When we talk about “saving the bees,” the phrase often elicits eye rolls from seasoned beekeepers. It’s a well-meaning but nebulous concept, frequently interpreted as a call to protect native bee populations, overlooking the fact that honey bees, while not native, play a pivotal role in our ecosystems as pollinators and as a part of human agriculture. As a 27-year-old beekeeper dedicated to this craft in Northern New Jersey, I see “saving the bees” through a different lens—one that focuses on sustainable beekeeping practices and the health of honey bee colonies under our care.
In this spirit, I am embarking on a bold, long-term breeding program designed to address one of the most significant challenges in beekeeping today: the varroa mite. Despite the relatively modest success in breeding varroa-resistant bees on a large scale, I believe it’s not only worth the effort but essential. As more people join the beekeeping community with a desire to “save the bees,” it becomes crucial to redefine what this means in practical, actionable terms. This blog post is not just about sharing my journey and plans but also about how you, whether you’re a current beekeeper or aspiring to be one, can be part of a meaningful solution.
Our approach is built on the foundation of regenerative beekeeping—a method that aims for growth and sustainability with minimal inputs. It’s about playing the long game, focusing on genetic resilience, and fostering colonies that can thrive in the face of pests and diseases without relying heavily on chemical treatments. Here, we will delve into the heart of our breeding program, starting with the pivotal role of our nucs, and outline how we plan to tackle the varroa challenge head-on, all while keeping an eye on the sweet reward: honey.
The Problem with Current Beekeeping Practices
The varroa mite, Varroa destructor, has emerged as one of the most formidable foes of the honey bee, Apis mellifera, across the globe. This tiny parasite not only feeds on the bodily fluids of adult and developing bees but also serves as a vector for various bee viruses, contributing to the decline of bee colonies worldwide. The problem with current beekeeping practices largely revolves around our response to this threat: a heavy reliance on chemical treatments to keep varroa populations in check. While these treatments can be effective in the short term, they come with their own set of challenges.
Firstly, the overuse and misuse of chemical miticides have led to increased resistance among varroa populations, rendering some treatments less effective over time. This creates a vicious cycle where beekeepers must continuously seek stronger or alternative chemical solutions, each with potential side effects on bee health and the environment.
Secondly, this approach does little to address the underlying issue: the bees’ own resilience to varroa mites and associated diseases. By focusing on chemical treatments, we may be inadvertently hindering the natural selection processes that could lead to more resistant bee populations. In essence, we’re applying a band-aid to a problem that requires a more holistic, sustainable solution.
Moreover, the emphasis on chemical treatments overlooks the broader ecological impact of beekeeping practices. The health of honey bee colonies is intrinsically linked to their environment, including the availability of diverse forage, exposure to pesticides, and the general stressors of modern bee management. Addressing the varroa mite challenge, therefore, necessitates a shift towards more sustainable, integrated pest management strategies that consider the health of the entire ecosystem.
In summary, the current approach to managing varroa mites in beekeeping is fraught with challenges, from the development of chemical resistance to the potential negative impacts on bee health and the environment. To truly “save the bees,” we must look beyond short-term fixes and towards long-term, sustainable practices that enhance the natural resilience of bee colonies. This is where the concept of regenerative beekeeping and the focus of our breeding program come into play, aiming to cultivate bee populations that can thrive despite the threats they face.
The Role of Nucs in the Breeding Program
Central to our innovative approach in addressing the challenges faced by modern beekeeping is the strategic use of nucleus colonies, or nucs, within our breeding program. These nucs are not merely starting points for new beekeepers or expansions of existing apiaries; they represent the foundational units of a larger, more ambitious goal: to breed honey bees that exhibit natural resistance to varroa mites, alongside other desirable traits such as robust honey production and adaptability to local climates.
Why Nucs?
Nucs serve as controlled environments where we can observe and measure the resilience, productivity, and overall health of bee colonies in response to varroa mites and other environmental pressures. By starting each nuc under similar conditions—same number of frames, bees, brood, and initial varroa mite load—we create a uniform baseline across the board. This uniformity is crucial for the scientific integrity of our breeding program, allowing for accurate comparisons and assessments of each colony’s performance and traits over time.
2024: A Pivotal Year
This year, 2024, marks a significant milestone for our breeding program, as we have meticulously prepared 5-frame nucs for sale. Each nuc is not just a product but an integral participant in our long-term research and development efforts. By managing multiple colonies that start off with the same strength and conditions, we can closely monitor their progress, particularly in how they cope with varroa mite infestations without compromising their honey production capabilities.
Sampling for Varroa Mites and Managing Bee Health
A critical component of our breeding program and overall bee health management is the diligent sampling for Varroa mites. Varroa mites pose one of the most significant threats to honey bee colonies, not only due to their direct parasitic effects on bees but also because they serve as vectors for various bee diseases. Effective management of Varroa populations is therefore essential for the sustainability of beekeeping practices and the long-term health of bee colonies.
The three Princanbles of the plan
- Monitor infestation levels: Understanding the Varroa load within each colony is crucial for making informed management decisions.
- Identify colonies with natural resistance: By comparing Varroa levels across colonies, we can identify those that naturally manage mite populations effectively, without the need for chemical interventions.
- Tailor treatments: Not all colonies will require the same level of intervention. Sampling informs our treatment strategies, allowing us to minimize chemical use and focus on natural resistance and management techniques. Based on the results of the June test each colony will be put on to one of three management paths. These three paths are:
- <1% mites per 300 bees – Treated with Formic acid and manage for honey production.
- >1% mites per 300 bees – The colony will be spilt into two by adding a new queen and replacing the bad performer.
- >1% mite per 300 bees but splitting is not possible – full treatment of Formic acid and the hive is flag to have its queen replaced in the spring.
Tailored Treatments
As we delve into the intricacies of beekeeping and confront the challenge presented by varroa mites, our journey is guided by a commitment to sustainable and regenerative practices. This year marks a pivotal moment as we launch our breeding program, a testament to our dedication not just to the craft of beekeeping but to the broader mission of truly “saving the bees” through meaningful action.
Our approach, centered on the strategic use of nucleus colonies and tailored treatment paths, is more than a method—it’s a manifestation of our philosophy. It represents a deliberate step towards resilience, sustainability, and the cultivation of bee populations that can thrive in the face of challenges without heavy reliance on chemical treatments.
The task ahead is formidable, yet it’s imbued with the potential for learning, growth, and significant contribution to the field of beekeeping. As I embark on this journey, enhancing my skills in queen rearing and colony management becomes paramount. The process of splitting colonies and integrating new genetics from respected breeders into our program is not merely a task; it’s an opportunity to forge a deeper connection craft of queen grafting, a skill that will be needed to make this all happen.
In forthcoming blog posts, I will delve deeper into the specifics of the queens we plan to introduce, the skills I aim to hone, and a more detailed blueprint for managing our colonies. These narratives will not only chart the course of our breeding program but also share the lessons, successes, and challenges we encounter along the way.
I invite you to join me on this journey. By subscribing below, you’ll stay informed on our progress, insights, and the evolving landscape of beekeeping as we navigate it. Together, let’s explore what it truly means to “save the bees,” fostering a future where beekeeping harmonizes with the principles of sustainability and regeneration.
Stay tuned, and thank you for your support and interest in our mission. Together, we’re not just keeping bees; we’re nurturing a legacy of health, resilience, and harmony with nature.