2006_0417_Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Health and safety issues Honeybees have no known diseases tra��s�nissible to other animals or humans, such as rabies. They do require some medications for their own health. They are much less defensive of their hive than most wasps. Honeybees are usually housed in conspicuous white boxes. Bee allergies exist in about 3% of adults. Allergies are often specific to a species of bee and can vary widely in severity between events. Precautions can be taken to reduce risk of stings from honeybees. Light colored clothing and wearing shoes in outdoor areas can reduce the risk. Individual with known severe allergies should use the same precautions as other serious allergies, carrying a EpiPen and administration of antihistamines (Benadryl). In comparison it is estimated that at least 3% have a peanut allergy, 10% have a serious medication allergy and up to 30% have a food specific allergy. Wild bees and honeybees from other communities will always exist is Roseville. The large number of wasps (German yellow jackets) later in the summer are inore aggressive and likely confused with honeybees. The flight path from a honeybee hive can be diverted upward with the use of fencing if nearby traffic exists. Legal issues Determine the source of a sting let alone the species and owner of the bee (if any) is too difficult to assign blame. It is also difficult to find statistics comparing bee sting percentages, in one Canadian reference 25% of reported stings were from honeybees. This figure may have included stings to beekeepers while working with the bees, so it could be artificially inflated in comparison to the general public. Historically honeybees have been exempt from trespassing laws. How can beekeeping be self regulated and attempt to prevent future problems? 1. Good beekeeping guidelines and practices. Gary Rueter is writing a urban beekeepers guide which should be available shortly. 2. Education of coininunity by beekeepers. Provide materials for city to disperse and publish. 3. Provide positive experiences with honeybees. Continue to use the nature center and promote products and benefits gained from honeybees. 4. Appoint beekeepers to be called for information andlor intervention with bee complaints. (Alex-Ian) Gather complaints received by city to and review. Check for patterns and good beekeeping practices. S. Register beekeeping sites in Roseville. Due to the recent ending of state inspectionslregistration it is proposed to have a voluntary Roseville registration. Request involvement of beekeepers in any processes involving future ordinances and rules regarding beekeeping.