The fruits and vegetables we eat to sustain our health are all made possible by the pollination of bees. However, bees’ impact goes far beyond the food we eat—perhaps the most well-known product in our household, honey, is a byproduct of bees. In addition to honey, products made from beeswax, propolis, royal jelly, pollen, and…
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It is well known that Varroa destructor mites are one of the honeybee’s (Apis mellifera) worst enemies. Since Western honey bees do not possess the defense mechanisms to fend off non-native parasites, the mites can transmit deadly viruses to the bees. Seeing that Varroa mites have such a damaging effect on honey bees, numerous articles…
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Like every living organism on Earth with several subspecies, there are many different types of honey bees, each with their own traits. Apis mellifera, the western honey bee or the European honey bee, is the most common honey bee in the world. Apis mellifera consists of several subspecies of honey bees that vary based on…
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Beekeeping is a complex occupation that requires extensive knowledge and skill. As a result, beekeepers put in a lot of time and effort to care for their bees, hives, and equipment. Bee insurance is an integral safeguard for beekeeping operations, protecting beekeepers and their hives from damage, product liability, and injury liability. Why should beekeepers…
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To survive and grow as a colony, honey bees need access to sufficient amounts of flowering plants and trees year round. This has been severely impacted by urbanization throughout the past few decades. Currently, over half of the world’s population reside in urban areas, and it is expected to rise to 70% between 2020 and…
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Although the honey industry may seem sweet, there’s something fishy going on. In the last 20 years since 2018, honey consumption has increased by over 40% as people search for healthier alternatives to sugar and are attracted by the benefits that honey offers. In 2016, 35% less honey was produced by American bees than 20…
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Although you can keep bees in urban, suburban, and rural areas, certain types of land and land factors create a more suitable environment for bees and beekeeping than others. Factors such as water, climate, forage, and predators determine how your bees live and produce honey. Climate and Temperature Honey bees have adapted to all types…
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When you first think about keeping bees in your backyard, you may initially start thinking about supplies, the bees themselves, hives, and space in your backyard. However, before you can even start assembling your beekeeping gear, one question must be answered: Am I even allowed to have bees on my property? Your city or town…
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Neonicotinoids are a class of insecticides that are known to specifically harm pollinating insects such as bees and butterflies. Two 2017 studies found that the levels of neonicotinoids typically used in industrial agriculture won’t kill a hive right away, but will wipe them out slowly over time.