Useful information on common bee diseases, pests, predators and how to prevent and treat them.
For any beekeeper, the sight of a ravaged beehive is a heart-sinking experience. With their clever paws and sweet tooth, raccoons can significantly threaten your beekeeping efforts. They damage the hive itself and consume the honey and bee larvae, jeopardizing the colony’s health and honey production. Fortunately, you can implement several effective methods to deter … Read more
Having trouble with skunks raiding your beehives? These striped bandits can wreak havoc on your bee colony, devouring bees and damaging hives. Do you want to learn about some practical strategies on how to get rid of skunks raiding beehives? Well, look no more! Read to learn some of the most effective strategies I found to … Read more
Honeybees are vital to our ecosystem, playing a crucial role in pollination and honey production. However, their health is threatened by various diseases and pests. This comprehensive guide explores several common bee diseases and pests, empowering beekeepers to protect their hives and ensure bee health. Common Bee Diseases: Chalkbrood If you’re a beekeeper, you may … Read more
Key Takeaways Bee-safe insecticides minimize harm to bees, either through reduced toxicity, natural formulation, or specific application methods that avoid contact with pollinators. Examples include Acetamiprid and Thiacloprid, which are among the least toxic to bees, and natural repellents like garlic and kaolin clay, which deter pests without harming bees. Why are bee-safe insecticides important? Because pollinators like bees, butterflies, birds, … Read more
Key Takeaways: Nosema ceranae, a microsporidian parasite, poses a significant threat to honey bees, crucial ecosystem pollinators. This spore-forming fungus can lead to severe symptoms and reduced lifespan in bees, impacting honey production and the beekeeping industry. That’s why understanding its transmission, infection signs, and the latest in prevention, control, and both organic and non-organic … Read more
Key Takeaways When it comes to keeping your bees safe, one of the most intriguing yet challenging aspects is protecting hives from curious and hungry bears. That’s why “How to keep bears out of hives?” is more than a question; it’s a crucial practice for apiarists living in bear-prone areas. This guide delves into the … Read more
Varroa mites, tiny parasites affecting honey bees, have become a significant concern in beekeeping. These mites not only latch onto bees, feeding on their bodily fluids, but also transmit harmful viruses. The presence of these parasites can lead to bee colony collapse disorder, posing a substantial threat to pollination and, consequently, agriculture. For beekeepers, it’s crucial to regularly monitor hives, adopt integrated … Read more
When it comes to beekeeping, ensuring the health and safety of the hive is paramount. Chalkbrood, a common disease affecting both honey and mason bees, can be particularly challenging to manage. However, with the rise of organic and natural treatments for chalkbrood, beekeepers like myself have found safer and more effective ways to tackle this … Read more
Chalkbrood disease is a common problem worldwide, recognized by its characteristic “chalkbrood mummies.” Although it’s considered a secondary pest, the infection can spread rapidly among a hive’s larvae and cause significant damage if left unchecked. The disease mummifies sealed larvae over time, leading to a high mortality rate among the brood. This eventually affects the … Read more
