European foulbrood (EFB) is found in the United States and almost every other country where bees are kept. It is a brood disease caused by the bacterium Melissococcus plutonius.  The…

Raccoons are North American natives that enjoy moist woodland areas. However, they’re are known to make their homes almost anywhere. These nocturnal mammals are part of the bear family and…

Bears have a healthy appetite for honey and larval bees. An acute sense of smell draws them towards hives as they travel. Once a bear discovers a beehive, it may…

Mice are a headache for beekeepers in winter when bees are vulnerable. They enter hives seeking shelter and food but often end up causing massive disruption. Unwanted mice use comb…

Healthy bee colonies are good at dealing with wax moths and their larvae. But weak hives don’t have the numbers to watch every corner of their home. In the right…

Wax moths progress through four stages in their lifecycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult moth. The length of each phase is highly dependent on environmental factors like humidity, light, temperature,…

Wax moths are parasitic insects that can cause severe damage to woodenware and comb. A healthy colony will often fight off these pests, but not always. Beekeepers should make every…

The wax moth is a highly destructive hive pest that beekeepers should watch out for. In weak colonies, larvae tunnel through comb filled with brood, pollen, and honey with ease,…

The lifecycle of a small hive beetle typically takes 3-12 weeks, depending on conditions like temperature, humidity, and available food sources. The stages of development consist of egg, larva, pupa,…