Chalkbrood is a disease that affects honey bees and can devastate their population. Caused by a fungus called Ascosphaera apis, it is one of the most common diseases of honeybees…

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…

Honey bees are generally peace-loving insects, focused on building out their hives and preparing for winter. But that doesn’t mean they don’t have to face a slew of threats in…

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…