Varroa destructor Background: Varroa is the most devastating pest of the western honey bee. It is responsible for the death of honey bee colonies world-wide, resulting in millions of dollars of damages. The mites are thought to feed ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease
The Melitto Files has hit the web in a whole new way! We are transitioning from a newsletter format to an online blog. This will be the new source of information about the Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory (HBREL) and Florida beekeeping. What ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Natural ResourcesIt’s harvest time for many choice honey crops. That means it’s also time to plan for hive maintenance concerning next year’s harvest. Summer is great time for hive maintenance, as there are limited active pollen producing plants. So, ... READ MORE
Category: AgricultureHoney bees and farmers have a very special relationship: bees collect nectar and pollen from flowering crops, and in return, the pollinated crops bear fruit. Because of their roles as pollinators, honey bees are critical to the success of many ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Conservation, Crops, Natural Resources, SFYL Hot Topic, Wildlife
Author: Rick O'Connor - roc1@ufl.edu Sea Grant Extension Agent in Escambia County Panhandle Outdoors READ MORE
Category: AgricultureAs temperatures in North Florida grow colder, honey bees will need some special attention. There are a number of management considerations local beekeepers need to be aware of. Weather and Temperature During the winter, honeybees are less ... READ MORE
Category: AgricultureThe Bee Informed Partnership, in collaboration with the Apiary Inspectors of America (AIA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), conducted their ninth annual national survey of honey bee colony losses. Over 6,000 beekeepers ... READ MORE
Category: AgricultureIf life were simple, one of its advantages would be that an apiary could be established and the beehives would never have to be moved. But life isn’t simple, and beekeepers need to move their bees for various reasons. They may need to be ... READ MORE
Category: AgricultureIntroduction and Background I am willing to bet that a great percentage of people in the US rarely give honeybees and other pollinators a second thought as to their importance to our nation’s food supply. I am also willing to bet that an ... READ MORE
Category: AgricultureLocal beekeeper Jim Dietrich takes a moment with kids from our 4-H Naturally Balanced Homesteading Club while they sample different varieties of honey available in our area. If you would like more information on Beekeeping or joining ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth