The status of honeybee pests in Uganda

Abstract

Beekeeping provides enormous potential for income generation, pollination and sustainable use of forest resources. In Uganda, honey production potential is enormous and in 2005; Uganda was licensed to export honey to the EU, creating an immense opportunity. However, the potential for beekeeping is not fully exploited. Many pests attack honeybees causing enormous losses. This descriptive study that
took a participatory action research approach, evaluated how beekeepers managed honeybee pests. Data collection was carried out from 2009 to 2012 from four of the ten agro-ecological zones of Uganda. These zones are classified on the basis of distinct vegetation type, elevation and climatic conditions. Eleven honeybee pests and predators that affect beekeeping production were documented. The important pests causing economic losses were black ants, small hive beetles, wax moths and bee hornets. Effective methods for pest control and management applied by beekeepers included mechanical methods and bio-control. The mechanical methods included keeping the apiary tidy; avoiding throwing combs around apiaries and
frequent smoking to drive out small hive beetles. At least 28% of the beekeepers developed local organic (bee-safe) methods for pest control. To manage the ants, many beekeepers applied ash at the apiaries. They hanged their hives using wires and kept their apiaries tidy. The use of hive stands placed in used engine oil also helped reduce many pests. Some beekeepers swatted bee hornets to reduce colony abscondment. The pests led to absconding of many colonies. Honey production with the traditional hives was most affected by the pests; followed by the top bar hive. Frame hives were the least affected by the pests. Many beekeepers lacked adequate information for managing the pests limiting the methods used to control the pests. There should be detailed study of the important honeybee pests in order to design best management practices.

Key words: Honeybees, Honeybee pests, ants, wax moths, small hive beetles, Uganda