Could Carbon Dioxide Be a New Tool Against Varroa Mites?
A new study shows storing honey bee colonies with elevated levels of carbon dioxide reduces levels of Varroa mites, a method that might prove useful in reducing beekeepers' winter colony losses.
Another Pest of Pollinators: Small Hive Beetle Management in Honey Bee Colonies
Small hive beetles (Aethina tumida) can cause substantial damage in commercial honey bee colonies in North America. Both larval and adult beetles consume hive products and honey bee eggs and larvae, creating a slimy waste in the process. A new guide discusses the biology and management of these pests and highlights current gaps in our knowledge.
Social Patterns That Resist Varroa Mite Seen in Honey Bees for First Time
In the search for new avenues to protect honey bees (Apis mellifera) from Varroa mites, researchers have identified breeds of A. mellifera that show signs of "social apoptosis," a defense mechanism common in Asian bees that are resistant to Varroa infestation.
Why Industrial Agriculture Puts Honey Bees in Peril
A honey bee researcher argues that the biggest threat to honey bees is the industrial agriculture systems they're bred to support, and she urges colleagues to reframe the scope of their research on honey bee health.