Drought, soaring temperatures and heavy rainfall, these are just some of the factors that have contributed to dwindling honey yields this year.
Bees and other pollinators are in urgent need of help for survival and Pete Beart, chairperson of the Eastern Highveld Beekeepers’ Association (EHBA), explains what impact the changing weather patterns have on bee populations and pollination.
“Our seasonal rain is approximately six weeks late. This had a knock-on effect, leading to seasonal flowers blooming later and not as lush as expected,” said the Northmead beekeeper.
“Just looking at the cosmos which is currently in bloom, these picturesque flowers usually blanket the fields but are not as splendid as in previous years.
“The rain has been glorious and greatly needed, however, its timing has had an alarming effect on bees.”
Called upon to conduct bee removals at bakeries, food processing plants and factories packaging sugar and other sweet-related products, Beart says this is indicative that these buzzing critters are starving.
“This is the first time that I have done removals of this nature, which is a clear indication that bees are hungry,” he said.
“They are now sourcing food in the form of refined sugar. This may be sustaining the hive but it is tainting the honey.
“Products containing sugar are not considered pure or raw honey.”
The EHBA has further noted with concern, that individuals posing as bee removal specialists are conducting bee removals in an unethical manner, using poisons to eradicate hives.
“There is currently no registered poison for use on bees, thus making this practice illegal,” explained Beart.
“Investigations have been launched in conjunction with the University of Pretoria’s entomology department, to identify which poisons are being used.
“Those who make use of these practices will face charges of misuse of registered poison. If found guilty they could receive a hefty fine and even jail time.”
When enlisting bee removal services, Beart advises that clients seek referrals from trusted sources such as neighbours or posting on community forums.
“Pest control practitioners will not tend to bee-related complaints and ethical beekeepers must quote the customer of bee removal and relocation,” he said.
“Request a written quote and ensure that these elements are reflected.”
He continues by saying that members of the EHBA will welcome questions and will encourage homeowners to witness the removal from a safe distance.
“We use this opportunity to engage with the client and to educate them on the fascinating life cycles of the humble honey bee,” he said.
“If a beekeeper discourages your presence or insists that no photos or videos may be taken, this is a red flag for unethical and possible poison-related removals.”
He explains that in some cases eco-friendly repellents are used to force these striped buzzers out of hard-to-reach places such as roofs, nooks and crannies, however, these pose no risk to the pollinators.
The use of smokers is also standard practice.
“During the removal and relocation process, some loss of life is expected but never mass deaths, which occur with the use of poison.”
What to do if you suspect unethical use of poison:
• Photographic and video evidence is crucial when building a case against wrong-doers.
• Chemicals used to poison bees have a short life span, if you suspect the use of poison contact the EHBA on 083 380 4447.
• Collect and freeze evidence.
Where possible, collect a cup full of dead bees and immediately freeze it in a clean zip-lock bag with a folded piece of paper kitchen towel.
Label the evidence with the date, time and place of the collection.
This will be collected by the EHBA for testing.
Help the bees survive the winter
Homeowners can do their part by adding autumn and winter blooms to their gardens in an effort to sustain buzzing bees throughout the colder months.
Why not plant:
• Rocket
• Strawberry
• Sunflower
• Cape gooseberry
• Rosemary
• Buchu
• Milkweed
• Butterfly bush
• Bottlebrush
• Jade plant
• Kerky bush
• Pink dombeya (Wild pear)
• Ericas
• Honey daisy
• Blue daisy
• Ribbon bush
For more information about bees, removals and the EHBA, contact Beart on 063 689 3700.
Also Read: Visitors get a buzz at Bee and Honey Show
