chief apiary inspector and, during the PRACTICAL BOOKS honey production. So many things are active bee season, several assistant Honey Bee Brood Diseases by Henrik involved that it is impossible to state the inspectors to inspect colonies of bees for Hansen. Wicwas Press, 425 Hanshaw number of colonies needed to accomplish disease One bacterial disease of honey Road, Ithaca , N.Y. 14850. 32 pages. this. If bees are given proper attention, bees. American foulbrood, is particularly 1981 . 500 colonies are considered the maxi­ troublesome. It is a disease that affects Beekeeping in the Midwest by Elbert A. mum that a skilled beekeeper can man­ only honey bees; colonies that become Jaycox. Office of Agricutural Publications, age without extra help. The complete infected almost invariably perish. 1301 W. Gregory Drive, Urbana, Ill. equipment necessary to operate such an New York State law requires that bees 61801. 169 pages. Revised, 1981. outfit efficiently may require an investment sold or moved intrastate must be accom­ Making Mead by Roger A. Morse. Wic­ of $100,000. No beginners should con­ panied by a permit from the Department was Press, 425 Hanshaw Road, Ithaca, sider such an outlay until they have had of Agriculture and Markets. Seasonal N.Y. 14850. 127 pages. 1980. several years of experience with bees and permits are issued to those individuals Rearing Queen Honey Bees by Roger are convinced that they have the neces­ who have bees in more than one location A. Morse. Wicwas Press, 425 Hanshaw sary ability to produce and sell enough and must move healthy bees and used Road, Ithaca, N.Y. 14850. 128 pages honey to make the venture a financial apiary supplies and equipment between 1979. success. A good plan is to increase the established apiaries and between apiaries Comb Honey Production by Roger A. number of colonies each year while con­ and the honey house. Many states into Morse. Wicwas Press, 425 Hanshaw tinuing a full- or part-time job. which New York State beekeepers move Road, Ithaca, N.Y. 14850. 128 pages their bees also require a certificate of 1979. inspection. ABC and XYZ of Bee Culture by A.I., How to Acquire a The inspection of colonies and the de­ E.R., H.H , and J.A. Root. A.I. Root Co., Knowledge of Beekeeping struction of those infected with American Medina, Ohio 44256. 723 pages 1978. foulbrood are in the best interest of the Success with even a few colonies The Hive and Honey Bee, edited by beekeeping industry. The request for the requires a thorough knowledge of the life Dadant and Sons. Dadant and Sons, Inc., original inspection laws was strongly sup­ and the behavior of bees. A good way to Hamilton. Ill. 62341. 7 40 pages. 1975. ported by the New York State Horticultural obtain this knowledge and at the same The Complete Guide to Beekeeping by Societi whose members are concerned time to learn whether beekeeping is a Roger A. Morse. E.P. Dutton Inc., 201 about having a healthy industry and bees congenial occupation is to work with a Park Avenue South, New York, N.Y. available to be moved into orchards in the skilled beekeeper. While obtaining practi­ 10003. 21 9 pages. Revised edition. spring for pollination. Support for apiary cal experience, one should devote spare 1974. inspection has also come from conserva­ time to reading the best books and bulle­ Queen Rearing by H.H. Laidlaw and J.E. tionists interested in the pollination of wild tins on the subject. Few persons make a Eckert. University of California Press. Ber­ fruit, nut, and seed crops needed by success of beekeeping without practical keley, Calif. 94790. 165 pages. wildlife. experience. 1962. For their own protection and that of Honey Plants Manual by Harvey B. their neighbors, persons owning bees Lovell. A.I. Root Co., Medina, Ohio 44256. must register with the Chief Apiary In­ 64 pages. 1956. spector. Those needing certificates of Starting Right with Bees, revised and inspection can write to the Department of edited by Walter Barth. A.I. Root Co., Agriculture and Markets. Building 8, State Medina, Ohio 44256. 100 pages. 1956. Campus, Albany, N.Y. 12235 . Five Hundred Answers to Bee Ques­ tions revised and edited by Walter Barth. A.I. Root Co., Medina. Ohio 44256. 100 pages. 1955 .

Figure 3. This apiary Is surrounded by trees that protect It from high winds, but Is large enough for the colonies to receive a maximum of sunlight. The building in the rear Is used for the storage ol extra supers and equipment. 5

SCIENTIFIC BOOKS BEEKEEPING JOURNALS AND Honey Bee Pests, Predators and Dis­ ASSOCIATIONS. Beekeepers associa­ eases, edited by Roger A. Morse. Cornell tions in several states issue journals or University Press, Ithaca, N.Y. 14850. newsletters to their members. New York 432 pages. 1978. State currently has 11 local (often county) Sociobiology by Edward 0. Wilson. associations as well as the statewide Belknap Press of Harvard University Empire State Honey Producers Associa­ Press, Cambridge, Mass. 02138. 416 tion. This latter group issues a newsletter pages. 1975. twice a year, immediately before its Bees and Beekeeping by Roger A. annual 2-day meeting, which is usually Morse. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, held in December, and its annual summer N.Y. 14850. 320 pages. 1975. picnic, usually held in late July. Dues for The Social Behavior of the Bees by the Empire State Honey Producers Asso­ Charles D. Michener. Belknap Press of ciation are $10 per year. Information Harvard University Press, Cambridge, about local associations and the state Mass. 02138. 404 pages. 1974. association can be obtained by writing the The Insect Societies by Edward 0. Office of Apiculture, Department of Ento­ Wilson. Belknap Press of Harvarc Univer­ mology, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. sity Press, Cambridge, Mass. 02138. 14853. 548 pages 1971. The following monthly journals have Bees: Their Vision, Chemical Senses national and international distribution. They and Language by K. von Frisch. Cornell are available on a subscription basis by University Press, Ithaca, N.Y. 14853. writing directly to the publishers. Each 157 pages. Revised edition. 1971. carries extensive advertising by suppliers Communication among Social Bees by of beekeeping equipment. Martin Lindauer. Harvard University Press, The American Bee Journal, published by Cambridge, Mass. 02138. 161 pages. Dadant and Sons, Hamilton, Ill. 62341. Revised edition. 1971. Gleanings in Bee Culture, published by Insect Pollination of Crops by John B. the A.I. Root Company, Medina, Ohio Free. Academic Press, 111 Fifth Avenue, 44256. New York, N.Y. 10003. 544 pages. Pie Speedy Bee, published by Troy H. 1970. Fore, Jr., P.O. Box 998, Jesup, Ga. The Dance Language and Orientation 21545. of Bees by Karl von Frisch. Belknap Of the bee journals published in other Press of Harvard University Press, Cam­ countries, Bee World, published by the bridge, Mass. 02138. 566 pages. International Bee Research Association 1967. (IBRA), Hill House, Chalfont St. Peter, Anatomy and Dissection of the Honey­ Gerrards Cross, Bucks , England SL9 bee by HA Dade. Bee Research Asso­ 0NR, is outstanding. For many years this ciation, 11 Poplar Grove, Maidstone, Kent, journal has published articles and England. 158 pages, plus plates. 1961. abstracts in English of all the important Anatomy of the Honey Bee by R.E. scientific papers on beekeeping Snodgrass. Comstock Publishing Co., throughout the world. To serve bee Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. 14853. research and beekeeping more effec­ 330 pages. 1956. tively, the association changed its policy in 1962 and now publishes 3 separate bee journals: Bee World, Apicultural Abstracts, and Journal of Apicultural Research. Membership in the IBRA is open to all persons interested in bees and beekeeping. Application forms can be obtained by mail.

Figure 4. To inspect a colony, the outer telescopic lid and Inner cover are removed. The beekeeper next smokes the top bars of the frames. Note that the beekeeper stands to one side of the colony so as not to interfere with flight to and from the entrance. 6

Interstate beekeepers organizations. County and state organizations exist in Park, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y The best source of information about most states and welcome persons from 14850. beekeepers meetings and organizations is out of state. Many persons in New York Wintering Honey Bees in New York State a current bee journal. The American Bee City, for example, regularly attend meet­ by E.J. Dyce and RA Morse. Information Journal, Gleanings in Bee Culture, and ings in New Jersey . Information about Bulletin 109. 1O pages. 1978. The Speedy Bee carry notes on county, such meetings will be found in the bee Package Bees: Their Installation and state, interstate, national, and international journals or can be obtained by writing to a Immediate Care by G.F. Combs and RA mec 1ings. state college of agriculture. Morse. Information Bulletin 7. 8 pages. The Eastern Aplcultural Society was 1971. formed in the late 1950s to bring bee­ BULLETINS. Three bulletins pertaining to Bait Hives in Northeastern States by R. keepers together at an annual meeting, to bees and beekeeping are available by Morse. Information Bulletin 187. 8 pages. talk about mutual problems. The society writing the Distribution Center, 7 Research 1982 . meets in one of the New England states, Ontario, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, or Vir­ ginia, usually at a state college. The 3- day meeting, often held in August, includes a honey, beeswax, and gadget show. Demonstrations are given during good weather . The American Beekeeping Federa­ tion is one of two national organizations that represent the industry. The federation publishes i1s own newsletter and holds an annual meeting , usually in January . The location of the annual meeting is changed from year to year to provide beekeepers in ditterent sections of the country a better opportunity to attend . The American Honey Producers Association is a group of commercial beekeepers who have joined together to solve industry problems. The association publishes its own newsletter. It, too, moves the location of its annual meeting from year to year so as to accommodate beekeepers in various parts of the country. County and local associations. Active beekeepers ' associations meet in several areas in New York: Finger Lakes Bee­ keepers Club, Long Island Beekeepers Club, Mid-York Beekeepers Associa­ tion, Monroe County Beekeepers Association, Northeast & Schenectady County Beekeepers Association, South­ eastern Beekeepers Club, Southern Tier Beekeepers Association, Ulster County Beekeepers Association, West­ chester County Beekeepers Associa­ tion, and Western New York Honey Producers Association. For further information the local Figure S. To check on colony condlllon, the frames are removed one at a Ume. The beekeeper holds the county agricultural agent should be smoker between his legs for Immediate use should additional smoke be needed to calm the colony. contacted . 7

USDA PUBLICATIONS. The United Cornell Home Study Course When to Start Beekeeping States Department of Agriculture has bee in Beekeeping laboratories in Maryland, Wisconsin, Utah, The best time to start beekeeping is in Wyoming, Arizona, and Louisiana. These The Cornell home study course in bee­ the spring. Many beginners start by buy­ are research laboratories; but in each keeping is designed :o help beekeepers ing packages that consist of 2 or 3 case there is a close association with the make their apiaries more profitable pounds of bees and a mated queen, state land-grant college, and some teach­ Ownership of an apiary or at least one shipped in a temporary wire cage without ing and extension are usually done with colony of bees is desirable but not neces­ combs from the southern states. It is persons interested in beekeeping. The sary. The course requires a limited knowl­ advisable to install package bees on full USDA has several bulletins and circulars edge of the handling of bees Written sheets of comb foundation instead of about certain aspects of beekeeping reports on 9 lessons and 3 practical drawn combs and to feed them sugar available without charge. For further exercise s are required . All papers are syrup instead of honey. These precau­ information about USDA publications write graded and returned. The enrollment fee tions are taken to guard against the pos­ USDA, Bioenvironmental Bee Laboratory, for the course is $20. One textbook must sibility of spreading American foulbrood . Plant Protection Institute, Agricultural be purchased . The same precautions should be taken in Research Station, Beltsville, Md. 20705. Applications and information concerning hiving stray swarms of bees . Established the course should be addressed to Office colonies purchased from a neighboring Annual statistics for the USDA. Figures of Apiculture, Department of Entomology, beekeeper should be well supplied with on the number of colonies and the annual Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. 14853. honey and should be in standard hives in production of honey and beeswax for good condition and accompanied by a each state can be obtained without cost ce rtificate of disease inspection from the from the Crop Reporting Board, Statistical Cornell Summer Short Course Chief Apiary Inspector, Department of Reporting Service, USDA, Washington , in Beekeeping Agriculture and Markets, Building 8, State D.C . 20250. Campus, Albany, N.Y. 12235. The Cornell summer short course in beekeeping, which starts on a Friday BEEKEEPING LIBRARY AT CORNELL evening and continues through Sunday , is UNIVERSI TY. The Everett Franklin Phil­ offered each year, usually in mid-July. lips Beekeeping Library consists of thou­ Participants stay in the Univer sity dormi­ sands of books, bulletins , pamphlets, and tories and eat in the University cafeteria volumes of beekeeping Journals. It is for the weekend . probably the most valuable collection of The program consists of lectu res and beekeeping literature in the world. Some demonstrations designed for beginners notable collections have been included , and those in their first years as bee­ such as the entire beekeeping library of keepers. Weather permitting, colonies are Moses Quinby , all books known to remain examined by participants under the from the libraries of L.L. Langstroth, Dr. guidance of instructors. CC. Miller, and Dr. John Anderson, the Applications and information concerning Dr. Ludwig Armbruster Library, the Evard the course can be obtained from Office of French Library, and a large collection of Apiculture , Department of Entomology , first editions . Among the most valuable Cornell University, Ithaca , N.Y. 14853 . items are Langstroth's handwritten journal, his letterpress book, and a diary of Moses Quinby . Visual Material Most items in the library , except the special treasures, are available to serious Motion pictures on the life, habits, and users through Interlibrary Loan Service . behavior of honey bees can be obtained Applications should be made to any pub­ from Audio-Visual Resources Center , 8 lic library . Research Park, Cornell University , Ithaca, Some of the most valuable parts of this N.Y. 14850. A catalog listing the films available and the procedure for obtaining library have been obtained by exchange Figure 6. The ropey substance being pulled from a with foreign institutions and libraries , and them will be forwarded on request. cell Is the remnants of a larva killed by the bacteria there is constant need for extra copies of that causes American foulbrood, a difficult disease older books and all volumes of beekeep­ to control. Beekeepers should always be alert to diseases and pests that may affect their bees ing journals . Such gifts are welcome and adversely. should be addressed to the Office of Api­ culture, Department of Entomology, Cor­ nell University, Ithaca, N.Y. 14853. 8

PACKAGE BEE INSTALLATION. For Figure 7 . This package of bees, shipped north from a southern state, contains about 12,000 bees and a queen. the best results package bees should be Persons starting with package bees In New York should receive their bees between Aprll 15 and May 15; only by starting the package this early will the bees gather the 60 to 80 pounds of honey they need to winter received and installed between April 15 satisfactorily. and May 15 in New York State. Packages installed at a later date usually do not have time to build sufficient colony popu­ lation to gather the 60 to 75 pounds of honey needed by a colony for wintering successfully in the state. Information Bulletin 7, PackageBees: Their Installation and Immediate Care, is available by writing to Distribution Center , 7 Research Park, Cornell University, Ithaca , NY 14850. The price of the bulletin is 35¢

Buying Bees

WHERE TO BUY BEES AND QUEENS. Package bees and queens can be purchased from southern produc­ ers, most of whom advertise in the bee­ keeping journals. Established colonies and equipment for sale are also advertised in the journals.

KIND OF BEES TO PURCHASE. Italian bees are recommended for beginners because they are most commonly used Some beginners produce section comb WHERE EQUIPMENT CAN BE PUR­ by beekeepers in this country and are honey, but a high-quality product requires CHASED. Hives and other beekeeping raised by practically all the queen and considerable skill in colony management. equipment are manufactured by several package-bee producers. A few breeders For home use, comb honey can be pro­ companies in various parts of the United raise Caucasian and Carniolan bees , but duced in shallow frames of standard States. Beekeepers can obtain the names most beekeepers consider Italian bees the length on thin comb foundation made and addresses of these firms from any of best. especially for this purpose ( embossed the beekeeping journals and write for sheets of pure beeswax, which form the catalogs. midribs of the combs). Most beekeepers Equipment produce extracted honey for which full­ HOMEMADE EQUIPMENT. Many depth supers are generally used. A cen­ commercial beekeepers believe that it In TYPE OF EQUIPMENT TO USE. trifugal honey extractor is required for the pays to buy accurate factory-made 1851, L.L. Langstroth discovered the "bee removal of the honey; for a beginner it equipment. The frames fit better in the space" and invented a beehive that has need not be an expensive model . hives and require less effort for removal become standard in the United States and Items required by the beginner are and replacement. On the other hand , in many other countries. The "bee space" listed in the catalogs of supply manufac­ beginners often wish to make their own (1 / 4 to 5 / 16 in.) is an area large enough turers, and additional equipment needed equipment. If hives are to be made at to permit the free passage of bees but too for any one type of honey production can home, the best plan is to buy a complete wide to induce bees to deposit propolis be ordered separately. The 10-frame hive hive for a model. Exact dimensions must and too narrow for comb building . The is the type most widely used in the United be adhered to, or the bees will build comb Langstroth or standard hive opens at the States. Because this equipment is avail­ and deposit propolis where neither is top, and the frames (9 1 /8 in. high by 17 able at all bee supply houses and has the desired. (Information on dimensions for 5/8 in. long) that contain the individual greatest resale value, the beginner should beekeeping equipment is available by writ­ combs are hung in each hive body to purchase hives of this type. ing to the Office of Apiculture, Department provide a bee space all around each of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, frame . The portion of the hive used for NY 14853.) rearing brood (brood chamber) consists of 1 or 2 hive units, and the space for stor­ age of honey consists of additional units (supers) placed above. 9

Bee Stings When disease breaks out in any one BEE POISONING. Very rarely are honey portion of the state, all colonies surround­ bee colonies killed by insecticides in New Bee stings are annoying to most expe­ ing the source of infection must be exam­ York State. However, each year many rienced beekeepers as well as beginners, ined. For this reason it is required that all colonies lose their entire field force and but the degree of sensitivity varies con­ colonies be housed in hives with frames may suffer some loss of brood as a result siderably. Experienced beekeepers suffer that can be removed without difficulty. The of air spray used to protect forests and pain from the initial prick of a sting, but keeping of bees in boxes or hives from farm crops or in public health programs. they quickly build up an immunity to bee which the combs cannot be removed is Diagnosing a bee loss from pesticides is venom, which reduces or eliminates the illegal. not always an easy matter. In the case of aftereffects. At one time European foulbrood caused some insecticides there will be large The degree of pain and swelling result­ enormous losses in New York State; but numbers of dead bees on the bottom ing from a sting depends on the length of with the use of improved methods of col­ board and immediately in front of the col­ time the sting remains in the skin and the ony management and by the introduction ony. Under normal circumstances, even amount of poison that enters the flesh. of Italian stock, this disease has been though the normal death rate in a colony Therefore, it is important to rub or scrape held under control. It is still present in the of honey bees may be 1 000 or 1500 out the sting immediately. state, however, and remains a problem in bees a day, worker bees within the colony Bees and other stinging insects seem many apiaries. carry the bodies of their dead some dis­ to be disturbed by the odor of sweat and A virus disease known as sacbrood tance from the hive; and the dead bodies most perfumed substances. They are less occurs throughout the state. Because this are neither found nor seen. Therefore, an inclined to sting light-colored, smooth­ disease and European foulbrood resemble accumulation of more than 3 or 4 dead textured clothing. Beekeepers should American foulbrood in certain respects, bees per day immediately in front of a therefore prepare for work in the apiary by and since there is such a wide difference colony entrance is cause for suspicion. washing with nonfragrant soap and dress­ in their destructiveness , exact diagnosis is In the case of certain pesticides, the ing in clean, white coveralls or khaki important. Information on differences in foraging bees may not be able to return to clothing that covers their bodies as much symptoms of these 3 diseases is given in the hive and may die in the field where as possible. Farmers' Bulletin No. 2255, Identification they are little noticed by the beekeeper. and Control of Honey Bee Diseases, However, in the case of any loss due to Causes for Success or Failure which can be obtained from the Superin­ pesticides, there should be a slightly larger than normal accumulation of dead in Beekeeping tendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. bees in front of the colony entrance. Four primary considerations contribute The price is $1.00. Depletion of a field force means that there to the success of beekeeping: (1) control The Bioenvironmental Bee Laboratory, may be fewer than the normal number of of American foulbrood, (2) control of wax Plant Protection Institute, Agricultural bees in a hive; and oftentimes, because moths, (3) keeping the colo nies headed Research Station, Beltsville, Md. 20705, there are fewer bees, there may be some with young productive queens, and ( 4) examines samples of brood and adult chilled brood. Also, colonies that suffer enough room for the rearing of brood and bees without charge. For diagnosing from losses due to pesticides will often the storage of honey. brood or brood remains, one should send suffer from stress diseases such as Euro­ In recent years pesticides have in­ a sample of comb, about 4 by 4 inches, pean foulbrood and sacbrood . This is creasingly become a problem for bee­ containing the affected brood or brood especially visible 2 to 6 weeks following keepers in some areas. Most such losses remains; avoid including any honey in the the pesticide application. can be avoided by the selection of the sample. The fact that some honey bees die proper pesticide and time of application . from pesticides each year is evidence that we still have much to do to make our DISEASES OF BEES. The control of bee environment safe and clean. When honey diseases is a major problem in bee­ bees die, our data indicate that many keeping. Of the diseases that affect the species of beneficial insects are also brood of bees, American foulbrood is the affected. During the decade of the 1970s, most serious. Losses normally result the federal government compensated because beekeepers fail to examine each beekeepers who lost bees because of colony thoroughly for this disease in the pesticides. This program was halted in spring, the summer, and the fall. late 1980 because it had done nothing to The bacterium that causes the disease stop the problem. (Bacillus larvae) forms a resistant spore capable of withstanding high temperatures and existing in bee equipment for years. Colonies of bees can die of American foulbrood without the owner's realizing Figure 8. This colony of honey bees has plugged its what caused their death. Beginners in entrance with propolls, which Is the gums and resins beekeeping should be cautious about buy­ collected from pine and poplar trees. The excessive use of propolis, a trait typical of Caucaslon bees, ing used equipment. makes keeping them a nuisance although they are good honey collectors. 10

The New York State Department of IMPORTANCE OF GOOD QUEENS. A Summary of Seasonal Environmental Conservation has super­ colony of bees normally consists of 1 Management vision over the use of pesticides in the queen (the mother of the hive), thousands state. It works closely with the National of worker bees (sexually undeveloped It is not difficult or time consuming to Environmental Protection Agency. When­ females), which do all the work in the field manage a few colonies for honey produc­ ever honey bees are killed by a pesticide, and the hive, and some drones (males), tion or pollination, but it is imperative to the loss should be reported and docu­ whose sole function is to mate with the give the colonies adequate attention at mented by calling one of the department's young queens. Since the queen lays all definite periods during the active season. regional offices. Representatives from the the eggs in the hive, the growth and pro­ The following summary of seasonal department will determine if the material ductivity of the colony is entirely de­ management for central New York State was misused and what steps should be pendent on her. It is therefore highly is designed to help beekeepers manage taken to avoid a similar loss in the future. important that each colony contain a their colonies efficiently. young, prolific queen. The degree of suc­ The dates given are approximate for APIARY PESTS. The wax moth (Galleria cess among large and small beekeepers central New York in a normal season. melonelia), often referred to as the bee normally depends on the amount of atten­ Southern counties are usually from 1 moth, wax worm, and web worm, is found tion given to queens. Good queens result week to 1 0 days earlier and northern throughout the state and causes severe in better wintering, faster buildup in popu­ counties from 1 week to 1 0 days later. damage to combs. The moths lay eggs in lation in the spring, less trouble with This plan of operation is satisfactory dur­ the crevices of the hives. On hatching, the swarming, and a larger crop of honey. ing an average year, but should be modi­ minute, highly mobile larvae make their fied to meet changing honey/low way to the combs. The laNae grow ROOM FOR BROOD REARING ANO conditions. Successful beekeeping is a rapidly and construct strong tunnels of silk STORAGE OF HONEY. Insufficient combination of art and science; the bee­ as they burrow through and among the room for the queen to lay eggs and for keeper who produces a maximum crop combs, feeding on the pollen, cocoons, the bees to store honey is one of the combines both. and honey. On reaching maturity, the lar­ greatest causes for failure in beekeeping . First warm day during late March or vae spin tough silken cocoons around Swarming is the natural method of repro­ early April when the bees are flying: themselves, emerging later as adult duction in honey bees. A crowded or 1. Clean the entrances of the colonies. moths. congested brood chamber stimulates the In the fall, colony entrances are reduced During warm weather, weak colonies as colony to swarm. Honey bees normally in size (about 2 1 /2 in. long by 3/8 in. well as combs in storage are subject to expand their brood nest in an upward high) to help the bees keep warm and to wax-moth attack. Destruction is rapid and direction. If this expansion is restricted, prevent mice from entering. Sometimes so complete that the combs are reduced even weak colonies prepare to swarm. dead bees or dislodged insulating mate­ to a mass of webs and debris in a few Swarming usually takes place during the rials restrict or clog the entrances and weeks. period of greatest brood rearing. In New should be removed. As the weather Stored combs should be examined York State this peak is normally in the becomes warm in the spring, the en­ every 2 weeks When the first signs of spring after the dandelions commence to trances should be enlarged. wax moth appear, they should be fumi­ bloom and before the clovers start to yield gated. Paradichlorobenzene is the fumi­ nectar. During this period it is especially 2. Close the entrances of dead colonies gant most commonly used. important to provide ample worker comb or remove them to a bee-tight building or A circular, Wax Moths and Their Con­ in which the queen can expand her nest cellar where it is impossible for bees to trol, can be obtained by writing to the in an upward direction. rob the honey from the combs. This pre­ Office of Apiculture, Department of Ento­ The problem of swarm control is great­ caution prevents the spread of American mology, Cornell University, Ithaca , N.Y. est between the dandelion and clover foul brood. 14853. honey/lows, but continues later into the 3. Unite queenless colonies or those season if there is not enough room for the with failing queens by placing them above bees to store nectar. Bees short of stor­ strong queen -right colonies separated age space are forced to hold the nectar in with a sheet of newspaper. The paper their honey stomachs. When these bees should be pierced in 2 or 3 places . If time are unable to work in the fields, they and temperature permit, it is advisable to crowd the brood chamber; the crowding remove the failing queens. stimulates swarming and results in a reduction in the honey crop.

Figure 9. A hive stand, made of heavy wood treated with a wood preservative, serves a useful function. The colonies are raised about 6 Inches off the damp ground and above the grass. In the winter, 2 colo­ nies can be pushed together and wrapped with black paper on the stand. The dead air space below the colonies keeps the hive dry. 11

4. Strengthen weak colonies containing 4. Colonies can be checked for queen young prolific queens by placing them cells by separating the hive bodies and above strong colonies with a queen examining the bottom of the combs of the excluder and a piece of newspaper upper hive bodies. If queen cells are between them . The colonies should be being built in anticipation of swarming, use united during the latter part of March or one of the following methods to prevent early April and separated toward the end swarming: of the dandelion or fruit-bloom flow. When a. Remove all queen cells and the colonies have been separated, set the reverse the brood chamber. stronger of the 2 colonies on a new stand. b. Divide the colony into 2 parts This helps to equalize the field forces of making certain that the brood, the 2 colonies because many of the field bees, and honey are divided bees in the stronger colony will return to about equally. All the queen cells their old location . should be removed from the divi­ sion containing the queen, but 1 5. Feed the colonies if necessary with a or 2 of the largest queen cells mixture of 1 or 2 parts of white sugar to 1 should be left in the queenless part of water , by weight or measure . Feed­ part. ing is rarely necessary if ample food is c. Remove all the queen cells provided in the fall. Figure 10. Two colonies of bees have been placed and exchange the position of Late April or early May when the dan­ side by side on a hive stand and wrapped in black strong colonies in the apiary with delions and fruit start to bloom: tarpaper. The black paper serves to warm the colo­ weak ones. Enough field bees nies on cool winter days and to give the adult bees 1. Unpack the colonies and check for usually leave the strong colonies, an opportunity to fly and void fecal matter. Occa­ food, diseases, and performance of the sional flights In December through March are neces­ return to their old locations, and queens in egg laying. sary ii colonies are to winter successfully. enter the weak colonies to prevent 2. Provide ample worker comb in which further trouble from swarming for the queen can lay and freely expand her at least 2 weeks. nest in an upward direction . This is 5. It is unnecessa ry to clip the wings of necessary to prevent the bees from pre­ the queens if enough room is provided. paring to swarm. The brood nest can be 6. Fumigate stored combs if even 1 wax expanded in 2 general ways: moth larva is found in them. a. Reverse the brood chambers of all strong colonies , and add a At the beginning of clover honeyflow super of worker comb when the (usually during the last half of June): colonies need more room. Beekeepers manipulate their -colonies in b. Add a super of worker comb different ways at the beginning of the on top of each colony. clover flow to discourage swarming. Two In each method a frame of sealed of the most popular ways are as follows: brood is raised from lhe lower 1. Place the queen in the lowest brood c hamber into the super, chamber. This is usually accomplished by which is added. Both of these driving the bees down out of the supers methods provide enough room for into the lowest chamber with smoke, cer­ the bees to work in an upward tain acid fumes, or shaking them from the direction. combs. Add a queen exc luder and a super of drawn combs, and then place 3. Feed if necessary. Starvation of bees Figure 11. In this partially completed winter pack the hive body or hive bodies containing between the dandelion and clover flow is the wheat straw, which has been placed on top of brood on top of this super of drawn one of the principal causes of unprofitable the 2 colonies, Is visible. Wheat straw absorbs combs . An additional super of combs beekeeping. Never let a colony get _below excess moisture; and with the straw heaped in the should be placed on top of the colony to the equivalent of 3 full combs of honey, middle of the 2 colonies, the winter pack sheds insure ample space for the storage of especially at this critical time of year. snow and rain. honey . Confining the queen to 1 hive body during the light honeyflow is a popu­ lar method among beekeepers. 12

2. Allow the queen to lay in 2 brood At the end of the clover honeyflow (lat­ Pack the colonies for winter (usually chambers throughout the entire season. ter part of July or early August): about the middle of October): With this method, swarming is usually 1. Requeen or, at least, mark the colo­ 1. Colonies in 2 hive bodies should prevented by reversing the brood nies that need new queens so that they weigh about 130 pounds. Feed colonies chambers at least once or twice during can be requeened as soon as time per­ that do not meet this weight. May and early June. At the beginning of mits. Young queens ensure good wintering 2. Detailed information on wintering the clover flow, remove 5 or 6 frames of and a maximum honey crop the following honey bees in New York State is con­ brood from each colony and place them year. tained in Information Bulletin 109 available in the center of the third super, which is 2. Examine the colonies for disease by writing to Distribution Center, 7 added at this time. Shake each frame of before removing the honey crop. Research Park, Cornell University, Ithaca, brood as it is removed to dislodge the New York 1 4850. There is a 50¢ charge bees. This permits inspection of the 3. Remove and extract the clover honey for this bulletin. combs for American foulbrood and, at the crop, and return the supers to the colo­ same time, prevents the queen from being nies for buckwheat or other fall To complete their work on schedule, carried up into the supers. Next, place a honeyflows. commercial beekeepers who operate several apiaries will usually find it neces­ queen excluder between the second At the end of buckwheat and (or) fall sary to start their work earlier and con­ chamber and the third super, which now honeyflow (usually during the latter tinue later than the dates indicated. contains 5 or 6 frames of brood. This part of September): method provides ample room for the 1. Unite all weak and queenless colo­ queen to lay in the 2 lower brood nies with other strong colonies. chambers and at the same time stimu­ lates the bees to work in the supers 2. Examine the colonies for disease. above the excluder. 3. Remove the supers and queen 3. Examine the colonies for room and excluders and reduce each colony to 2 for queen cells about every 2 weeks dur­ hive bodies for winter. Make certain that R. A Morse is a professor and E. J_ Dyce, ing the clover honey/low. the top hive body or second brood deceased, was a professor emeritus in chamber is full of honey. the Department of Entomology, New York State College of Agriculture and Life 4. Remove and extract the surplus Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY honey, and store the supers for winter. 14853.

COOPERATIVE e EXTENSION CORNELL UNIVERSITY

Cooperative Extension, New York State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, New York State College of Human Ecology, and New York State College of Veterinary Medicine, at Cornell University, and U.S. Department of Agriculture, cooperating. In furtherance of acts of Congress May 8 and June 30, 1914, and providing equal opportunities in employment and programs.

Produced by Media Services at Cornell University

090/125 Revised 4/82 CP SM 7704