The Buzzzzzz About Bees

During my time with Extension, I have been introduced to many new subjects in agriculture. One of them is beekeeping. The Carroll County Extension office hosts a bee club that meets on the first Monday of every month. During these meetings, local beekeepers come to learn new information about bees, listen to guest speakers, and talk with each other. Some meetings have close to 40 attendees.

Tonight's meeting had a very impressive turnout. The guest speaker was Greg Farris, an apiary inspector from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Mr. Farris gave a presentation on how to manage Varroa destructor mites in bee hives. These mites attach themselves to the bee's body and suck hemolymph. This weakens the bee and can spread viruses.

Greg Farris, NCDACS, gives a presentation on Varroa destructor mites. 

Mr. Farris presented the audience with ways to inspect for the mites, how to control them, and some ways to try to lessen the numbers of mites present. According to him, mites are inevitable, but you should try to control their populations because they can be detrimental to a hive.

Other topics discussed at bee meetings I attended previously included predator control, how to catch a swarm, and what to do with a weaker hive. One thing I think works very well for the meetings is that Steve allows anyone in attendance to share any information and knowledge they have with the group. There is such a diverse group of people who attend, and each with their own stories of succsesess or failures. Many attendees have years and years of experience, and it is always helpful when they share their knowledge with the rest of the group. Each attendee can get added to a Listserv if they wish to receive emails about meetings and events.

My job during the bee meetings has mainly been to help set them up. I help arrange chairs and equipment, but then during the actual meeting I get to listen and participate. I also try to take lots of pictures. I am learning a lot about beekeeping. Perhaps I can use what I've learned and raise bees myself, or with any of my future students!