harmful not only because they feed and reproduce on bees during their most vulnerable life stages but also due to the many harmful diseases they carry and spread .
According to the USDA , this includes deformed wing virus , which causes deformed and damaged wings on the bees , leading to an inability to fly and perform their duties in the hive . Other diseases include acute bee paralysis virus , kashmir bee virus and Israeli acute paralysis virus , which can be found in colonies of any size or strength .
Things like herbicides and pesticides used to control weeds and pests can also kill honeybees on contact . Householder says minimizing the use of these chemicals , especially while flowers are in bloom , can greatly help preserve the bee population .
Mark Lilly , head beekeeper and educator for the Appalachian Beekeeping Collective ( ABC ), highlights another challenge : the lack of education on the importance of pollinators to the environment and how small insects are affected by harmful practices .
Despite these challenges , the Mountain State ’ s natural landscape can serve as a great setting for beekeepers .
“ Our main honey flows are different tree species ,” Lilly says . “ We are removed enough that big agriculture chemicals are only minimal in areas where they are used .”
Householder also adds that the state ’ s diverse floral sources , which provide nutrients in pollen and nectar that help keep honeybees healthy as well as moderate weather , aid in beekeeping practices .
One of the most notable aspects of beekeeping is the harvesting and selling of quality honey . Householder explains that to do this , beekeepers remove the honey supers that honeybees have stored in their hive and process it by shaving off the beeswax that seals the honeycomb .
“ The frames of uncapped honey are placed in a honey extractor that rotates
“ Beekeepers ’ large and small operations support agriculture through pollination of backyard gardens and commercial crop production .”
in a circular motion and flings the honey out of the comb onto the sides of the extractor drum ,” she says . “ The honey is then filtered through a fine sieve to remove wax pieces and other debris from the honey .”
After this , honey is considered raw , preserving its nutrients and enzymes , and can be bottled and sold .
The ABC and the WVBA , along with similar organizations throughout the state , promote beekeeping through education and community involvement .
The WVBA works hand in hand with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture to promote initiatives and hive products that advocate for the welfare of honeybees . The organization hosts members who gain a plethora of services like an annual honey show , informative newsletters and voting privileges during association meetings .
The ABC helps provide training , support and equipment to beekeepers in distressed areas . Lilly says the organization offers free online training and works with schools , from preschool through 12th grade , to supply educational information .
Beekeepers ’ work is vital to the environment and agriculture , and through their efforts , West Virginia ’ s bees continue to thrive . •
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