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October 26, 2021 | News Note | No Comment

Feeding Honey Bees: What, When, Why?


Author: Heather Broccard-Bell, Ph.D., Honey Bee Health Researcher

Feeding is one of those controversial honey bee topics that might best be avoided in polite company. A lot of different beekeepers have a lot of different (often extremely passionate) opinions. Some of those differences come down to living in different areas of the world. Others are personal preferences and simply what has worked (or at least what hasn’t not worked) in the past.

The goal of this post is not so much to tell you exactly what you should or should not be doing. Rather, it is to give you an appreciation of why you might (or might not) need to feed your honey bees, and to provide you with some general guidelines.

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September 30, 2021 | News Note | No Comment

Oh Honey, Honey: Considerations for New Beekeepers


Author: Heather Broccard-Bell, Ph.D., Honey Bee Health Researcher

Humans have been gathering honey from honey bees in one form or another for millennia. For most of that time, “management” was as simple as harvesting honey from wild bee colonies wherever they could be found. Apiculture has been transformed over the last couple of centuries by advances in technology. The invention of modular hive systems and moveable frames has greatly improved productivity, mobility, and the welfare of the bees themselves. Ultimately, most of this has been done in the service of one goal: to produce honey.

Now that we’re well into fall honey season (at least in Ontario, Canada), it seems like an opportune time to discuss some of the main considerations of modern honey harvesting. I realize that beekeepers around the world deal with many types of hives these days, but I am going to focus on the most common in North America: the 10-frame Langstroth.

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August 27, 2021 | Formic Pro - MAQS+ - News Note | No Comment

What Makes Formic Acid So Special?


Author: Heather Broccard-Bell, Ph.D., Honey Bee Health Researcher

Not all miticides are created equally—and no two apiaries are the same either. Yet, there are some common factors all beekeepers should carefully consider when deciding which product to use in their operations to control Varroa destructor.

Whether you have a few backyard hives or run a large commercial operation, regularly monitoring for mites (video) and developing an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program will help ensure your colonies get the right treatment, at the right time. We encourage beekeepers everywhere to think critically about their treatment plans ensuring the health of their colonies—and honey bees worldwide.

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August 10, 2021 | News Note | No Comment

What is it like to be a bee? (Part 2)


Author: Heather Broccard-Bell, Ph.D., Honey Bee Health Researcher

It’s safe to say that how honey bees experience the world is quite different from how humans experience the world. While we will always be influenced by our specific sensory systems, we can aim to better understand the honey bee by studying their senses. Knowing more about what the world is like for honey bees can help us to decipher their remarkable behaviour.

In our last blog, we took an in-depth look at how the honey bee uses its unique visual capabilities for navigation, foraging, and more. Like us, bees rely heavily on their vision, but what about the other senses? We’ll now explore beyond sight to further grasp what the world is like from the honey bee’s perspective.

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July 30, 2021 | News Note | No Comment

What is it like to be a bee? (Part 1)


Author: Heather Broccard-Bell, Ph.D., Honey Bee Health Researcher

In 1974, the American philosopher Thomas Nagel published an essay called, “What is it Like to Be a Bat?” [1]. In it, he argued that we can never really know because everything about how we perceive the world is coloured by the specific way in which our sensory systems operate. Even if we try to imagine what it might be like to be a bat, we unconsciously and unavoidably do so from our own biased perspective as a human, with human-type senses. For example, many of us think in words and/or pictures, neither of which a bat can do, even if it wanted to. Nagel argued that one can only truly understand what it is like to be a bat if one is actually a bat—and the same goes for knowing what it’s like to be a honey bee, or any other kind of non-human creature. In effect, Nagel’s essay really just expanded on the old saying, “you never truly know what it’s like for someone until you walk a mile in their shoes.”

Why would we want to know what it’s like to be another creature anyway? We encounter bee behaviours all the time that seem mysterious. Knowing why bees do the things that they do would certainly be helpful, and this starts with understanding what the world is like from their perspective.

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June 25, 2021 | News Note | 1 Comment

Why Are Honey Bees Such Great Pollinators?


Author: Heather Broccard-Bell, Ph.D., Honey Bee Health Researcher

The Western Honey Bee is a Pollinator Pro

Happy Pollinator Week! As I am sure you are well aware, there are a whole lot of different kinds of pollinators out there: from the familiar bees to other insects, like flies and beetles, to birds, and even bats! Each is important, and each has a role to play. Within this diverse group of animals, however, the Western Honey Bee, Apis mellifera, stands out – especially when it comes to the pollination of food crops, like fruit and nut trees[1]. Interestingly, the Western Honey Bee (hereafter referred to as the honey bee, even though there are actually several other species of honey bee*) is somewhat of a “perfect storm” of factors that, combined, make it a powerhouse pollinator.

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May 10, 2021 | Formic Pro - Press Release - Product Update | No Comment

Press Release – Formicpro® obtains Marketing Authorization in 23 European Regions


May 10, 2021 (Dublin, Ireland) — Beekeepers across Europe now have a new tool to combat the devastating Varroa destructor mite. NOD Apiary Ireland Ltd. is pleased to announce that the HPRA and 22 other European Regional Authorities have granted Marketing Authorization to NOD’s newest extended shelf-life Veterinary Medicine: Formicpro®.

Sustainable and Extended Shelf-Life

Formicpro features a 24-month shelf-life that doesn’t require temperature-controlled storage. These key advancements in bee protection technology provide distributors and beekeepers with an additional effective treatment for Varroosis that’s safer and easier to use.

Formicpro is an all-natural product manufactured in ready-to-use polysaccharide gel strips that are fully biodegradable. Its eco-paper wrap is designed to provide a slow release of the active ingredient: formic acid. During the 7-day treatment period Formicpro causes mortality to a significant number of mites under the brood cap, as well as adult mites on the bees, with an average efficacy of 83-97%.

Protecting Brood to Build Healthier Colonies

The development of Formicpro has been 20 years in the making. For more than two decades, NOD has helped protect millions of honey bee colonies worldwide with MAQS® Beehive Strips (Mite Away Quick Strips®). After receiving positive feedback following the launch of Formicpro in various other regions at the start of 2017, NOD began the process of compiling the European Dossier for submission. The registration covers 23 European regions, including 10 that have never before had access to NOD’s targeted under the cap technology. The global NOD team and its distribution partners are very excited to offer European beekeepers a safe and easy-to-use product with more lenient storage conditions and extended shelf-life.

“Formicpro allows our beekeepers to more accurately control Varroa mites where they reproduce, while providing better inventory capability for our distributors.” said Kathleen Ireland, Director of Sales and Marketing, NOD Apiary Products Ltd. “The entire company strives to deliver the most effective and sustainable honey bee health products to beekeepers.”

Combatting the Honey Bee’s Biggest Threat

Left untreated, Varroa mites will transmit viruses that weaken a honey bee colony. Millions of colonies across Europe have died in recent years from this parasitic mite. David VanderDussen, CEO of the Canadian based company that developed and manufactures the product, stated that “Formicpro has been well received by beekeepers in the US, Canada and New Zealand over the last five years. We are very pleased to extend delivery to beekeepers in Europe to ensure access to our latest sustainable bee protection product.”

European Roll Out and Product Brand Name

Formicpro is the globally recognized product brand name for this new extended shelf-life product, however in certain regions it will be sold under the names: Formicprotect, MAQSplus vet, and MyrsyraNOD.

Formicpro will be launching in some areas as early as Summer 2021 and will be widely available in time for Spring 2022 treatment season through our Distribution Partners in Europe (see list below).

  • Ireland (IE):
    • Donegal Bees, Thomas Donegal Cashel, Glencolmcille Co, Don F94KP97, Ireland
    • Bee Supplies, Unit 67C Heather Road, Sandyford Industrial Estate, Dublin D18 X623, Ireland
  • Austria (AT), Belgium (BE), Germany (DE), France (FR): Andermatt BioVet GmbH, Franz-Ehret-Str. 18, 79541 Lörrach, Germany
  • Spain (ES), Portugal (PT): Hifarmax Lda, Rua do Fojo, 136, Pavilhão B, Trajouce, 2775-615, São Domingos de Rana, Portugal
  • Croatia (HR), Slovenia (SI): Genera S.I, Cestna na Brdo, 100 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
  • United Kingdom (UK):
  • Bulgaria (BG): Vazrazdane-Kasis (VKasis) Ltd., Stara Planina Str. 59 Lovech 5500, Bulgaria
  • Czech Republic (CZ): Beedol, (Výzkumný ústav včelařský, s.r.o.), Dol 94, 252 66 Máslovice, Czechia
  • Greece (EL): AGROvet, 28th Giannitson Str, 546 27, Thessaloniki, Greece
  • Hungary (HU): EURO-VET Green Island Ltd., Petőfi u. 24, 7500 Nagyatád, Hungary
  • Italy (IT):
    • Chemical Laif, Viale Dell’Artigianato, 13, 35010, Vigonza PD, Italy
    • HUVEPHARMA, Uitbreidingstraat 80, B-2600 Antwerp, Belgium
  • Netherlands (NL): Andermatt Nederland bv, Prins Mauritslaan 15, 3956 TZ Leersum, The Netherlands
  • Poland (PL): VET-ANIMAL sp. z o.o., ul. Lubichowska 126, 83-200 Starogard Gdański
  • Romania (RO): SC UNICUB GRUP SRL, Codrului. St. No 10, MagureleIlfov, 077125, Romania
  • Slovakia (SK): MEDE – Karol Mészáros, Malý Lég 167, 930 37 Legnice, Slovak republic
  • Denmark (DK), Norway (NO), Sweden (SE): Distributors will be announced at a later date.

 

About NOD Apiary Products

NOD Apiary Products Ltd. is a Canadian company formed in 1997 by beekeepers in Canada. Honey bee and animal health is our focus. The founders at NOD developed a practical, sustainable miticide for the beekeeping industry that uses formic acid as the active ingredient to control varroa, tracheal and tropilaelaps mites. When properly formulated, this organic miticide eliminates the risk of residues in the hive. Formicpro® and MAQS® Beehive Strips (Mite Away Quick Strips®) are registered in several countries across Europe, and in Canada, the United States, and New Zealand.

NOD Apiary Products was awarded the Ontario Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence, 2006, Innovation Project of the Year, 2008 and Agri Business of the Year, 2011. Our passion is honey bee health and young livestock wellness, and as such, we are dedicated to environmental stewardship. To find out more about NOD Apiary Products Ltd., please visit our About Us page.

 

Media Contact

NOD Apiary Products Ltd.
Kathleen Ireland, Director of Sales and Marketing

Tel: +1-613-398-8422 ext. 205

Email: kathleeni@nodglobal.com

April 22, 2021 | Press Release | No Comment

Press Release – NOD Apiary Products Ltd. Brings on New Honey Bee Health Researcher


Ontario, Canada – NOD Apiary Products Ltd. is proud to announce the addition of Dr. Heather Broccard-Bell to the NOD team as Honey Bee Health Researcher, effective immediately. As head of research activities, Dr. Broccard-Bell will contribute to NOD Apiary Products’ commitment to innovation, quality and education for the betterment of the global beekeeping community. 

Dr. Broccard-Bell joins the NOD team with an impressive education (B.A. in Psychology, M.Sc. in Neuroscience and Ph.D. in Behaviour and Evolution), as well as research experience specific to beekeeping, honey bees and animal health.  

She has spent over fifteen years designing and conducting studies on animal health, and the past seven years focusing on honey bee health, disease prevention and understanding how bees communicate. Dr. Broccard-Bell has also devoted many years to teaching biology, psychology, and neuroscience university courses, making her a perfect fit to lead NOD’s research and education programs. 

“We are beyond excited to welcome Dr. Broccard-Bell to the NOD team. We have always put a strong focus on innovation and education here at NOD, and to have Heather leading our upcoming Honey bee Health Education Centre is a very inspiring time for us,” said Kathleen Ireland, Director of Sales and Marketing of NOD Apiary Products Ltd. 

NOD’s future Honey bee Health Education Centre, which will aim to provide hands on beekeeping courses through mentorship, aligns with Dr. Heather Broccard-Bell’s new role and her passion for delivering interactive educational lectures on honey bees.  

Dr. Broccard-Bell shares, “It’s a common perception that successful agricultural practices must be opposed to environmental concerns. However, NOD’s products and focus on education make it abundantly clear that there are ways in which agricultural practices can minimize impacts on native ecosystems and human health, while supporting productive and profitable businesses. I am absolutely delighted to join NOD in their efforts to further realize this goal!” 

About NOD Apiary Products 

NOD Apiary Products Ltd. is a Canadian company formed in 1997 by beekeepers in Canada. Honeybee and animal health is our focus. The founders at NOD developed a practical, sustainable miticide for the beekeeping industry that uses formic acid as the active ingredient to control varroa, tracheal and tropilaelaps mites. When properly formulated, this organic miticide eliminates the risk of residues in the hive and can be used safely during the honey flow. Formic Pro® and Mite Away Quick Strips® (MAQS Beehive Strips) are registered in several countries across Europe, and in Canada, The United States, and New Zealand. 

NOD Apiary Products Ltd. continues to aid the developing apiculture industry by producing organic and sustainable Honey bee health products. NOD Apiary Products was awarded the Ontario Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence, 2006, Innovation Project of the Year, 2008 and Agri Business of the Year, 2011. Our passion is Honey bee health and young livestock wellness, and as such, we are dedicated to environmental stewardship. To find out more about NOD Apiary Products Ltd., please visit our About Us page.

Media Contact 

NOD Apiary Products Ltd.
Kathleen Ireland, Director of Sales and Marketing 

Tel: +1-613-398-8422 ext. 205 

Email: kathleeni@nodglobal.com 

February 25, 2021 | Press Release | No Comment

Press Release – NOD assigns new Marketing Manager


—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—

March 1, 2021, NOD Apiary Products Ltd. Hires New Marketing Manager, North America

Frankford, ON – NOD Apiary Products Ltd. is pleased to announce the addition of Ms. Laura Wagdin to the NOD marketing team. Effective immediately, Laura will join as the Marketing Manager for NOD Apiary Products Ltd. She will be responsible for business development and strategic marketing activities to foster company growth within the global beekeeping community.

“Laura’s knowledge, skills and experience are an ideal fit for our growing marketing team. This addition will help us to enhance our marketing as we expand globally and continue to deepen our existing customer relationships.” said Kathleen Ireland, Director of Sales and Marketing of NOD Apiary Products Ltd. “We are excited to welcome Laura to the NOD team!”

Laura brings over ten years of marketing experience to the role, previously working at an advertising agency in Toronto, ON. Her brand-building capabilities and background in many areas of marketing present NOD with a great opportunity to further build the in-house marketing team.

“I am delighted to join such a passionate team during this exciting time of growth for NOD. I look forward to contributing to our fantastic brand focus, helping to encourage sustainable honeybee and animal health around the globe.”

About NOD Apiary Products

NOD Apiary Products Ltd. is a Canadian company formed in 1997 by beekeepers in Canada. Honeybee and animal health is our focus. The founders at NOD developed a practical, sustainable miticide for the beekeeping industry that uses formic acid as the active ingredient to control varroa, tracheal and tropilaelaps mites. When properly formulated, this organic miticide eliminates the risk of residues in the hive and can be used safely during the honey flow. Formic Pro™ and Mite Away Quick Strips (MAQS Beehive Strips) are registered in several countries across Europe, and in Canada, The United States, and New Zealand.

NOD Apiary Products Ltd. continues to aid the developing apiculture industry by producing organic and sustainable Honey bee health products. NOD Apiary Products was awarded the Ontario Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence, 2006, Innovation Project of the Year, 2008 and Agri Business of the Year, 2011. Our passion is honey bee health and young livestock wellness, and as such, we are dedicated to environmental stewardship. To find out more about NOD Apiary Products Ltd., please visit www.nodglobal.com.

 

Media Contact

NOD Apiary Products Ltd.
Kathleen Ireland, Director of Sales and Marketing

Tel: +1-613-398-8422 ext. 205

July 16, 2020 | Job Posting | No Comment

SEEKING: EU Brand Ambassador


NOD Apiary Ireland Ltd. is looking to hire an enthusiastic Brand Ambassador to be the face and voice of our brand in various European regions. As a Brand Ambassador, you will be involved in increasing brand awareness and indirect sales by promoting NOD products through various media channels, beekeeping associations and any other word-of-mouth channel that would elevate the products. The Brand Ambassador will work closely with our sales and marketing departments in Canada along with Distributors and Consultants abroad to achieve its marketing goals and objectives, such as communicating the value of our products to end-users, tracking customer feedback, and representing the brand at beekeeping meetings, congress’ and field/distributor events.

Brand Ambassadors will have excellent communication and networking skills, and a strong presence on social media and familiarity with our products.

REPORTS TO

Global Marketing Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Brand Ambassador will spend the majority of their time interacting with our customers in-person, on the phone and online. The Brand Ambassador’s primary task is to ensure the NOD brand is consistently displayed and accessible to our target market. The Brand Ambassador will be an employee of NOD Apiary Ireland Ltd., based in Ireland. The role requires frequent travel to various social events, such as trade shows, distributor trainings, field days, and other social gatherings around Europe.

BRAND AMBASSADOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Familiarizing yourself with the company’s mission, vision, and goals.
  • Working closely with sales and marketing staff to conceptualize marketing campaigns and strategies.
  • Engaging with prospective and existing customers
  • Representing our brand at promotional events and other marketing initiatives
  • Acting as a subject matter expert for our products
  • Responding to customer questions and concerns in-person, by phone, and via social media while following Pharmacovigilance requirements
  • Work with researching community to coordinate and oversee field tests and product trials
  • Promoting our brand via our social media accounts
  • Recording customer feedback and relay them to the head office marketing team
  • Attending events outside of office hours
  • Implement an EU influencer program for target regions
  • Monitor subsidy lists; ensure NOD products are represented.

BRAND AMBASSADOR COMMITMENT AND OFFER

Contract will be a 1 year term with competitive pay, access to complimentary NOD products for personal use and travel expenses covered.

REGION

Europe

BRAND AMBASSADOR PROFILE

Ideal Candidate for NOD Products: Active beekeeper with between 10-50 colonies. Using one or more social media platforms with 100+ followers. Organic or natural use history in beekeeping, already a product user.

Interested individuals should reach out to:

Kathleen Ireland

Global Marketing Manager

NOD Apiary Products Ltd.

kathleeni@nodglobal.com

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