Tag

Beekeeping

All articles tagged with #beekeeping

Warm Winters Push North American Bee Swarms Forward, Upending Beekeeping
environment9 days ago

Warm Winters Push North American Bee Swarms Forward, Upending Beekeeping

North America’s 2026 bee swarm season began about 17 days earlier than last year, a shift linked to unusually warm winters and climate-driven changes in flowering that are accelerating bee activity; this follows years of record colony losses and, compounded by resilient varroa mites and competition with wild bees, raises concerns for pollination-dependent agriculture valued at roughly $15 billion and is prompting beekeepers to rethink seasonal management.

Losing a Job Abroad Sparked a Reinvention: Startups, Beekeeping, and a New Life
lifestyle17 days ago

Losing a Job Abroad Sparked a Reinvention: Startups, Beekeeping, and a New Life

A Canadian expat in Germany loses her job in January 2025, triggering an identity crisis and the challenge of securing unemployment benefits on a work visa. She rebuilds with a strict daily routine, collaborates with former colleagues to launch a data-science startup, and expands a beekeeping business with her husband. Despite financial strain, she pursues personal goals (yoga teacher training, running) and the value of community, ultimately finding more purpose and stability a year later.

Viral Infections Trigger Queen Bee Replacements, Threatening Food Security
science7 months ago

Viral Infections Trigger Queen Bee Replacements, Threatening Food Security

Research shows that viral infections weaken honey bee queens by reducing egg production and pheromone levels, prompting worker bees to replace them. This process, known as supersedure, can disrupt hive stability and productivity, but supplementing colonies with synthetic pheromones like methyl oleate may help manage and prevent premature queen replacement, offering new strategies for beekeepers to maintain healthy colonies.

Superfood Boosts Honeybee Conservation and Global Health
science7 months ago

Superfood Boosts Honeybee Conservation and Global Health

A new study highlights the importance of specific sterols in honeybee diets, particularly 24-methylenecholesterol, which is crucial for brood development. Researchers used genetic engineering to produce these sterols in yeast, creating a potential supplement to support bee colonies during pollen shortages, thereby improving colony resilience and sustainability.

Murder Hornets Invade Europe for the First Time
environment1 year ago

Murder Hornets Invade Europe for the First Time

Southern giant hornets, also known as "murder hornets," have been discovered in Europe for the first time, with sightings in northern Spain since 2022. Researchers are urgently searching for the hornets' nest to prevent ecological disruption, as these hornets are known to decimate beehives and could impact local ecosystems. The hornets likely arrived via cargo ships, and their presence raises concerns about the need for enhanced biosecurity measures at ports to prevent further invasions.

Minnesota Honeybee Decline Linked to Mites and Warm Fall
environment1 year ago

Minnesota Honeybee Decline Linked to Mites and Warm Fall

Minnesota beekeepers are experiencing sudden disappearances of honeybee colonies, likely due to varroa mite infestations exacerbated by an unusually warm fall. The mites, which spread viruses among bees, have been a persistent issue, and the extended egg-laying season has allowed them to proliferate. This situation differs from "colony collapse disorder," as the entire hive, including the queen, vanishes. Despite these challenges, beekeepers like Kirk Nelson remain committed to their operations, planning to start new hives in the spring.

Kenyans Use Hidden Beehives to Safeguard Mangroves from Logging
environment1 year ago

Kenyans Use Hidden Beehives to Safeguard Mangroves from Logging

In Mombasa, Kenya, Peter Nyongesa and the Tulinde Mikoko group are using hidden beehives to protect mangroves from illegal logging. The bees act as natural deterrents, attacking loggers who attempt to cut the trees. This initiative not only helps conserve the mangroves, which are crucial for preventing erosion and mitigating severe weather impacts, but also provides income through the sale of high-quality mangrove honey. Despite challenges in measuring the tactic's effectiveness, the integration of beekeeping with conservation efforts shows promise in safeguarding these vital ecosystems.

Kenyans Use Hidden Beehives to Protect Mangroves from Logging
environment1 year ago

Kenyans Use Hidden Beehives to Protect Mangroves from Logging

In Mombasa, Kenya, local conservationists are using hidden beehives to deter illegal logging of mangroves, which are crucial for preventing erosion and mitigating severe weather impacts. The initiative, part of a broader community effort, also generates income through the sale of high-quality mangrove honey. Despite challenges in measuring its effectiveness, the project integrates livelihood support with environmental conservation.

David Beckham Named Charity Ambassador, Bonds with King Charles Over Beekeeping
culture2 years ago

David Beckham Named Charity Ambassador, Bonds with King Charles Over Beekeeping

David Beckham recently met with King Charles at Highgrove to discuss the work of The King's Foundation and exchanged beekeeping tips. Beckham has been appointed as an ambassador for the foundation, focusing on education and access to nature for young people. The meeting also highlighted Beckham's interest in rural skills and his ongoing passion for beekeeping, as seen in a recent Netflix documentary.

"Study Confirms: Tapping Hive Reveals Honeybee Colony Health"
science2 years ago

"Study Confirms: Tapping Hive Reveals Honeybee Colony Health"

A study by scientists at Nottingham Trent University has confirmed that monitoring the reaction of honeybee colonies to a gentle vibrational pulse can reveal their health and activity levels without the need for invasive inspections. By using an accelerometer embedded within hives, the researchers found that bees' responses to the pulse varied throughout the year, indicating their level of activity and restfulness. This non-invasive method could provide valuable insights for beekeepers and potentially lead to the development of a device for real-time monitoring of honeybee colonies.

"Jason Statham's Buzzworthy Performance in The Beekeeper: A Review Roundup"
entertainment2 years ago

"Jason Statham's Buzzworthy Performance in The Beekeeper: A Review Roundup"

David Ayer's new action film "The Beekeeper" features Jason Statham as a beekeeping secret agent, with real bees involved in the filming. Ayer revealed in an interview that Statham learned beekeeping for the role and was never stung, while Ayer himself got stung multiple times. The film has received mixed reviews, but the concept of Statham as a bee master has garnered attention.