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Killing Two Birds With One Varroa Mite Treatment?

Written by Bee Health Collective Staff on . Posted in Best Management Practices, blog, Resources.

Varroa mites have long posed a serious threat to beekeepers and their colonies. It is essential that effective treatment plans are put in place against the parasites and their many consequences, such as deformed wing virus. Recently, a study performed by the Pollinator Health in Southern Crop Ecosystems Research Unit in Stoneville, Mississippi, also mitigates another impact the mites have on bees: making them more susceptible to negative impacts of insecticides they encounter while foraging.

This research underscores that treatments for Varroa mites may actually have additional benefits besides battling the mites themselves.

In the study, the miticide amitraz (Apivar), was shown to have not only effectively treated varroa mites, but also improved the overall vitality of the hives by preserving bee immunity to other viruses and insecticides. Varroa mites reduce important immune proteins and detoxification enzymes in bees that are used to fight off foreign substances, so limiting this ability of the parasite is essential in ensuring a successful hive.

Read more about this study here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAARS/bulletins/3612ebd

by: Olivia Schaefer

Honey Breaks Consumer Demand Record While Domestic Production Declines

Written by Grace Kunkel on . Posted in Commercial Beekeeping, Honey.

A recent USDA report on the status of sweeteners shows that demand for honey in the US has never been higher. A boost from pandemic pantry-buying and honey’s status as a natural sweetener that is considered a healthier option have contributed to this trend. At the same time, domestic honey production has trended downwards, meaning imported honey is filling the gap. 

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Sir David Attenborough Talks Almond Pollination on the BBC’s The Green Planet: “Human Worlds” Series.

Written by Grace Kunkel on . Posted in blog, Commercial Beekeeping, Crops Bees Pollinate, Forage and Nutrition, Pollinators.

What better way to experience the almond pollination than being dropped into the orchard with Sir David Attenborough via the BBC’s The Green Planet? In the final episode of the series, Sir David highlights the efforts undertaken by almond growers to help the planet-including by using cover crops!

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Growing Your Apiary? USDA Programs and Resources to Support Beekeepers

Written by Grace Kunkel on . Posted in blog, Commercial Beekeeping, Cost of Beekeeping.

As beekeepers gain experience and expand their apiaries, they may not be aware that they are eligible for federal support in multiple ways. This is especially true if they are generating income from honey sales or other apiary products. Luckily, the USDA now has a handy infographic of federal programs and resources that support beekeepers including insurance programs, disaster assistance, loans, grants, and disease testing. 

usda-programs-resources-support-beekeepers-1Download

When drought, severe weather, disease outbreaks, or other events occur, it can be overwhelming. The key to successfully utilizing federal insurance or other protection programs is by becoming familiar with them, and documenting the inventory and productivity of your apiary well! 

Beekeepers with plans to expand their operation, or who have innovative ideas, can apply for federal grants or loans, the later of which have low-interest rates. Connecting with other beekeepers who have been through these processes before is a great way to get started. Check with your local association or state apiarist who might be able to connect you. The above infographic, and more information and resources, can be found on the USDA Pollinator website. 

By:  Grace Kunkel, Communications Manager, Project Apis m.

Honey Industry Testing-What is it and Why is it Done?

Written by Grace Kunkel on . Posted in blog, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), Honey.

The honey we love and consume every day should be wholesome and trustworthy. This is why the honey industry is committed to advancing stronger testing solutions to ensure the honey we consume is pure and authentic. In order to preserve the purity of honey, the industry is spearheading the ability for honey to be traced back to its original location and deploying new methods aimed at detecting adulterated honey, preventing it from entering the market. 

For more information about the steps industry groups are taking to champion pure honey, click here.

Questions about testing methods? Click here for FAQs.  

What About Colony Collapse Disorder?

Written by Grace Kunkel on . Posted in blog, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), Honey Bee Health.

In 2006, Colony Collapse Disorder devastated many beekeepers and honey bee colonies across the US.

Colony Collapse Disorder is a syndrome characterized by some very specific symptoms: the majority of worker bees in a hive disappear and leave behind a laying queen, plenty of food and a few nurse bees to care for the remaining immature bees and the queen. It’s as if a booming metropolis suddenly emptied its working population. As a result, the hive dies.

Scientists still don’t know for sure what causes Colony Collapse Disorder, and the syndrome is infrequently seen today as compared to 2006. Even though CCD is not at the forefront of honey bee health concerns today, high annual losses related to the “4p’s”listed above persist, and are often mis-attributed to CCD in the media.

(link to CCD section of honey bee health page)

What’s Killing Bees

Written by Grace Kunkel on . Posted in blog, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), Honey Bee Health.

We know what’s killing bees.

There are many things that contribute to high annual colony losses.  Often these factors are grouped into what is commonly known as the “Four P’s.” These represent the major honey bee health threats, and they are all connected. For example, Varroa mites not only weaken bees but also spread viruses, and without access to sufficient floral resources (food), bees are less able to fight off the parasites and diseases. Scientists are also looking at these factors through the lens of climate change, and how they respond to extreme environmental conditions and stressors.

(link to 4p’s pop ups: parasites, pathogens, poor nutrition, pesticides)

Donate to Help Bees

Written by Grace Kunkel on . Posted in How Can I Help.

There are many organizations dedicated to helping honey bees and pollinators. From research to habitat to education and policy – however you want to help, there is an organization that can utilize your donation. Project Apis m. is a founder of the Bee Health Collective and supports honey bee research and habitat projects.  You can learn more, and donate to the cause here.