By the end of this chapter, you will be able to: - identify bee colonies that are ready for harvest by following proper work procedures, - wear the correct personal protective equipment to ensure your safety during harvesting, - harvest honey safely and correctly using the right techniques, - harvest bee propolis accurately and safely according to established procedures, - trap and collect bee pollen properly by following the correct steps, - harvest bee broods carefully and correctly to maintain colony health, - process bee products accurately and safely as required, - package bee products correctly and safely to meet work standards, - label and brand bee products clearly and accurately, - market bee products effectively using the farm’s marketing procedures.
Mastering these skills will help you produce high-quality bee products and build a successful career in bee production.
Compiled by: Esther Wachira
Harvesting bee products is a critical phase in bee production that demands careful management to ensure product quality and colony health. In Kenya, where agriculture and extension professionals support smallholder and commercial beekeepers, understanding the challenges posed by bee pests and diseases is essential. Proper management of these threats safeguards both the yield and sustainability of bee farming enterprises. This chapter focuses on the identification and control of common pests and diseases affecting honeybee colonies, along with the essential practice of hive inspection.
Bee pests and diseases pose significant risks to the productivity and survival of bee colonies in Kenya. Effective management involves early detection, understanding pest lifecycles, and implementing control measures that protect bees without compromising honey quality. Extension officers and farmers alike benefit from knowledge of integrated pest management tailored to local conditions and resources.
Understanding bee pests and diseases management requires clarity on key terminology. These terms provide the foundation for effective communication and intervention strategies in apiary management.
A pest refers to any organism that negatively affects the health or productivity of honeybee colonies. In bee production, pests include mites, beetles, and wax moths which can damage combs, reduce brood viability, and cause colony stress. For instance, the Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) is a notorious pest that weakens bees by feeding on their hemolymph, leading to colony collapse if unmanaged.
A disease is a pathological condition caused by infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or protozoa that impair bee health. Diseases like American foulbrood (caused by Paenibacillus larvae) and Nosema (a microsporidian infection) disrupt brood development and adult bee lifespan. Diseases can spread rapidly within and between colonies, necessitating vigilant monitoring.
Infestation describes the presence and multiplication of pests within a bee colony. High infestation levels often correlate with weakened colonies and reduced honey yields. For example, a severe infestation of small hive beetles can destroy combs and stored honey, forcing beekeepers to replace equipment frequently.
An infection occurs when a disease-causing organism invades and multiplies within the bee colony. Infections may be chronic or acute, affecting different colony components such as brood or adult bees. Nosema infection in adult bees causes digestive issues, reducing foraging efficiency and colony strength.
Integrated Pest Management is a holistic approach combining biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods to control pests and diseases sustainably. IPM aims to minimize chemical use to protect bee health and the environment. For example, Kenyan beekeepers may use screened bottom boards to reduce Varroa mite populations alongside targeted acaricide applications.
Regular hive inspection is a vital practice for early detection of pests and diseases, ensuring timely intervention to protect colony health. Extension officers train farmers in systematic inspection techniques that reduce colony disturbance while gathering critical data.
The primary purpose of hive inspection is to assess colony strength, identify signs of pests or diseases, and evaluate the condition of combs and brood. Inspections help detect issues such as brood diseases, mite infestations, or queen problems early, preventing colony losses. For example, at a cooperative farm in Meru County, periodic inspections enabled farmers to spot American foulbrood symptoms early and apply appropriate control measures.
Inspections should be conducted regularly, with frequency depending on the season and colony status. During active nectar flow seasons, weekly or biweekly inspections help maintain colony health. In Kenya’s dry seasons, monthly checks may suffice to monitor colony survival and prepare for the next production cycle. Timing inspections during warm, calm weather reduces bee aggression and stress.
Effective hive inspection requires specific tools and careful techniques to minimize bee disturbance. Essential tools include a hive tool for prying apart frames, a bee brush to gently remove bees from combs, and a smoker to calm the colony. Inspectors open hives slowly, examining brood patterns, presence of pests like Varroa mites, and signs of disease such as discolored or sunken brood caps.
Accurate record-keeping during inspections supports monitoring colony health trends and planning interventions. Extension officers encourage farmers to maintain hive diaries noting observations of pests, diseases, and colony behavior. Prompt responses to identified issues may include applying approved treatments, removing infected combs, or requeening weak colonies to restore vigor.
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Create a free accountThis chapter provides a comprehensive overview of managing bee pests and diseases critical to successful bee production. It begins by defining key terms related to bee health and emphasizes the importance of regular hive inspection to detect early signs of infestation or illness. Various pests and diseases affecting bees are examined in detail, including viruses, nosemosis, varroa mites, small hive beetles, carpenter bees, honey bees, bumblebees, ants, mites, and lesser wax moths. Effective control methods for these threats are discussed, highlighting both preventive and responsive strategies. The chapter also covers the practical steps involved in carrying out thorough hive inspections and implementing pest and disease control measures. Finally, it addresses the preparation of control methods and the importance of maintaining accurate records to monitor and manage bee health over time.
Type: Individual
| Tools & Equipment | Materials |
|---|---|
| Bee suit (overall) | Bee hive |
| Gumboots | |
| Gloves | |
| Bee veil/face mask | |
| Hive tool | |
| Bee smoker | |
| Notebook | |
| Pen | |
| Clean water | |
| Soap |
| S/N | Item | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bee hive (Langstroth or Kenyan Top Bar) | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 2 | Bee suit (overall) | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 3 | Gumboots | 1 Pair per Candidate |
| 4 | Gloves | 1 Pair per Candidate |
| 5 | Bee veil/face mask | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 6 | Hive tool | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 7 | Bee smoker | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 8 | Notebook | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 9 | Pen | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 10 | Clean water (for washing) | Sufficient per Candidate |
| 11 | Soap | Sufficient per Candidate |
| Items to be Evaluated | Marks Available | Marks Obtained | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| TASK 1: Carry out bee hive inspection procedure | |||
| Wore bee suit (overall), gumboots, gloves, and bee veil/face mask correctly as per workplace procedure. (Award 1 mark for each PPE donned correctly or zero x 4 = 4 Marks) | 4 | ||
| Assembled all required tools and materials (hive tool, bee smoker, notebook, pen, clean water, soap). (Award 0.5 mark for each item assembled or zero x 4 = 2 Marks) | 2 | ||
| Lit bee smoker and used it appropriately to calm the bees before inspection. (Award 2 marks for correct lighting and use or zero) | 2 | ||
| Opened the hive carefully using hive tool without damaging frames or disturbing bees excessively. (Award 1 mark for correct opening technique, 1 mark for not damaging frames, 1 mark for minimal disturbance or zero x 3 = 3 Marks) | 3 | ||
| Inspected the brood area for presence and condition of brood. (Award 1 mark for inspecting brood area, 1 mark for noting condition or zero x 2 = 2 Marks) | 2 | ||
| Checked for presence and condition of queen bee. (Award 1 mark for locating queen, 1 mark for recording condition or zero x 2 = 2 Marks) | 2 | ||
| Observed and recorded signs of pests or diseases (e.g. varroa mites, chalkbrood, wax moth, foulbrood). (Award 1 mark for checking for pests, 1 mark for checking for diseases, 1 mark for recording findings or zero x 3 = 3 Marks) | 3 | ||
| Checked for adequate food stores (honey and pollen) and recorded observations. (Award 1 mark for checking food stores, 1 mark for recording or zero x 2 = 2 Marks) | 2 | ||
| Checked hive structure for damage, leaks, or signs of wear. (Award 1 mark for checking structure, 1 mark for recording findings or zero x 2 = 2 Marks) | 2 | ||
| Closed the hive carefully, ensuring bees are not crushed and hive is secure. (Award 1 mark for careful closing, 1 mark for securing hive or zero x 2 = 2 Marks) | 2 | ||
| Cleaned tools and hands using clean water and soap after inspection. (Award 1 mark for cleaning tools, 1 mark for cleaning hands or zero x 2 = 2 Marks) | 2 | ||
| Sub-Total | 26 | ||
| PRODUCT CHECKLIST | |||
| Notebook contains clear and complete records of hive condition, brood status, queen presence and health, pest/disease signs, food stores, and hive structure as per standard template. (Award 1 mark for each section: hive condition, brood, queen, pests/diseases, food stores, structure or zero x 6 = 6 Marks) | 6 | ||
| Observations are dated and signed, with recommendations for hive management if required. (Award 1 mark for date/signature, 1 mark for recommendations or zero x 2 = 2 Marks) | 2 | ||
| Sub-Total | 8 | ||
| GRAND TOTAL | 34 | ||
Type: Individual
| Tools & Equipment | Materials |
|---|---|
| Hand lens (10x magnification | Dust coat/Overall |
| Forceps | Gumboots |
| Sample collection vials | Face mask |
| Marker pen | Hand gloves |
| Hive frame samples (containing pest evidence) | |
| White plain A4 paper | |
| Scouting/observation form | |
| Disinfectant solution | |
| Waste disposal bags | |
| Soap | |
| Water |
| S/N | Item | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dust coat/Overall | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 2 | Gumboots | 1 Pair per Candidate |
| 3 | Face mask | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 4 | Hand gloves | 1 Pair per Candidate |
| 5 | Hand lens (10x magnification) | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 6 | White plain A4 paper | 2 Sheets per Candidate |
| 7 | Hive frame samples (containing pest evidence) | 2 Frames per Candidate |
| 8 | Forceps | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 9 | Sample collection vials | 4 Pcs per Candidate |
| 10 | Marker pen | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 11 | Scouting/observation form | 2 Sheets per Candidate |
| 12 | Disinfectant solution | Enough for all Candidates |
| 13 | Waste disposal bags | 1 Pc per Candidate |
| 14 | Soap | Enough for all Candidates |
| 15 | Water | Sufficient for all Candidates |
| Items to be Evaluated | Marks Available | Marks Obtained | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| TASK 1: Inspection and Identification of Bee Pests | |||
| Wore dust coat/overall, gumboots, face mask, and gloves correctly as per workplace procedure (Award 1 mark for each PPE item worn correctly or zero x 4 = 4 marks) | 4 | ||
| Assembled all required tools and materials before beginning the task (Award 1 mark each for tools and materials assembled or zero x 2 = 2 marks) | 2 | ||
| Placed hive frame samples on white paper for visual inspection (Award 1 mark for correct setup or zero) | 1 | ||
| Used hand lens to closely examine comb surfaces, brood cells, and frame edges for pests (Award 1 mark for use of hand lens on each frame or zero x 2 = 2 marks) | 2 | ||
| Collected pest specimens using forceps and placed them in labeled vials (Award 1 mark for each frame's pest collection or zero x 2 = 2 marks) | 2 | ||
| Recorded observations accurately on the provided scouting/observation forms (Award 1 mark per form completed or zero x 2 = 2 marks) | 2 | ||
| Identified and named at least four different bee pests present (e.g. ants, mites, lesser wax moth, carpenter bee, small hive beetle, varroa mites) (Award 1 mark for each correct pest identified or zero x 4 = 4 marks) | 4 | ||
| Cleaned tools and working area with disinfectant after inspection (Award 1 mark for proper cleaning or zero) | 1 | ||
| Disposed of waste materials (used gloves, papers) in designated waste disposal bags (Award 1 mark for correct disposal or zero) | 1 | ||
| Sub-Total | 19 | ||
| PRODUCT CHECKLIST | |||
| All pests present in both hive frame samples identified and correctly recorded (minimum: ants, mite, lesser wax moth, carpenter bee, small hive beetle, varroa mites) (Award 1 mark for each correct pest identified and recorded, up to 6 marks) | 6 | ||
| Observation forms fully completed with names of pests, signs of infestation, and recommended management actions (Award 2 marks per form with complete details or zero x 2 = 4 marks) | 4 | ||
| Sample vials labeled accurately with pest name and frame source (Award 1 mark for each labeled vial or zero x 2 = 2 marks) | 2 | ||
| Sub-Total | 12 | ||
| GRAND TOTAL | 31 | ||
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