Episode 14: The Package Deal

14

Posted Mar. 6th, 2011

Length 1:00:18 | Listen

Synopsis:

Local Hive Report, Tips for honey bee package purchases, Managing the packages for the first two years, Sub-lethal effects of pesticide residues, Honey bee sleep.

Episode Guide:

  • 00:00 – 00:20 | Opening: Opening Music – Huey Lewis and the News
  • 00:04 – 02:23 | Welcome and Intro: Welcoming Remarks
  • 02:23 – 04:38 | Segment “0”: Local Hive Report
  • 04:38 – 21:24 | Segment 1:  Top 10 tips for honey bee package purchases
  • 21:24 – 22:59 | Music: Beeblebrox – POW (link)
  • 22:29 – 36:15 | Segment 2:  Managing packaged bees for the first two years
  • 36:15 – 37:27 | Music: East of West – Second Wind (link)
  • 37:15 – 46:32 | Segment 3: Sub-lethal effects of pesticide residues
  • 46:32 – 46:47 | Music: Brian McRae – Crunch Time (link)
  • 46:44 – 53:00 | Segment 4 Closing: Honey bee sleep
  • 53:00 – 55:21 | Closing Comments
  • 55:11 – 60:17 | Music:  Arthur Hinds- Poetry of Wonder (link)

Episode Links

  • Link | George Imirie Pink Page – Package Bee Colony Performance in First Year – section two on the page
  • Link | Study – Sub-Lethal Effects of Pesticide Residues in Brood Comb on Worker Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) Development and Longevity
  • Link | Caste-dependent sleep of worker honey bees study
  • Link | NJ Apiary Registration Form

Ten tips to package bee purchases

  1. Decide what kind of bees you want.
  2. Buy from a reputable dealer
  3. Consider pickup vs. shipping
  4. Order early
  5. Determine when they should arrive for your area
  6. Inspect upon arrival
  7. Consider package size (how many bees in the package)
  8. Prepare for any problems up front
  9. Consider the shipping laws and certifications
  10. Ask for marked bees