Nature

“In the United Kingdom there are many diseases killing off the bee population and unfortunately the problematic parasites were brought in to the country with imported bees.

“The most destructive type of mite is called Varroa destructor.  This is the biggest bee killer in the world today.  It’s thought to have originated from Java and Korea.  It is a bright red mite which is the size of a pin head.  It spreads virus when it sucks the bee’s blood.

“The subsequent diseases take hold quickly and can wipe out entire colonies of bees in a matter of weeks.  Some of these parasites are now even immune to the insecticide developed to kill them off. 

“Because of previous importation restrictions the Isle of Man bees have, so far, remained disease-free but new European legislation insists the Isle of Man opens its doors to foreign imports.

Infected imports could kill local bees

“If people start bringing in bees from other parts of the world we could be in trouble.  I try every way I can to make sure people know how destructive foreign imports could be.  It is essential people know not to bring in bees from anywhere else in the world.  There are always people willing to sell bees locally.

"The other important thing to remember is that if you buy honey from abroad it can carry disease.  Although it is perfectly harmless for human beings, if local bees get hold of imported honey they can become diseased.  So never ever leave unwashed honey jars outside.

"Because the Isle of Man does not farm as intensively as the UK, there are certain chemical pesticides which have never been used here.  This has been a good thing for local bees as some of those chemicals cause imbalance in the bee’s life cycle.

“Pesticide manufacturers say it does not affect bees but scientists disagree.  I think it’s safe to say that the jury is still out.

“The UK government was previously unconcerned about its bee population but now it realises that all sorts of economic problems spring up when the bee population falls and pollination rates decrease. 

“The Isle of Man Government on the other hand has been very keen to protect the bees and maintain the healthy status quo on the Island. I act as an advisor to DAFF so I know they are actively helping to keep the Island clean of importations.

It is thought pesticides can kill bees

“The other big problem we have is the demise of the bumble bee.  We are losing these wonderful creatures because due to development there are less wildflower meadows around for them to forage in. They need rough terrain.

“On the Island we have plenty of good areas for bumble bees but unfortunately people don’t understand them.   If someone finds a bee’s nest in their garden they assume it is dangerous for the kids.  Well that is just NOT true.

“Bumble bees will only sting you if they have no choice.  You would have to squeeze a bumble bee to get stung. They are now endangered because people have been killing them off.

“You can find bumble bees in compost heaps, tufts of grass, in old discarded carpets or sacking.  They are very flexible creatures and if they find somewhere they like they will make a nest.

“They have even been found to take over an old mouse’s nest or bird’s nest!  The thing you have to remember is, they are completely harmless and without them nature’s cycle would be completely disrupted. We really need to look after these little fellas!