New Publication: Honey Bee Pest and Disease Guide – A Must-Have for Beekeepers

Beekeeping is both an art and a science, and having the right tools makes all the difference. Whether you’re a backyard beekeeper or managing hundreds of colonies, the Honey Bee Pest and Disease Guide is an essential resource to keep your hives healthy and thriving. This newly released, spiral-bound pocket guide is laminated for durability, making it perfect for use in the field. Developed in collaboration with UF/IFAS Extension faculty from multiple counties and the UF/IFAS Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory (HBREL), this resource provides science-backed, practical information to help beekeepers navigate common challenges and ensure hive health.

What’s Inside the Guide?

This practical reference covers fundamental aspects of honey bee management, including:

Basic Beekeeping Equipment and Inspections – Learn about the tools of the trade and how to conduct hive checks effectively.
Honey Bee Life Cycle – Understand the growth and development stages of Apis mellifera.
Pests, Diseases, and Threats – Identify common challenges that affect honey bee colonies, from Varroa mites to bacterial infections and environmental stressors.
Predators and Other Risks – Gain insight into the threats posed by insects, mammals, and environmental factors.
High-Quality Images and Diagrams – Visual aids help beekeepers identify issues quickly and apply best management practices.

Why This Guide Matters

Florida’s beekeeping industry is a major player in pollination services nationwide. With over 840,000 registered colonies as of 2022, the majority of Florida’s hives are managed by commercial beekeepers who play a crucial role in pollinating crops such as blueberries, cucurbits, and almonds. However, backyard and sideline beekeepers also contribute significantly to pollination and honey production.

Keeping colonies healthy is critical for all beekeepers, and that’s where this guide comes in.

The Honey Bee Pest and Disease Guide is now available at the UF/IFAS Bookstore.

Don’t miss the opportunity to add this indispensable resource to your beekeeping toolkit.