OKEHAMPTON Beekeepers' first meeting of the winter programme was held at its new venue, Whiddon Down Village Hall.

The meeting was well attended by more than 40 members of the branch.

The topic for the evening, 'A Review of the 2010 Season,' stimulated a varied discussion amongst members. This year was generally judged to be an improvement on recent summers. Most members had gathered a honey crop, benefitting from a good early flow. Conditions for the main flow in July were just about average although much better than 2009 and 2008, when the local honey harvest for many was very poor.

Members compared methods of Varroa control. Several have started using an organic Varroa control product, Hive Clean, a liquid, dribbled between brood frames which can be used throughout the year and is claimed not to contaminate the honey flow.

Gisela Banbury reported successful use of Hive Clean on two very badly infected colonies; she had used Hive Clean throughout the season; despite earlier predictions both colonies had survived and are now doing well.

Other control methods used included thymol-based apiguard and pyrethroids such as apistan and bayvarol.

While Varroa have developed Pyrethroid resistance its occasional use may still help as the mites' resistance declines during periods of non-exposure. A couple of members had also used the thymol-based ApiLifeVar.

Committee members, Janet Grist has been researching use of homeopathic treatment to improve bees' general health and resistance to Varroa and associated diseases.

Members were asked if any had used the purely physical Varroa treatments, icing sugar or talcum powder which work by making the Varroa mites lose their grip on bees and fall off; none reported using these this year.

The evening concluded with refreshments. The next meeting to be held on Tuesday, November 9 will be the branch annual meeting — with a 'bring and share' supper.