Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 10
Diseases and pests are a huge subject, and volumes have been written on them. They are
complex and sometimes difficult to understand, yet it is important that all beekeepers
are aware of the diseases and pests that can afflict a colony.
All livestock suffers from a range of problems, and bees are no exception. The only
difference with beekeepers is that, by and large, they can't call in the vet. It is up to
them to do something about their colonies, and the best way to go about this is to
develop what is known as an integrated pest management (IPM) system. This is the
management of pests employing a combination of methods that include economic,
ecological and toxological factors while emphasizing biological (as opposed to chemical)
controls and economic thresholds. The basic components of an IPM programme are:
prevention and awareness (by regular inspections and thorough knowledge);
observation and monitoring; and
intervention (where necessary).
Your apicultural extension officer or local association will be able to advise you on this,
and you should seek that advice.
This chapter is designed to give you an overview of the common diseases and pests
that affect colonies of bees, to provide you with advice on preventing disease striking
in the first place and to suggest treatments and solutions when this does happen.
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