Don’t hurt that swarm!

If you think you may have a swarm of honey bees, do not molest the swarm or kill them. Honey bees are the state insect of Georgia and are protected by law in the State of Georgia. You may decide to do nothing if you have a swarm. As a rule, the swarm will identify a new nesting site on its own and will move to it within twenty-four hours. However, having the swarm removed by a MABA member is preferred because: The honey bee colony is less likely to end up making their home in somebody's house The colony is more…

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Read more about the article Want to be a Swarm Chaser?
maria-anne @ Pixabay, beekeeper catching swarm on tree branch

Want to be a Swarm Chaser?

MABA members can simply request to be added to the club's swarm list.  You will indicate how high you are willing to climb to retrieve a swarm and where you live.  The swarm list manager will make the call based on queue order, location, and preferences. Swarm calls come in at all hours. If you are on the swarm list, you may be called at any time. Being on the swarm list does not guarantee that you will receive a call - swarm seasons can vary greatly. Those on the MABA swarm list must be current members, have the equipment…

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Read more about the article Zika and Pesticides
image4you @ Pixabay, honey bee face, black background

Zika and Pesticides

Honey bees are collateral damage in the war on Zika. Bee kills from pesticide treatments are not new. What is new is a rational fear of the Zika virus and the rapid growth in commercial mosquito abatement franchises that feed on that fear. Many of these companies spray and fog at all hours of the day, in all wind conditions, and use pesticides that are highly toxic to honey bees and other beneficial insects and aquatic life.To reverse this trend, beekeepers need to communicate to neighbors and elected representatives that there are better ways to fight Zika than the scorched…

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