Bee diseases are spread when bees rob a diseased colony. For this reason good management requires that you minimize the opportunity to rob. Bee glue (propolis) and burr combs should be placed in containers which prevent the access of bees to the material. When a colony dies, close the hive to prevent the remaining stores from being robbed.

In most States, sale of equipment from colonies infected by American foulbrood is prohibited by law. Before you purchase any used equipment, be sure to consult your apiary inspector for information on the source of the equipment. As an added precaution, disinfect used equipment before use.

If you obtain adult bees or brood or feed honey (whether extracted or in combs) from unknown sources, do not add them to healthy colonies. Be certain that your source of bees and honey is from disease-free colonies. This is especially important when capturing swarms of unknown origin. When in doubt, isolate the colony until you are certain that it is disease free.

Inspect your bee colonies often. Watch for signs of disease. If any colony shows symptoms that are suspicious call your apiary inspector for his assistance, or send a test sample to a State or Federal laboratory. Instructions for sending samples are given on page 13.

Use Of Pesticides

This publication is intended for nationwide distribution. Pesticides are registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for countrywide use unless otherwise indicated on the label.

The use of pesticides is governed by the provisions of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, as amended. This Act is administered by EPA. According to the provisions of the Act, "It shall be unlawful for any person to use any registered pesticide in a manner inconsistent with its labeling. " (Section 12 (a) (2) (G))

EPA has interpreted this Section of the Act to require that the intended use of the pesticide must be on the label of the pesticide being used or covered by a Pesticide Enforcement Policy Statement (PEPS) issued by EPA.

The optimum use of pesticides, both as to rate and frequency, may vary in different sections of the country. Users of this publication may also wish to consult their Cooperative Extension Service, State Agricultural Experiment Stations, or County Extension Agents for information applicable to their localities.

The pesticides mentioned in this publication are available in several different formulations that contain varying amounts of active ingredient. Because of this difference, the rates given in this publication refer to the amount of active ingredient, unless otherwise indicated. Users are reminded to convert the rate in the publication to the strength of the pesticide actually being used. For example, 1 pound of active ingredient equals 2 pounds of a 50-percent formulation.

The user is cautioned to read and follow all directions and precautions given on the label of the presticide formulation being used.

Federal and State regulations require registration numbers on all pesticide containers. Use only pesticides that carry one of these registration numbers.

USDA publications that contain suggestions for the use of pesticides are normally revised at 2-year intervals. If your copy is more than 2 years old, contact your Cooperative Extension Service to determine the latest pesticide recommendations.

The pesticides mentioned in this publication were federally registered for the use indicated as of the issue of this publication. The user is cautioned to determine the directions on the label or labeling prior to use of the pesticide.

University Of California College Of Agriculture Agricultural Experiment Station Berkeley, California