Make that 6 ps. If you think about it, this list may be in order of precedence as well, or not.
1. Parasites: The Varroa Destructor Mite and Tracheal Mite. The Varros Destructor Mite is clearly number 1.
2. Pesticides: IMHO Pesticides are right up there. Herbicides and fungicides are not helpful either.
3. Pathogens: This includes viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Nosema, AFB, EFB, Deformed Wing Virus, Sac Brood, Chalk Brood, and others.
4. Pests: Wax moths, Small Hive Beetle, Yellow Jackets, Hornets, Wasps, Bears, ants, mice, racoons, and humans. Humans may well lead this list.
5. Poor Diet: A beautiful green grass lawn is a desert to the honey bee, There is simply not enough flowering trees and shrubs in our landscape.
6. Poor Weather: Think about 100 plus inches of rain in Tillamook. A wet bee is a dead bee. Keep your bees dry. Think about insulation in the cold months of the year. Ventialation is highly important too.
You could have made it the 6 P's if you called it "Poor" weather.
I mentioned these on Saturday, but I want everyone to remember what are bees are up against
1. Parasites:
Varroa Destructor & Tracheal Mites
2. Pesticides:
Including fungicides, herbicides, and neonicotinoids.
3. Pathogens:
Viruses, bacteria, and disease introduced by the parasites and pests.
4. Pests:
Wax moths, Small Hive Beetle, Yellow Jackets, Hornets, & Wasps
Bears, ants, mice, racoons, and humans
5. Poor Diet:
Loss of forage in our towns, yards, and open spaces.
6. Weather: