Project Overview
FNE05-560
Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 2005: $4,500.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2006
Region: Northeast
State: Massachusetts
Project Leader:
Effects of hive wrapping strategies on honey bee survival in western Massachusetts
Annual Reports
Commodities
- Animals: bees
Practices
- Animal Production: housing, animal protection and health
- Education and Training: decision support system, on-farm/ranch research, participatory research
- Farm Business Management: budgets/cost and returns, feasibility study
- Sustainable Communities: public participation, urban agriculture
Proposal summary:
The practice of wrapping bee hives for the winter was once widespread in the Northeast, but over the last thirty years this practice has declined. The threat of large colony losses from varroa mite infestations has once again made overwintering success important for profitable beekeeping. This project will investigate the effect of two hive wrapping strategies as compared to an unwrapped hive. Bee survival and honey store consumption will be compared. Outreach will be through presentations, an informational flier, and an article.
