Jacqueline Freeman is the author of an upcoming book “Bees, the OTHER Way”. She points out the different strategies that conventional bee keepers might try to save their hives from colony collapse disorder.
12 things to prevent colony collapse disorder:
#1 general approach: use organic practices
#2 general approach: strengthen bee immune system instead of “attack and kill” what nature uses to remove weak bees
#3 don’t use insecticide (for mite control or any other insect problem) inside of hives – bees are insects!
#4 allow bees to create their own cell size (typically smaller) – no more pre-made foundation or cells
#5 genetics based on “survival of the fittest” is superior to genetics resulting from mass production where the weak are medicated
#6 swarming is the natural way to good genetics
#7 local bees have adapted to challenges in your area
#8 stop moving hives
#9 feed bees honey, not sugar water
#10 feed bees polyculture blossoms, not monoculture
#11 stop using insecticides on crops – bees are insects!
#12 raise hives off the ground
Read More: Colony Collapse Disorder = Bee Stress
Cartoon by Bob Moran
