PUHI — The public is invited to the Kaua‘i Beekeepers Association meeting Monday starting at 6 p.m. and running until about 7:30 p.m. at the Kaua‘i Community College, ETRO Multipurpose Room 114 in the Electronic Technology Building. The KBEE is
PUHI — The public is invited to the Kaua‘i Beekeepers Association meeting Monday starting at 6 p.m. and running until about 7:30 p.m. at the Kaua‘i Community College, ETRO Multipurpose Room 114 in the Electronic Technology Building.
The KBEE is hosting Danielle Downey, the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture’s apiary specialist, for the public talk about pest and disease management in beekeeping.
James Trujillo of KBEE and the KCC Apiary Program said this is a timely topic due to the discovery of the small hive beetle (SHB) on Kaua‘i in late May, as well as the recent detection of American foulbrood disease in other areas of the state.
“We now have reliable reports of SHB from Po‘ipu to the Kilauea areas,” said Jacquie Robson, the HDOA apiary planner. “Unfortunately, infected colonies were moved just before the beetle was initially detected. Although spread of this pest cannot be attributed only to this movement, it is a reminder that monitoring for pests on a regular basis is a good idea.”
Robson said moving colonies with unknown health status can spread any number of pests and diseases, not just the SHB.
“If you are the giver, or receiver of any bees or equipment, it is prudent to thoroughly examine the material prior to movement,” she said. “Early detection is always best.”
She added the varroa mite is currently only found on O‘ahu and the Big Island, but beekeepers should be always vigilant. For more information on the Monday meeting, call Trujillo at 346-7725.
Visit www.hawaiibee.com for more information on the bee pests and diseases.
