Learn about Texas A&M’s Beekeeping Clinic and what’s next for Texas bees
Over the past decade, bee colonies have experienced troubling population declines across the world. The problem has affected central Texas’s bees as well, and local apiaries worry that they won’t be able to support themselves indefinitely. With its recent beekeeping clinic and other efforts to support local beekeepers, Texas A&M University is doing its part to help. You can do yours as well!
A Recap of the 2014 Texas A&M Beekeeping Clinic
On June 7, Texas A&M University Held its annual Summer Beekeeping Clinic. Held right here in Bryan and hosted by Texas A&M University Assistant Professor of Apiculture Dr. Juliana Rangel, the clinic aimed to educate amateur beekeepers, beekeeping professionals and concerned citizens about how to care for bees and how to protect them from environmental hazards that can reduce their numbers. The clinic included a hands-on demonstration from Bill Baxter, a beekeeping professional who showed suit-clad participants how to handle bees properly. A&M also showed off its Honey Bee Lab, a cutting-edge research facility built to answer important questions about bee populations.
Protecting Bees From Pests
Bees face several environmental threats, including pests like ants. You can protect your bees from these unwanted critters by keeping several things in mind:
• Keep your stand at least 1.5 feet above the ground
• Cover its supports with a layer of grease or oil
• Cut the grass and weeds around it to deter climbing insects
• Space individual hives at least 1.5 feet apart
Sheltering Bees From the Effects of Pesticides
Bees are also at risk from exposure to harmful pesticides. Mitigation techniques include:
• Always read instructions fully
• Select Group 2 or Group 3 pesticides
• Avoid applying pesticides to blooming plants
• If possible, apply in the evening
Protect Bees and Find Affordable Pest Control in Bryan-College Station
Bees are critical to our society’s future, and we’re committed to doing everything we can to ensure that they remain healthy and prosperous. If you’re willing to join us, we’re happy to show you the way. Whether you’re protecting your property against invasive ants or using pest control methods that won’t have unintended casualties, we have the tools and tricks that you need to make your project a success. To learn what we can do to help you, call us at (979) 361-0500 or contact us online.
