The Nosema Problem Monitoring and Disinfection

摘要

[The Editor is most grateful to Randy Oliver and the Editor of Bee Culture for their kind permission to reprint this article which first appeared in Bee Culture, October 2019]Back in the day, I followed the commonly-accepted practice of applying prophylactic treatments of Terramycin to my hives in order to prevent AFB, Fumidil B for nosema, grease patties for tracheal mite, and then Apistan to every hive for varroa. But as our operation grew, and as we learned what was really necessary for colony health, we now rarely use Terramycin, no grease patties, only "natural" treatments for varroa as needed, and no "hive health" products. Yet our colonies thrive with minimal losses,and we sell 1000 healthy nucs every spring. This change in management was not for idealistic reasons, but rather based upon business decisions as to what gave us the best returns on investment.