Supposedly Inert Agrochemicals Impair Learning in Honey Bees

Honey bees exposed to agrochemicals used on farms may develop learning impairments that prevent them from being able to forage or even find their way back to the hive, say researchers at Penn State’s College of Ag Sciences.

Courtesy Maryann Frazier, Penn State

Former entomology graduate student LTJG Tim Ciarlo, U.S. Navy, professors of entomology Chris Mullin and Jim Frazier, and graduate research assistant Dan Schmehl recently published their research in PLoS ONE, an online open-access journal for the communication of all peer-reviewed scientific and medical research.

According to their research, pesticide spray adjuvants could be contributing to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), which continues to threaten honey populations since its emergence in 2006. “Previously, active ingredients has been the focus of pesticide-driven CCD research, but not much attention has been placed on the other agrochemicals that are used in addition to and in combination with them,” says Ciarlo, whose research work became the focus of his master’s thesis.

These other agrochemicals are classified as ‘inert ingredients” and include spray adjuvants that are either included in the pesticide formulations or tank-mixed and sprayed along with the pesticides. Adjuvants are designed to boost the efficacy of active ingredients and are largely assumed to be inert; therefore they are not usually included in risk assessment trials required to register a pesticide or its formulations. Additionally, the specific ingredients that make up spray adjuvants are considered trade secrets of the chemical companies that manufacture them and are not included on the label. “This is the first time the impact of spray adjuvants on honey bee behavior has been studied,” Ciarlo explains.  Read More...

Good opportunity ahead

With the expected temperatures in the upper 60's later this week take advantage.  This will be a good opportunity to feed if you feel the need to do so.  Either feed heavy syrup of supply some homemade fondit just to provide them a lift here in the middle of the duldrums.  Make sure the syrup is thick as you do not want to increase the moisture level inside the hive at this time of year with extra water.  If you have left over honey this is a good opportunity to use that up.   Greg and Debbie indicated that they witnessed flight yesterday from their hives.  The bees take this opportunity to deposit outside the hive for a change.  They may also get lucky and find something to forage upon.  The photo is of a Harry Lauder Walking Stick which will begin to flower in late January or early February. 

Other news the acquisition of speakers is going very well and I have hit all targets and dates that we discussed at our last meeting.  I will be sending a calender of events out shortly when all are finalized. 

Buckingham Palace Bees

Buckingham bees Is a nice article about roof top beekeeping that is in an unlikely place.

It is official and organized: Nelson County Beekeepers are formed

I thought we had a really good second meeting last night and accomplished a lot of organizational components. Gene Englert has agreed to lead the group through the first six months and further if the group desires.


I am working on clarification of the Food Modernization Act that we discussed last night. It is not an easy one to get a grip on. I have read parts of the bill and there is a $500,000 threshhold but then a next line will contradict the previous. I have made calls this morning and folks are getting back with me. The law is linked here and you may read it as well. http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-111publ353/pdf/PLAW-111publ353.pdf

Dance Language of the Honey Bee - eXtension

I believe that by learning the nuances of beekeeping can only help to gain a more full understanding of how to deal with bugs in a box. The following link is from the eXtension platform for beekeeping and talks in great detail about the dance language of the bee. Dance Language of the Honey Bee - eXtension

Nosema ceranae The Inside Story - eXtension

See the attached story about Nosema. I am seeing what is likely a form of Nosema occuring in my hives right now. The last couple of weeks have been ripe for this to take hold in your hives. The bees have not been able to take the poroper cleansing flights and the fungi spores have hit critical mass inside the hive. Nosema ceranae The Inside Story - eXtension

I am looking to do a couple of classes this spring. Likely they will be at the end of March and include Tammy Horn and Phil Craft. The details are not worked out yet but i am considering a Friday afternoon from 1 to 5 pm and topics such as becoming a better bee keeper and choosing species of bees to better fit your needs.

I would really like your input on this let me in the comments what you think or simply call me. thanks and happy bee-ing