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What Is Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus – Symptoms & Prevention
Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV) is a common RNA viral infection in honey bees and wasps. It is linked to colony collapse disorder (CCD), resulting in the loss of bee…
What Is Deformed Wing Virus? A Beekeeper’s Guide
Deformed wing virus (DWV) is a global disease that affects honey bees at all stages of development. Transmitted by varroa mites, this infection may result in developing bees having smaller…
How To Treat Small Hive Beetle [5 Tested Options]
Small hive beetles have spread through many beekeeping countries, including the United States, Canada, Italy, and Australia. Although honey bees can fight off these pests in small numbers, all hives…
What Are Tropilaelaps Mites? A Beekeeper’s Guide
Tropilaelaps mites are parasitic arachnids that feed on worker and drone brood blood. They are native to Asia and naturally parasitize Asian bee species like Apis cerana and Apis dorsata….
Honey Bee Vs. Asian Giant Hornet – 10 Differences Explained
Since their arrival in the United States in 2019, Asian giant hornets (Vespa mandarinia) have received much attention in the media. They’re big, aggressive insects with an appetite for honey…
What Is Nosema? Research-Backed Advice For Beekeepers
Nosemosis, commonly called Nosema disease, is triggered by two fungi: Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae. It affects the bee’s digestive system and can cause severe colony losses in spring and…
What Is Black Queen Cell Virus? An Essential Guide
Black queen cell virus (BQCV) is a disease that kills queen bee larvae or prepupae. Caused by the virus Cripavirus genus, it turns the developing bee yellow and eventually brownish-black….
What Is Sacbrood? A Beekeeper’s Guide
Sacbrood is a viral infection that affects the Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) and the Eastern honey bee (Apis cerana). Caused by the sacbrood virus (SBV), this bee brood disease…
What Is Stonebrood? A Beekeeper’s Reference Guide
Stonebrood is a rare, short-lived fungal disease affecting adult honey bees and their larvae. The fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus infect larvae, causing them to mummify before hatching. Bee…
What Is Tracheal Mite? + Bonus Printable Guide
The tracheal mite (Acarapis woodi) is a microscopic parasite that infests honey bee colonies. It targets the tracheae or breathing tubes of the bee to develop, feed, and reproduce. Infestations…
What Is Chalkbrood? + Free Printable Guide
Chalkbrood is a honey bee disease caused by the fungus Ascosphaera apis. If untreated, it mummifies developed larvae, disrupting hive activity and reducing honey production. Although chalkbrood rarely kills the…
What Is A Langstroth Hive? In-Depth 2023 Guide
The iconic Langstroth has remained the most popular type of beehive for over 150 years. Widely used by beekeepers worldwide, its simple design is versatile, easy to use, and affordable….
What Is Braula Fly? A Beekeeper’s Guide
The braula fly is a tiny wingless fly with a flat, reddish body that beekeepers sometimes mistake for varroa mites. Found on every continent with bees, this insect is a…
What Is A Honey House? An Essential Guide
Hobbyist beekeepers may prefer to extract honey inside the house, but it’s not ideal. Honey and wax get everywhere, and stray bees usually find their way into your home. Beekeepers…
How Many Beehives To Start Beekeeping?
Do you want to start beekeeping but don’t know how many hives are optimal? A single hive may not be worth your time, while too many hives for a beginner…