One of the attractions of beekeeping is the seasonal variation, both within a single season and between one year and the next.Early colony expansion enables the spring nectar flow to be exploited, and leads simultaneously – almost inevitably and so reasonably predictably – to swarming. Colonies are re-queened (or re-queen…
Bees in the News – #1
Welcome to the first of the irregular Bees in the News newsletters. These will appear – at most – monthly. Each will contain a combination of links and brief comments on topics that may or may not justify a full post at some point in the future. Inevitably – reflecting…
Asian Hornet Sightings Update
Two further Asian hornet queens have been found by the NBU in traps set as part of the spring trapping work being carried out. Both hornets were found in a single trap near Four Oaks, Kent, with one being found on 22nd April and a second hornet found on 24th…
Asian Hornet – April Update
At the beginning of April, the NBU began spring trapping in areas identified as high risk. Traps have been set at locations across Kent, East Sussex, Devon and North Yorkshire to monitor for signs of Asian hornet activity. On the 13th of April, a single hornet was caught in one…
Varroa advisory leaflet update
Our ‘Managing Varroa‘ advisory leaflet has been updated. This update includes the most up to date recommendations on Varroa treatments, the latest scientific evidence about the biology of Varroa mites, an expanded monitoring section and links and QR codes for easy access to other relevant documents. To learn more about…
Fact sheet update: Estimating Varroa populations
We have updated our fact sheet entitled ‘Estimating Varroa mite populations’. This document details three step-by-step methods for monitoring Varroa mites in hives; counting the natural mite drop, uncapping drone brood and the ethanol-wash method.Â
Accessing beekeeper log-in
 05/04/2024 Please note that we have temporarily remove the login page from this website which allows access to beekeepers personal details and apiary details, whilst we investigating a fault. Â
Scotland – Bee Health Report
Scotland’s Asian Hornet Contingency Plan and the Bee Health Improvement Partnership (BHIP) Annual Report 2022-2023 were both published online this morning and can be accessed via the following news release: Bee Health Report – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
Asian Hornet Sighting Update – Preston, Lancashire and Romford, East London
Photograph credit: Chris Green On the 20th and 21st of March the National Bee Unit received credible reports of lone Asian hornets. The first was in Preston, Lancashire at a warehouse with regular trucks arriving from France. A bee inspector attended, set traps and is monitoring the location with support from the…
Fact sheet update: Asian hornet monitoring
Our Asian hornet monitoring fact sheet has been updated (Welsh version). The update includes information on a small selection of commercially available selective traps that can be used for spring monitoring and guidance on setting up monitoring stations for summer monitoring.  Â
Swarm Season is here!