The Florida Administrative Code (FAC) associated with honey bees and beekeepers (Rule 5B-54) has undergone some changes that will have an effect on beekeeping operations in Florida. This post will summarize the changes and what they mean for ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Natural Resources
At the end of 2017, German bee researchers published a journal article detailing work that they had completed which looked at the compound lithium chloride (LiCl) as a new potential option for Varroa control (Ziegelmann et al., 2017). In ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease
Kissimmee, FL-Osceola County This workshop will give you the knowledge to get started with your beekeeping hobby or business. You will learn about the components of a hive, how a bee colony lives, how to use beekeeping tools and protective ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Events
Varroa destructor is the Number One pest of our Western Honey Bee, Apis mellifera. This pest (commonly called Varroa or Varroa mite) is a parasite that feeds on a bee’s hemolymph, causing honey bee stress and eventually the death of developing ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease
The UF Honey Bee Lab is constantly striving to improve our extension programs in an effort to be more effective and approachable to beekeepers across Florida. Because of this, we are making some significant changes to where and when we hold ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Natural Resources
Beekeeping is becoming increasingly popular in Florida. The typical urban or backyard beekeeper maintains one to five colonies. Backyard beekeeping traditionally has provided honey for home consumption and general enjoyment for those who keep ... READ MORE
Category: Home LandscapesJose Dubeux and Liza Garcia, University of Florida – North Florida Research and Education Center Improved forages are not only good for livestock, but they can also help feed bees! Managing grasslands to enhance bee habitat requires similar ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture
As Florida continues to recover from the effects of Hurricane Irma, many mosquito control districts in the state are temporarily stepping up their spray programs. It is important to realize how and why this is an important response to strong ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease
"The happiness of the bee and the dolphin is to exist. For man it is to know that and to wonder at it." Jacques Yves Cousteau Bumble bees are among the most recognizable types of insects. They are large, colorful, and a wonder to watch. ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources
Congratulations Ashley Mortensen! Ashley has been awarded the 2017 Southeastern Branch John Henry Comstock Award given by the Entomological Society of America’s National Office. Ashley Mortensen is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture