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 colonies. The virus typically passes from…

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 bodies, shriveled and twisted wings, bloated…

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 have a tipping point. Understanding how…

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. Infestations severely impact honey bee colonies…

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 fall. N. apis originally affected European…

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. Scientists believe Nosema apis, an adult…

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 is typically a minor inconvenience to…

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 larvae quickly change color and harden,…

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 can severely impede the bee’s ability…

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 colony, a good understanding of its…

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 minor pest for honey bees. This…