Protected bees from fogging

While fogging can help to control the mosquito population and reduce illnesses caused by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, such as dengue fever and Zika, it can also be dangerous to bees.

Special Projects Officer with the National Conservation Commission, Ricardo Marshall, outlined some best practices for beekeepers to protect their hives, including keeping track of the weekly fogging schedule.

They should be proactive by notifying the Vector Control Unit about the location of their apiaries and those of other beekeepers in the catchment area and block the entrances of the hives the night prior to the scheduled fogging.

Additionally, Marshall advises that beekeepers place an adequate supply of water and a sugar solution inside the hives to compensate for the bees not being able to venture out to gather nectar during fogging exercises.

Hives should be covered with a wet sheet during fogging or relocated, if possible. The bees should be released as soon as it is safe to do so.

For information on the fogging schedules, persons may contact the Vector Control Unit at 536-4160, or 536-4161. (BGIS)