I meant, why do you say that this is unsustainable? It isn't like those losses are expected to be the new normal. It isn't like those colonies that were lost are not going to be recouped, reoccupied. The numbers are recoverable.
Higher losses than normal, but not unrecoverable from.
The terms "sustainable" and "unsustainable" are so passe in my opinion. People do what they need to do to carry on.
"As of February 27, Winnipeg was experiencing the second coldest winter in 75 years, the coldest in 35 years and with snowfall total being 50 per cent more than normal."
>"As of February 27, Winnipeg was experiencing the second coldest winter in 75 years, the coldest in 35 years and with snowfall total being 50 per cent more than normal."
>polar vortex?
I think that the main issue is still that Ontario beekeepers have reported a 58% winter mortality for this year after a 36% (if I recall correctly) winter mortality last year.
The OBA has softened its approach a bit. They were calling for a total ban, now they are asking that neonics only be used in an IPM strategy. The government is was/proposing a permit/licensing system.
The data hasn't been published yet, but the losses correspond more with geographic location and proximity to corn and soybeans then to beekeeper experience. Some the beekeepers with 50-70% losses had 100's or 1000's of colonies.
The data hasn't been published yet, but the losses correspond more with geographic location and proximity to corn and soybeans then to beekeeper experience. Some the beekeepers with 50-70% losses had 100's or 1000's of colonies.
Preliminary/Anecdotal data from this season indicate that the new low dust lubricant isn't much better.
I have also heard some anecdotal reports of very early kills, well before corn planting when only coltsfoot on the edges of fields and ditches was blooming. This seems to indicate the take up of neonics the following year by wildflowers be it from planting dust or runoff.
I think we have reached the point where we should be pulling the temporary approvals on these products and proving they are safe crop by crop. They were approved here based on studies done with canola, and from the generally positive reports from beekeepers out west, there is something different about neonic coated canola vs corn and soybeans.
“Ontario beekeepers have been devastated by exposure of colonies to these highly toxic pesticides,”
says OBA president, Dan Davidson. “Not only do they kill bees outright, but exposure in the hive through
contaminated pollen almost guarantees they will not survive the winter. Beekeepers are reporting
significant summer losses, as well, as a result of pesticide contamination.”
Ian and Haraga, would you like to respond to Dan Davidson's statement?
Or, are you going to dismiss it out of hand as 'the internet'?
In response, I don't know Dan. I do know that neonics are used all around me and I don't have any problems. Name me one pesticide that won't harm bees? In fact name me one thing that won't harm bees if you put enough of it in the hive? In FACT if you were to put too much water in a hive it would kill them. My advice to all beekeepers remains the same, if you feel that the environment that your bees are exposed to may cause them harm then MOVE THEM AWAY FROM DANGER. It's that simple.
It's hard to say. The PMRA report on bee kills for this season won't come out until 6 months or a year after the season end. I am not sure if OMAFRA will release the map of bee kills locations vs corn and soy bean plantings. For obvious reasons, they are cautious with maps that could reveal beeyard locations to closely. This sort of overlay really only demonstrates correlation, not causation.
Insecticides kill bees. Who is surprised by that? :s
Before you agitate for a ban, consider what will replace what will replace what you want to ban. Will the overall situation be better? :scratch: Are we going to then be using organophosphates?
And forget promoting RNAi - its not available and may never be.
Insecticides kill bees. Who is surprised by that? :s
Before you agitate for a ban, consider what will replace what will replace what you want to ban. Will the overall situation be better? :scratch: And forget promoting RNAi - its not available and may never be.
Well now Victor, now that we are on a first name basis, I will respond to you. If one truly believes that his/her bees are in danger for ANY reason I believe one should move them immediately. Did I make myself clear?
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