Dear PCBA,

Losses Survey

As you may have heard, there is reporting of a mass collapse of bees on the commercial side of the beekeeping industry this winter. As beekeepers readied for almond pollination in CA, reports of losses exceeding the annual 45% we have come to expect are being shared across the US. Last week, at the American Beekeeping Federation meeting, upwards of 500 commercial beekeepers shared similar stories- hive losses with unknown causes at this point, and are working with the USDA and university scientists to sample thousands of colonies over the last few weeks to start looking for answers.

We are usure if these trends will reach the level of hobbyist beekeeper, or if local losses echo those experienced by commercial setups. PCBA is surveying our beekeepers to gather information to be able to report back to MA Beekeeping Association and inform our own programs and response. A survey will be emailed to all members to gather information about the number of hives you brought into the fall and the number lost by spring. Please respond to the anonymous survey once you have been able to assess your overwintered bees. The results will be used to inform how we proceed, given the information coming out in the last month.

Volunteers- We Need your Help!

I love serving PCBA in my role as President, but I cannot do it alone. We have dedicated beekeepers and members on our Executive Board, who are making decisions about how to best move our club forward, and we are hoping to offer engaging educational activities, beekeeping networking opportunities, and social events throughout the year. We need volunteers for the following events throughout the year. Please take this short survey if you are willing to be contacted for a volunteer role. It takes a village! Please think about how PCBA fits into yours and how you can help us fulfill our mission.

Warm regards,

Lisa Maguire, Ed.D.

PCBA President

Members whose memberships expired have been contacted through the website to process your renewal. All memberships close on 12/31. Please note: You MUST be a member in good standing to order bee packages when ordering opens. If your membership is not active at this point, you must renew and will be placed into the third wave of package ordering.

• Package sales are open for Bee School members only now through Thursday.
• On Friday, February 21, package sales open to all active members in good standing (renewed through grace period January 31st). Cost is $150/package.
• All others will be able to order two weeks later, on Friday, March 7th for $175 each.
• You will receive an email when ordering is opened, and you can access the ordering link on the website. All orders must be input on the website for inventory purposes. Please do not send orders without putting them in, or we cannot guarantee your order.
• When delivery date is confirmed, you will be notified. The date is currently tentative for mid-April.
• All questions should be directed to our Package Sales Coordinator, Ann Rein (annbal@comcast.net).

You may have heard the term winter bee or fat bee and wondered, what does that mean in relation to the honey bees during the rest of the year? Here you will find the winter bee explained.

Winter bees are honey bee workers who emerge in the fall, at the end of the foraging season. Unlike other insects, bees do not hibernate during the winter or lay eggs that overwinter and emerge in spring. During the winter, the bees have one goal: protecting the queen until spring. Winter bees can live for more six months, while spring and summer bees typically live 4-6 weeks. Beekeepers refer to winter bees as “diutinus,” a Latin word that means “long lasting.”

Key Characteristics of Winter Bees:

1. Longer Lifespan – Unlike summer bees, which wear out quickly due to constant foraging, winter bees stay inside the hive and conserve energy, reducing wear and tear on their bodies.

2. Larger Fat Bodies – These bees have larger fat bodies, which store more nutrients, particularly vitellogenin, a protein that helps them survive without fresh food sources, to help sustain them through the cold months when food is scarce.

3. Lower Metabolic Rate – Since they are not foraging/flying as much and the hive is in a semi-dormant state, their energy consumption is lower, which helps prolong their lifespan with slower aging.

4. Hormonal Differences – Winter bees produce more vitellogenin, a protein that helps maintain their health and longevity by supporting their immune system and providing nutrients for the next generation of brood.

4. Cluster Behavior –Winter bees form a tight cluster to generate heat, protecting the queen and maintaining the hive’s survival. This cooperative thermoregulation reduces the need for constant individual exertion.

5. Nurse Role in Late Winter – When temperatures rise slightly, winter bees begin feeding and raising the first brood of the new season, ensuring the survival of the colony.

Here are two good posts that explain Winter Bees:

• The Secret of Winter Bees vs. Summer Bees
• Diutinus Bees

As winter's chill begins to fade, the first signs of spring emerge with the delightful blooming of witch hazel. These vibrant yellow flowers, often appearing in late winter to early spring, bring a splash of color to otherwise barren landscapes. Witch hazels unique, spidery blossoms not only brighten our days but also signal the start of a new season, filled with growth and renewal. Their early bloom is a testament to nature's resilience and a reminder of the beauty that lies ahead.

For honey bees, the arrival of witch hazel blooms is a much-anticipated event. These industrious

pollinators, having endured the scarcity of winter, eagerly seek out the nectar and pollen that witch

hazel provides. As one of the first sources of food available in the spring, witch hazel plays a crucial

role in supporting bee populations. The sight of bees busily collecting nectar from these flowers is a heartwarming indication that life is returning to the garden, and the cycle of pollination is beginning anew.

The relationship between witch hazel and honey bees is a beautiful example of nature's interconnectedness. As bees gather food from the flowers, they also help to pollinate them, ensuring the continuation of this early-blooming plant. This symbiotic relationship highlights the importance of preserving natural habitats and supporting pollinator-friendly environments. By appreciating the simple joy of witch hazel blooming and the bees; spring feast, we are reminded of the delicate balance that sustains our ecosystems and the small wonders that make each season special.

What is a Thermal Camera and How Does It Work?

An infrared thermal camera can be used for many residential purposes, such as detecting heat leaks in your home, conducting safety inspections, and identifying pests. Many beekeepers use them in their apiary. In addition to residential uses, these devices are also employed in military and industrial applications. They capture images using infrared radiation instead of visible light.

Thermal Cameras in Beekeeping

Thermal imaging cameras can be valuable tools in beekeeping. Brands like FLIR and TOPDON offer portable, easy-to-use models, some of which can pair with smartphones. While these cameras do not see through the hive body, they use infrared imaging to detect the heat emitted by bees. By

relying on the bees' radiant and convection heat transfer to the wooden hive, the sensors effectively

detect changes in surface temperature, revealing what is behind. The thermal heat is converted to

electronic signals that can be viewed and analyzed in an app.

Benefits of Thermal Cameras in Beekeeping

Infrared imaging sensors provide beekeepers with a simple, non-invasive, and precise tool for

monitoring hive conditions and identifying potential maintenance needs. Using this tool, a beekeeper can locate bees inside a hive or a feral colony inside a building. The images offer insights into the hive's strength and the location of winter clusters without significant interference. The winter cluster is often found in the front or side of the hive facing the sun, as bees take advantage of the existing heat. A single image can reveal the heat source, providing evidence that the colony is present and alive. It can also indicate the cluster's height. If the colony is very high up in the hive, it may suggest that they have consumed their food resources. A follow-up action might include confirming if supplementary feed is needed to prevent starvation. Additionally, an image might help detect pests like mice, alerting you to the need for removal to prevent further damage. Multiple images of the hive from different sides can provide more precise data on the location and size of the colony.

Considerations When Buying a Thermal Camera

When buying a thermal camera, it's important to set a budget. Quality and functionality often factor into the price. Consider the overall value you will get from the camera and whether you have other uses for it. The camera's resolution will determine the level of detail captured. Ensure the temperature range is suitable for the applications you plan to use the camera for. Look at the

features provided by the app to determine how helpful data interpretation and image enhancement

can be. Lastly, look for a reliable, durable, and well-built device.

Final Thoughts

It can be reassuring to know, in a non-invasive way, what is going on in your winter hives. Maybe you can save a hive when something from the camera images warrants additional investigation. Remember to heed your camera’s safety precautions and regularly maintain/safeguard your thermal camera ensuring years of reliable functioning and valuable insights.

4 pork loin chops cut 1/2 " thick, bone in scored

3 Tablespoons Irish Whiskey (4 tablespoons is a 1/4 cup which is what I used to thin out the apple sauce)

2 Tablespoons honey - I used a darker hardier honey

1 Tablespoon wholegrain mustard

1/2 cup apple juice (I used apple sauce because I didn't have apple juice)

1 Tablespoon neutral oil (I use grape seed oil)

METHOD:

1. Whisk together the whiskey,honey, mustard, apple juice, and oil in a flat high sided dish.
2. Add the pork chops and turn until coated and submerged
3. Marinate for at least an hour or overnight.
4. When ready to cook, remove from the fridge and allow to come to room temperature
5. Heat a griddle pan over a medium high heat
6. Remove the pork to a plate lined with paper towel and pat dry
7. Transfer the marinade to a small saucepan
8. Simmer the marinade over medium heat until sticky and slightly thickened
9. Place the pork on a griddle pan and cook three minutes either side until they have deep char marks and are cooked through

Serve the chops slathered in the thick honey and whiskey sauce.

The Plymouth County Beekeepers Association (the “PCBA”), is a non-profit organization established in 1977. We are dedicated to the support of local agriculture and to educating the public about beekeeping through our school and participation in local fairs and festivals.

PCBA focuses on education, agriculture, and stewardship through many of the public outreach programs the club participates in and provides throughout the year. We have members who speak at schools, community centers, and professional meetings.

Website: plymouthcountybeekeepers.org
Location: 228 High Street, Hanson, MA, USA