General Meeting (February 2017)

The Capital Regional Beekeepers Association (CRBA) meets on the second Thursday of every month.

This meeting usually starts with a beginner’s corner 30 minutes before the regular club proceedings start around 7pm.

AGENDA

• 6:30-7:00 – New beekeepers’ corner (Carolyn, Tara, Don)
• 7:00 – Controlling mite populations (Paul van Westendorp)
• 8:00 – Welcome (Bill Fosdick)
• 8:05 – Club business
  • What to do in February and March? (Larry Lindahl)
  • Iotron trip
  • Executive nominations
• 8:30 – Social
• 9:00 – Close

Minutes

Bill Fosdick called the meeting to order at 6:45 PM.

Bill reminded the members that Annual General Meeting will be held in the March meeting. He spoke about the positions that are vacant which are the 1^st and 2^nd vice president and treasurer. If any member is considering standing for one of the position please contact him.

Paul van Westendorp, Manager, BCMA Apiculture Program, was introduced to the members.

Paul discussed bee health.

• Varroa mite
• Small hive beatle
• Zombie bee
• Varroa Mite management

Start treating for mites in the spring can keep mite levels down for the rest of the year. Mites explode from spring to fall. Paul recommends testing for mite numbers once a month with using the icing sugar shake method. You can also use the alcohol wash method. Calculations of over 3-5%, you need to treat. If your hive goes into the fall with a large mite count, this hive will not survive.

Chemical treatment – Formic acid – you cannot treat unless the temperature is above 15’. Oxalic acid, Thymovar, Aperstan and Aprivar.

Non-chemical treatment – Bee Brood interruption – remove the queen in July and leave the hive broodless for 2-3 weeks then introduce the queen back to the hive.

Drone control – have drone frames in box and then remove from hive and dispose of the frame.  Screened bottom board is also recommended.

Small Hive Beetle – does not see this as a threat. – First confirmation 2015.

Zoomie Bee – this is caused by a fly.

Paul emphasized the diligence in the control of the varroa mite is needed to see the hives survive the winter.

Club Business:  8:17 PM

There are Beekeeping Courses:

• Bob Liptrot at Royal Rhodes
• Barry Denluck – Barry’s Bees
• Wendi Gilson – Salt Spring Island – class is full
• Paul van Westendorp – free Webinar – check the government website

March meeting:

• new beekeeper’s corner will be held downstairs.
• Meet up now being used
• Website will have past issues of the BeeLine on it
• Library – amnesty month – please bring in the delinquent books, see Bob Lucy or Alanna Morbin
• CRBA AGM – up date on Constitution & ByLaws,
• Election of Directors – Treasurer, 1^st Vice President and 2^nd Vice President positions are vacant. If any member wishes to put their name forward please see Bill Fosdick.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM