GRANULATION AND RED ANT ATTACKS AFTER THE LAST HONEY FLOW

There were several incidences of problems with red or army ant attacks reported by beekeepers after the end of the last honey flow. This led to significant loss of bee stock due to absconding. There are a number of methods which can beem ployed to prevent red ant attacks.

With portable top bar hives, a very effective way is to suspend them between poles or standing trees using strong wire and smearing portions of the hanging wire with grease or petroleum jelly which acts to trap ants and other crawling insects as they attempt to reach the hive since the wire is the only way for them to get to the hive. A simple home- made paste which is effective for this purpose can be made by melting pieces of beeswax into hot vegetable cooking oil and allowing the mixture to cool. By varying the quantities, a desired consistency can be reached. A slightly runny consistency works better and lasts longer.

Other methods of preventing ant attacks include spreading ashes or hydrated lime around hive sites and stands. Putting hive stands inside containers or vessels containing old engine oil or water also works but for all methods, there is need for regular replenishing and being generous with quantities used in order for the deterrents to be effective.

When the colonies have absconded following an ant attack, the abandoned combs should be moved promptly and the hive should be thoroughly cleaned by scorching with flames of fire or using a blow torch. This is essential in order to attract news warms and ensure that they are retained. Neglecting this simple procedure of scorching with fire will leave smells or odours which are undesirable or repellent to bees and you may have to wait for eternity for your hive to be occupied again.

Another aspect which was reported by some beekeepers was honey granulation. Among some consumers of honey, there is a misconception that granulated honey is adulterated with common sugar. This is not correct. In actual fact, Granulation is almost always a sign of good quality honey. Granulation is a natural process of crystallization of the glucose content in honey. Honey is a supersaturated solution of glucose, fructose, sucrose and other sugars. Glucose loses water and takes the form of crystals thus creating the semi-solid state. Granulated honey can be reverted back to liquid state by putting the honey container in hot water or using a water bath.

Granulated honey can be used to create a product known as creamed honey. Creamed honey has a texture of butter and makes an exceptional spread. World-wide, creamed honey is consumed more often than liquid honey.

Creamed honey is made by adding a little finely granulated grains of honey to liquid honey while stirring. Controlled crystallization results in a product with as mooth spreadable consistency.

Looking forward to the next honey flow, preparations within the hives have started in earnest. Brood rearing has commenced and some level of swarming in some area scan be expected so more swarms can be captured. It is therefore the right time to prepare for expanding your beekeeping business. Continue enjoying reading Agricoop News, your favorite source of Agriculture and beekeeping information. Happy beekeeping

This information is brought to you in the community service of Al – Apis Concepts Ltd.

For your questions and clarifications from this feature, contact the author on 0967 419 551/0954 186 973. Email: apisconcepts@gmail.com. For all your beekeeping requirements contact Al-Apis Concepts Ltd. Phone: +260 966 474757

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