Compositions and methods for the treatment and management of bee hives and the bees therein

Abstract

Compositions and methods for managing bee colonies to prevent a variety of diseases, infestations and generally improve the health and productivity of the colony are provided. Such diseases may arise from a variety of sources, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa and parasites that infest the colony and the hive. Representative diseases preventable or treatable by this compositions and methods disclosed herein include, but are not limited to Foulbrood, Chalkbrood, and Nosema. Examples of infestations treatable and preventable by the compositions and methods disclosed include acarids or mites and insects such as hive beetles and the like. The compositions of the present invention include neutral or acidic solutions of an aromatic sulfonic acid, aqueous salt solutions, and wood sealants. Methods disclosed herein include applying the aqueous compositions to an interior surface of a bee-hive, suspending hive frames by novel corrosion resistant brackets that minimize the absorption of moisture within the hive body and provide bees access to more of the hive's interior for policing, cleaning and housekeeping purposes. The novel brackets and honey produced by bees administered one or more compositions of this invention are also disclosed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.