Our fourth demonstration was conducted by Michael O'Callaghan. Michael dealt with detecting disease within the hive. Firstly, varroa and the different treatments and detection methods which can be used were discussed. Nosema was then addressed, and a simple method for collecting samples of bees for posting to Teagasc was explained. This involves placing a number of jars over the feedhole in the crownboard, then placing the jars of bees in the fridge for a short time before filling a matchbox with 20-30 bees for posting.

Michael also spoke about acarine and the foul brood diseases, and answered many questions from the very interested and attentive crowd on the day.

Queen Rearing

Noel made up several nucleii with queen cells from the queen rearing programme. Two colonies had been utilised for raising queen cells and both of these were reduced to single brood chambers after removing frames of brood, stores and pollen to the nucleii.