This month we are super excited to welcome Dr. Samuel Ramsey! In order to accommodate his schedule, we have moved our October meeting to Monday, October 12, 6:30 pm.
Samuel Ramsey's enduring interest in insect biology started 23 years ago and shows no signs of waning. Having earned his doctorate from Dr. Dennis vanEngelsdorp's lab at the University of Maryland, Dr. Ramsey maintains a focus on how insect research can benefit the public through the development of IPM strategies and STEM-based outreach initiatives. His award-winning research on Varroa biology has changed the standing paradigm on how this parasite ultimately kills honey bees, leading to opportunities to share his work nationally and internationally.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Entomology from Cornell University in 2011 focusing his research on predator/parasite behavior. His current work, aptly named the Fight the Mite Initiative, was funded largely by the beekeeping community. It focuses on the poorly understood Tropilaelaps mite which is rapidly establishing itself as the next threat to apiculture globally. He is now based in Thailand studying the biology and behavior of this pest and what it will ultimately take to kill it, ensuring in the event of its arrival in the US, we'll have the knowledge and resources to respond effectively.
Join Zoom Meeting
October 12, 2020 6:30 PM
https://fugue.zoom.us/j/95151488870?pwd=YnU1QmRPV2thdEx3c3o2SzFxZEN4dz09
Meeting ID: 951 5148 8870
Passcode: 280230
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,95151488870#,,,,,,0#,,280230# US (San Jose)
To learn how to Zoom, here's a tutorial to help you get started.
Mite wash alternatives for alcohol
Running low on alcohol for mite washes? Randy Oliver recommends using Dawn Ultra detergent. It works very well for mite washes and is on par with 91% isopropyl, better than 70% isopropyl, and much better than windshield fluid.
To use, dilute to 1-2 T per gallon of water. A weaker solution is less efficacious and there is no benefit to making it stronger. Allow the bees to soak in the solution for a full minute before agitation, by which time most of the mites will have dropped to the bottom of their own accord. Final agitation should be a swirl action, with no up and down shaking. Little agitation is required for basic mite monitoring.
Is Beekeeping for You?
Learn what's involved in keeping bees. This free class offered by the El Dorado Beekeepers, looks at the materials, cost and time commitment needed to keep bees. If you know of anyone wondering about keeping bees, please tell them of our class. Folks can sign up here on our home page.
Supporting bee research
In an effort to support bee research, the El Dorado Beekeepers' board of directors has voted to make a monetary donation to both Randy Oliver and Dr. Samuel Ramsey for their ongoing bee research.
Beekeeping questions?
For those members wanting some assistance, Bernie Ruiz is available for mentoring in the Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Rescue and Cameron Park areas. He can be reached by text at 916.719.6708. Folks with beekeeping questions can also post to our Facebook group.
Hungry Bees?
The club has pollen patties for sale, $3 each. For those in the Placerville area, contact John Havicon at 916.996.8371, or for the Cameron Park area, contact Bernie Ruiz at 916.719.6708.
The El Dorado Beekeepers would like to thank club member Sivia Goldberg Van Gundy for sharing her Zoom account with us. We greatly appreciate the opportunity to continue our meetings and to stay connected!
Thank you Sivia!
Until we meet again, bee well!
