The youngest bee expert in Germany in action for the environment!

The youngest bee expert in Germany in action for the environment!

Simon Opitz, with his 16 years the youngest bee expert (BSV) in Germany, is the new contact for beekeepers and citizens in the Euskirchen district. Together with Mario Lamberty, the young beekeeper takes care of the health of bee colonies in the region. Opitz, who beekeeping in the garden of his parents with eight bees, began with only two peoples, and has built up a positive relationship with his neighbors since then. This support is important because beekeeping requires a certain amount of public and understanding in the neighborhood. For interested parties without their own garden, the beekeeping association Euskirchen offers a teaching apiary where the basics of beekeeping can be learned, such as mobil.ksta.de reported

In order to be recognized as a BSV, the age of majority is a prerequisite, but Simon Opitz received an exemption. The requirements are high: several years of experience in beekeeping and membership in the corresponding association are essential. After two months of training, the exam can be taken, because only those who have enough knowledge and experience can offer good support for the beekeeping community.

The role of the bee expert

The tasks of a bee expert are diverse. They monitor the state of health of bee colonies, especially with regard to parasites and diseases such as the American lazy brood or the little hedbery beetle. If illnesses are suspected, BSV must be consulted to determine the corresponding findings. In addition, a hike or the sale of bee colonies is not permitted without a valid health certificate. This health certificate is issued after a detailed examination for a small fee, as the information on beekeeper-ueberlingen.de explain.

One of the greatest threats to bee colonies is the Varroa mite (Varroa Destructor). This parasitates on bees and their brood and can cause great damage through the transfer of viruses. In every bee colony, it is now present and responsible for numerous peoples, especially in autumn and winter. Therefore, effective control measures and the use of approved veterinary medicinal products are required to protect the health of the bees. In Austria, for example, from January 1st, 2014, a means of covering the vein must be approved as veterinary medicinal products, and the corresponding information for this is provided in the medicine specialty register, as can be seen on ages.at

The or honey harvest fluctuates depending on the bee colony and food supply. Some peoples can produce up to 60 kg honey a year. In addition to honey, wax and pollen are also valuable by -products from beekeeping. The beekeeping association Euskirchen, which currently has 166 members, represents an important platform for beekeepers and promotes environmental awareness through networking with schools. However, invasive types such as the Asian hornets represent a constant threat, whereas the association has taken specific measures for control.

The importance of wasps for the pollination process and the entire ecosystem is also highlighted by Lamberty. Wasps have an essential role, even if they are often perceived as annoying. Their control and understanding of their function are also important aspects of beekeeping.