Updated at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Hawaii moves to control honeybee mite
Associated Press
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The Board of Agriculture has new rules to stop the mite from spreading to other islands, particularly the Big Island where beekeeping and queen bee production are major industries.
The rules require permits for transport between islands of live bees or beekeeping equipment that might contain dead bees.
The varroa mite is a tiny creature that feeds on the blood of honeybees and their larva.
The mite has been discovered on O'ahu, and beekeepers on other islands are being warned about it.
While honey is a $1.5 million industry itself, queen bee production accounts for up to $5 million more, and hundreds of millions of dollars in agricultural products depend upon bee pollination.
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Information from: Hawaii Tribune-Herald, www.hilohawaiitribune.com
