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.
Can Honey Bees Survive Varroa Mites? The Challenges, the Tactics, the Future
More than 30 years after arriving in the U.S., Varroa mites remain the leading pest of honey bees. A new article in the Journal of Insect Science takes a comprehensive look at integrated pest management of Varroa mites and the prospects for new tools and solutions to reduce honey bee losses.
This Old Bee House: Study Deems Hive Boxes Drafty, Inefficient
The classic wooden hive box used by beekeepers worldwide, first designed in the 1800s, is prone to temperature swings, a new study shows. That's bad news for the honey bees inside, who must expend energy to maintain their favored internal hive temperature.