Beekeepers fear for their hives

Scotland's beekeepers have said they are fighting a losing battle against a bug which has devastated the UK's honeybee population.

The bugs live off the backs of the bees, sucking the life from them

There have been 31 reported cases of the Varroa destructor mite so far this year, nearly double the number at the same time last year.

The varroa mite lives on the body of the bee, sucks its blood and gradually drains it of strength.

In the last five years, the mites have spread from England through southern Scotland and have now reached as far north as the Highlands.

Beekeeper Enid Brown said: "The problem has been with us for a few years now. It was first spotted in Dumfries, then it gradually spread to Fife and is now in Lothians, Angus, Stirling, Glasgow and also Aberdeen."

There were 39 new cases notified last year and beekeepers fear this year's figure could rise to more than 60.

Death and deformity

The infestation can be combated with chemicals or homeopathic remedies and the Scottish Beekeepers Association said owners needed to be more vigilant.

BEEKEEPING - THE FACTS

2,000 beekeepers in Scotland

One hive can have up to 60,000 bees

Nine hives typically produce 100 jars of honey in a season

Una Robertson, the association's president, said: "This is a worry but if beekeepers are vigilant and take the right precautions then it can be controlled, but not eradicated."

She said that when the bug went on the rampage in England, beekeepers there pulled together, became more aware and improved their practices.

The bug first arrived on the south coast of England from Europe 10 years ago.

It can cause death and deformity among the bees until only ageing and unproductive individuals are left and entire colonies collapse.

The Scottish Executive spends £60,000 a year providing advice, but beekeepers have called for the appointment of special bee officers, as in England.

They warn that without greater efforts to control the mite there may soon be no bee hives left.