Club Meeting

Small cell beekeeping

Small cell beekeeping  refers to the use of non-standard foundation in the brood box which produces smaller bees.  Some beekeepers believe that using small cells  helps honeybees  to control varroa levels without the need for chemical treatments.  However, there is ongoing debate in scientific literature about whether  using small cells has  any positive effects when it comes to control of varroa levels. Some studies indicate positive outcomes and some suggest no benefit.

In this talk, Northants based beekeeper Bob Poole will aim  to explain the theory behind the use of small cells to control  varroa. The main focus however will be on practical beekeeping as Bob will share his own experience of switching to small cells  several years ago. How is it done and are the claims made in support of  this approach borne out by real-life experience? Come along to find  out.

Bob  started keeping bees at the age of nine and currently has eight  colonies, two in the back garden and 6 at an out-apiary. As well as his  day-job teaching law at the University of Warwick, Bob works for the  National Bee Unit as a Seasonal Bee Inspector. He joined  in 2017 and inspects colonies across his home county of  Northamptonshire. In this talk, Bob will be speaking in the capacity of  fellow beekeeper.