Insights from Professor Giles Budge, Newcastle University As the beekeeping community grows more aware of Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus (CBPV), this disease has become an increasing concern for both amateur and professional beekeepers across the UK. Thanks to the valuable research led by Professor Giles Budge and his team at…
Varroa Destructor: What Every UK Beekeeper Needs to Know
Understanding the Threat and Taking Action to Protect Our Bees Varroa destructor — a name that sends a chill through every beekeeper’s spine. This tiny, reddish-brown mite has become one of the most serious threats to honey bee colonies in England, Scotland, and Wales. Since its arrival in the UK…
European Foulbrood (EFB)
Understanding the disease, its spread, and how to protect your bees Based on the YouTube video By Colin Pavey When it comes to brood diseases, European Foulbrood (EFB) is one that no beekeeper can afford to ignore. A serious and notifiable disease, EFB can quietly take hold in your hives…
Hive Count 2024 – Results
Over 9,500 beekeepers updated their details on BeeBase during the 2024 hive count compared to over 8,500 in 2023. The 2024 hive count produced a figure of 252,647 colonies in the UK. This is slightly higher than the 2023 figure of 252,577. Responses indicated there was a decrease of 0.2…
BeeBase e-learning module update
The e-learning module is now online again. To access it please log in using your BeeBase username and password. If you would like to complete the course but are not registered with BeeBase, please go to our registration page.
Temporary unavailability of Beebase e-learning module
The e-learning module is currently off line. We are working to make it available as soon as possible and will update you through these pages once it is.
New study published using NBU annual husbandry data
A new study examining data from the National Bee Unit’s annual husbandry survey to better understand Varroa treatment practices throughout the UK has just been published. Thomas O’Shea-Waller from the University of Exeter along with colleagues from Newcastle University and Fera Science Ltd assess the relative importance of treatment adherence,…
Yellow-legged hornet 2025 rolling update
Please report sightings of Yellow-legged hornets (YLH), also known as Asian hornets, on this online form or download the free Asian hornet Watch app for Apple devices or android devices. As of 05/02/2025: 1 credible yellow-legged hornet sighting has been reported in the UK in 2025. 0 nests have been found.…
System Downtime
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…
Update on the small hive beetle in Italy
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…
Swarm Season is here!