This was our September 2008 GENERAL MEETING which was not held at our usual meeting place, but instead was IN THE FIELD at Keith's (Our President) small yard in North Fort Myers, Florida.

It was regular business, PLUS MUCH MORE: Hands-On working with a few colonies (some gentle, some aggressive, some absconded, some weak, some strong). Also demonstrated were bees wax melting (handling, processing) and candle making (stick dipping).

There were many samples of local flora (honey plants such as coral vine, goldenrod, joint weed, mimosa, Brazilian pepper, willow, etc.) displayed and discussed.

Keith supplied cooler with ice, members brought their own refreshments and shared. Most attendees brought their own protective gear... including their smokers.

Several displays set up on the tables and discussed each. He first discussed placing CheckMite strips in hives to control small hive beetles and varroa mites. He used a piece of corrugated plastic sheeting cut out to fit the pesticide strip inside so that it wouldn’t come in direct contact with frames, comb or hive body. He also talked about placement in the hive and mentioned that he preferred to place it on the bottom board or screen so that it could be pulled out periodically and cleaned. Carroll Rhodes assisted with an explanation of the use of these pesticides, when to use safely and when not to use. President Councell also discussed the proper procedure for sampling bees for genetic or microscopic testing for degree of Africanization. Tom Allen also brought in an observation hive for people to see, which can be made available for various programs and presentations.

Next President Councell talked about an assortment of plants he had on display that bees use for nectar. There were 20-25 species on display. It was mentioned that Brazilian Pepper was just coming on now along with many of the palms. Several of the plants were identified and their use by bees discussed. Dennis Riggs said that he would post a series of photos if members would send them in showing bee use of various plant species and the time of year that nectar gathering occurred. It was stated that over time the Association could amass a series of plant photos for each season throughout the year. This would be helpful in learning what plants are most important to honey bees in this area throughout the year.

Carroll Rhodes discussed collecting of swarms and how to handle them. He stated that if a member collected a swarm the queen needed to be caged initially to keep the swarm from leaving, and plans should be made to re-queen the swarm as soon as possible to prevent the spread of Africanized bees. Keith mentioned that swarms did best when placed in a box where they could drop their own comb initially, or at least draw comb. Dennis Riggs pointed out that branches where the swarm hung should be clipped and removed to eliminate pheromones that would be present. Chemical sprays should not be used on honeybees especially on another’s property as it could be in violation if done without the proper licenses for pest control.
 

After a short break with refreshment provided by members, we suited up and went into the field at 2:30 p.m., smokers in hand, to inspect several hives. President Councell opened various hives that had been collected within the last couple weeks and showed everyone what to look for. A few hives were weak and a few strong. Others had a good brood patch and a few had sporadic brood or very little brood. One hive that was checked had a laying worker as the brood was all drone. Keith mentioned that if we encountered a laying worker we could leave a brood frame and a queen in a new hive at the site, and take the queenless hive of bees a few blocks away and dump them out. The workers would return to the hive location and the laying worker would be lost. We also looked at an Africanized hive of bees and observed their aggressive behavior.

We then looked at some equipment, extractors and a new, improved comb that President Councell was now using, which has pheromones impregnated in it to attract bees from swarms and dwellings. Following President Councell gave us a demonstration on the art of candle making from bees wax. All in all it was an educational and very informative afternoon.