Noticias
ApiProtect – protecting bees from concerted Asian hornet attack
ApiProtect, a new type of Asian hornet trap, has been launched by Vita Bee Health to protect honey bees when they are under sustained attack.
ApiProtect is effective, non-toxic and economical. It has been tested widely in France to prove its effectiveness, and when used as instructed traps few or no non-target creatures. It is designed for conditions where the Asian hornet has become established and imposes existential threats to honey bee colonies.
Max Watkins, CEO of Vita Bee Health, explains, “When Asian hornets (Vespa velutina) start a concerted attack on a beehive, urgent action is essential to prevent the death of the entire honey bee colony. The hornet has been causing great damage with serious pollination implications throughout much of France. ApiProtect, developed by bee scientists, is a sticky board which when loaded with a suitable bait attracts Asian hornets to a trap from which they cannot escape.”
World-renowned beekeeping expert joins Vita
Internationally respected US beekeeping expert Jerry Hayes has been appointed vice president North America for Vita Bee Health to help beekeepers improve and maintain the health of their honey bees.
For almost four decades, Jerry Hayes has worked across the USA apicultural industry to promote sustainable beekeeping. As head apiarist of the State of Florida inspection service when Colony Collapse Disorder struck, he was on the front line helping Floridian beekeepers and their 300,000 plus colonies. For three decades, he has also been well-known and respected amongst beekeepers for his informative and entertaining column, The Classroom, for the American Bee Journal.
Sebastian Owen becomes Commercial Director
Jeremy Owen retires as Vita director but continues as CFO
Sebastian Owen steps up to become Commercial Director
After 21 years at the helm with Dr Max Watkins, Jeremy Owen is retiring as a director of Vita (Europe) Ltd but will continue in the role of chief financial officer. Max Watkins will take on the position of CEO.
Sebastian Owen, previously commercial manager at Vita, becomes commercial director responsible for sales and marketing. A familiar face and a highly respected figure across the company’s distribution network, Sebastian has developed a profound knowledge of the challenges of maintaining and developing a global distribution network in honey bee health products.
Vita International Photo Competition 2018
Photo: Huw Evans
Entries are now being accepted for the seventh annual Vita Bee Health international photo competition.
One winner will receive a cash prize and eleven others will appear in the Vita 2019 limited edition calendar and feature in Vita’s monthly email newsletters. All winners receive a copy of the sought-after calendar.
The deadline for entries is 26 October 2018. Entrants may submit up to four photos (at least 1 MB in size) by emailing them to . Photos may be on any relevant topic relating to honeybees and beekeeping.
Honey bee health free smartphone app update
The free Vita Bee Health honey bee health smartphone web app has just been updated and refreshed. Ideal for use in the apiary, the app helps beekeepers to quickly identify any health issues in their colonies.
The web app, suitable for nearly all smartphones and tablet devices, can be accessed free from www.healthybeeguide.com.
Detailed photographs show the visible symptoms of the main bee diseases and pests so that beekeepers concerned by what they see during a colony inspection can immediately check them on the app. Typical effects of the varroa mite, European and American foulbrood (EFB and EFB), Nosema, chalkbrood, wax moth, tracheal mites and viruses can be viewed within a few clicks. Keys to the identification of the Asian hornet and small hive beetle are also included.
Amongst the many app features, beekeepers can read about the treatment options, where to obtain treatments, and if and to whom they should report serious diseases and pests.