May 2016

Willamette Valley Beekeepers Association: May 23, 2016

1. General
   1. Secretary:
      1. The position of secretary is open!  I am graduating from high school and need a replacement.  If anyone is interested, please contact Rich.
   2. Field Day at Ruhl Bee
      1. June 25, 9am to 5pm.
      2. Speakers, hands-on activities and workshops.
      3. Excellent for all skill-levels.
      4. Bring your suit!
      5. More information:  http://www.bee-outside.com/fieldday.aspx

1. Oregon’s Coffee Creek Correctional Facility Bee Program
   1. http://www.beeculture.com/mizzbehavin-new-beeginnings-and-beelive-bees-in-prison/
2. Nu-Health Products has been found importing fake Royal Jelly.  They were fined $1.29 million
   1. http://www.beeculture.com/catch-buzz-nutrition-company-nu-health-products-fraudulent-royal-jelly/
3. There is also honey coming in from Vietnam via China that is failing tests because of too-high levels of antibiotics.  
4. 44% loss of bees last year nation-wide.  The Willamette Valley is doing much better.  
5. Apiary Registration
   1. Clarification:  If you had 5+ colonies between July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016 then you must register your colonies.  
   2. More Details:  https://apps.oregon.gov/SOS/LicenseDirectory/LicenseDetail/606
   3. Registration Form:  https://www.oregon.gov/ODA/shared/Documents/Publications/IPPM/ApiaryRegistration.pdf
6. Yellow Jacket Traps
   1. Not much luck this year until the last few weeks.  
   2. There is a chemical on the market (a similar chemical to that in flea collars) that works like ant bait.  When a yellow jacket takes the bait back to the nest, it will kill the entire hive. 
   3. Do NOT let bees get ahold of this chemical because it will hurt them, too.
7. Heat Treatment for Varroa
   1. This does work, but you must be very accurate.
1. Round Table Discussions