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 Commercial apiculture is a relatively small
agricultural industry in Newfoundland and Labrador with four commercial
producers marketing approximately 5000 lbs of honey annually. Expertise among
producers is high with production of quality, well packaged honey, wax and
pollen products.
At one time there was little effort made to
over-winter bees in the province, with new hives being established in the
Spring. At present hives are overwintered with considerable success due to
increased expertise of the apiarists, as well as a considerable increase in the
cost of replacement bees. Hives are jacketed with an insulating cover or placed
in insulated boxes. The cluster of overwintering bees generates heat through
activity and the consumption of stored honey.
Honey bees in Newfoundland are free from Varroa Mite
(Varroa destructor) and Honey Bee Tracheal Mite (Acarapis woodii).
These significant bee parasites have been found extensively throughout insular
North America and pose a significant challenge to bee management throughout
their range.
It is prohibited under the Livestock Health
Regulations to import bees from premises or countries where Varroa Mite or
Tracheal Mite is present. Contravention of these regulations may result in
return of bees to the point of origin at the owners expense or destruction on
site with no compensation paid.
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