Bees’ lives matter to the environment and food security. That’s why the National Conservation Commission (NCC) and the Vector Control Unit continue to encourage beekeepers to put best practices in place to protect apiaries and hives across the island.
This is particularly important during the weekly fogging exercise conducted by the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ Vector Control Unit, Monday to Friday, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
While fogging can help to control the mosquito population and reduce illnesses caused by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito such as dengue fever and Zika, it can also be dangerous to bees.
To this end, Special Projects Officer with the NCC, Ricardo Marshall, has outlined some best practices for beekeepers to protect their hives.
He suggests persons keep track of the weekly fogging schedule; be proactive by notifying the Vector Control Unit about the location of their apiaries and those of other beekeepers in the catchment area. They can also block the entrances of the hives the night prior to the scheduled fogging.
Additionally, Mr. Marshall advises that beekeepers place an adequate supply of water as well as a sugar solution inside the hives to compensate for the bees not being able to venture out to gather nectar during fogging exercises.
Furthermore, persons should cover the hives with a wet sheet during fogging or relocate them, if possible, he recommended. The Special Projects Officer said it was advisable to release bees as soon as it is safe to do so.
For information on the fogging schedules, persons may contact the Vector Control Unit at 536-4160 or 536-4168.