[WildcatBeek]

Greetings everyone,
Newbee here and I have a question concerning the use of Fumagilin-B. I hived my package this previous Thursday, checked to see the queen had been freed Sunday and all was well. The girls had already drawn 2.5 frames and filled the gap from the queen cage with comb which I trimmed up. Reading up on the Fumagilin-B I see to treat "early spring" before the honey flow. Is it too late to treat and is it a good idea to treat? I would be waiting for the delivery to do so. Currently i'm feeding the girls a 1:1 syrup with "pro health" essential oils which is spearmint, lemongrass, and thymnol I believe. Have read its beneficial to combat mites as well as encourage feeding. My philosophy was the more they eat, the quicker they'll get the comb drawn and an attempt to kickstart my colony.

 

[Vance G]

I have kept bees off and on for 45 years and have never used it and don't think I need it or ever did. Unless you have some reason to think that your bees are full of nosema, why do you want to use it?

 

[WildcatBeek]

I have kept bees off and on for 45 years and have never used it and don't think I need it or ever did. Unless you have some reason to think that your bees are full of nosema, why do you want to use it?

Was recommended in a couple of the books I read. Your response is exactly what I was hoping to hear : ) My package appeared to be very healthy, very few dead and they appear to be moving along just fine and well tempered.

 

[Tenbears]

Fumagilin Is used for the treatment of nosema. some hold a philosophy that it should be used as a preventative measure. However, if your bees are healthy. they are capable of dealing with it without intervention. I have never needed it, but I have recommended it to some with severe Nosema in a hive.

 

[camero7]

Studies show that this horrible chemical does not cure nosema. It does cause birth defects in humans and is banned in Europe for that reason.

 

[WildcatBeek]

Thank you both for the input, one less thing on my list to stress over. Not a fan of unnecessary medicating, but still uncertain of the prevalence and severity of the pests and diseases I'll encounter. All the supplements and preventative measures out there, hard to tell whats good ideas and whats good marketing for the beginning apiarist : )

 

[Michael Bush]

The latest research shows that Fumidil causes Nosema.
http://www.plospathogens.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.ppat.1003185

Partly because it kills off the bacteria that line the gut that protects the bees from Nosema.
http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0033188

If they are taking syrup, I would not worry about them at all.

http://www.bushfarms.com/beesnosema.htm
http://www.bushfarms.com/beespests.htm#nosema

 

[WildcatBeek]

The latest research shows that Fumidil causes Nosema.
http://www.plospathogens.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.ppat.1003185

Partly because it kills off the bacteria that line the gut that protects the bees from Nosema.
http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0033188

If they are taking syrup, I would not worry about them at all.


http://www.bushfarms.com/beesnosema.htm
http://www.bushfarms.com/beespests.htm#nosema

Very informative Mr. Bush, I believe I may look into ph'ing my syrup (not sure were the sugar and essential oils push it but the tap here is 7.2). I'd been eyeing your book, believe your input and articles has a copy sold : )

 

[WildcatBeek]

... until I have enough honey to steer away from granulated sugar any how. Interesting studies don't view ph as being a significant variable to organisms being able to flourish. Aside from the felines and canines, every other hobby I ph my water. Not hard, and seems like a better preventative measure than chemicals and antibiotics