NBU

We are currently making improvements to our inbound correspondence system, messages sent to may not be received during this time. We endeavour to be back online as soon possible, please accept our apologies for any disruption caused. If you would like to contact us during this time, please call…

Small hive beetle found in Sicily The small hive beetle (SHB), Aethina tumida, is a bee hive pest native to sub-Saharan Africa. The SHB has been accidentally introduced into many countries across the globe, including the USA, Canada, Australia, China and many countries in Latin America. SHB was found in Calabria…

Our ‘Foulbrood disease of honey bees’ advisory leaflet has been updated. European foulbrood and American foulbrood are the main focus of this leaflet, as they are statutory notifiable diseases in the UK, and must be reported to the NBU. Recognising the signs of these diseases is particularly important for all…

 To view location of destroyed nests please visit the map page and choose the Asian Hornet map layer   As of 24/05/2024: 18 Asian hornets have been reported in the UK 2024. 1 Asian hornet nest has been killed.   Sighting Photo  Grid Ref: Date initial sighting  Date confirmed by…

On 10th May, a further hornet was found near Four Oaks, East Sussex, in traps that the NBU has been monitoring in the area. This makes a total of five queens caught in this area. Two further hornets have been captured and killed in Kent. On 15th May, a hornet…

Starvation of honey bees – recognition and prevention  During prolonged cold, wet periods and/or when there is a lack of forage, honey bee colonies may use up all their honey or sugar stores. This can frequently happen in spring when colonies are using up their last remaining winter stores to…

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…

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…

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…