By , on March 30th, 2012

Bees Harmed by Low Levels of Common Pesticides

A pair of new studies published in the March 28, 2012 issue of the journal Science has shown (once again) that even low doses of popular pesticides can reduce bees’ survival and reproduction.  The studies focused on the class of …

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By , on January 27th, 2012

Canada Winter Losses for Winter 2010-2011

Here is a report from our neighbors to the north (Canada for those who are directionally challenged) about winter loss of managed honey bee colonies during the winter of 2010-2011 (last winter).  In Canada, there was a reported loss of …

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By , on January 11th, 2012

A New Honeybee Parasite Discovered

This is what the little bugger looks like.

With all of the stressors which honeybees have recently found themselves up against, it looks like a new parasite has established itself in North American bee colonies. Scientists from several California institutions have released the results of studies that indicate …

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By , on November 29th, 2011

Moving Honeybee Hives to California

by Mike Hansen, Michigan Department of Agriculture

Michigan Beekeepers moving bees to California for Almond Pollination need to be aware of two critical issues when loading their honeybees.  

Ants:   California has a requirement that shipments entering the state be …

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By , on November 9th, 2011

Killing Bees With Kindness

Here is an interesting research article posted on PLoS ONE, a respected on-line scientific journal.  The article discusses the effects with the honey bee when oxytetracycline, a common antibiotic used in hives, systemically combines with commonly used acaricides (coumaphos and …

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