Use Miticides Wisely: Protect the Hive, but Save the Queen
Varroa mites are a constant threat to managed honey bee hives, but the most commonly used pesticide used against the mites appears to have negative effects on honey bee queens’ reproductive patterns. A new study explores these effects and offers beekeepers insight on balancing mite management and hive health.
Even Moderate Drought Conditions are Bad for Bees
A new study finds that reduced water availability—even if not quite drought conditions—lessens the quality of floral resources for honey bees and bumble bees, in turn negatively affecting their survival and reproduction rates.
Varroa Mites: New Guide Outlines Integrated Pest Management Options
A growing consensus deems Varroa mite infestation to be the leading factor in the struggles of honey bees in managed hives around the world. A new profile in the open-access Journal of Integrated Pest Management details the biology and life cycle of the Varroa destructor mite and the IPM approach to control the devastating ectoparasites.
Wild Pollinators Get the Job Done
Wild pollinators have the potential to play a bigger part in pollinating specialty crops, according to a new study.