Kent Bee-keepers' Association

Queen Bee

The queen makes mating flight during her early life and stores the sperm from up to 20 drones that she collects on these flights. Drones that mate with her die in the act. She can store the sperm for up to 5 years.

All facts for Bee Diseases

News feeds

Bee Diseases

Healthy Bees Plan Newsletter October 2010
Fera is an Executive Agency of Defra October 2010 quarterly newsletter on progress with implementing the Healthy Bees Plan. Updates are available via beebase: https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/beebase/index.cfm?sectionid=41.

The University of Nottingham Honey Bee Study 2010
We hope to look at the genetics of the Varroa mites that we receive from different areas of the country to try and build a better picture of what the differences between Varroa in different areas are genetically.

Workshop on the use of Organic Acids
A Workshop on the use of organic acids at Dorset Road Allotments, Dorset Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 4EA on Saturday 27th November 2010 starting at 10:00am.

Healthy Bees Plan
Quarterly Newsletter (Issue 2 - January 2010) for all those interested in honey bee health.

Defra Beekeeping Study
Defra has commissioned People Science and Policy Ltd and East Malling Research to conduct a study to better understand new beekeepers' husbandry practices and how these are influenced by the advice available to them.

NBU South-East Region Newsletter 2009
South-East region newsletter with a round-up of all the activities of the inspection team last season (and more). Alan Byham SE Regional Bee Inspector The Food and Environment Research Agency - National Bee Unit.

Download the National Bee Unit report November 2007
National Bee Unit SE Region Report November 2007 by Alan Byham.

NBU Warning - Starvation Risk

With the on-going poor weather, there is a real risk of bee colonies starving. Please check for stores in the colony and if in any doubt feed your bees. You should feed with either a fondant or a thin syrup. Further information on feeding bees can be found in Best Practice Guideline No. 7, on the Advisory Leaflets Page of BeeBase.

Swarm Collectors and FAQ's

If you think you have a swarm of honey bees read our FAQ's before calling a beekeeper.

Join BIBBA the Bee Improvement and Bee Breeding Association

Get involved in bee breeding. Like all other forms of life bees can be improved by selective breeding. BIBBA encourages beekeepers to work together in breeding groups. Much has been achieved but more could be done by beekeepers working together. Subs are £20 per annum and the Bee Improvement magazine is included in the subscription fee. Enquiries to the Membership Secretary Miss Enid Brown, Milton House, Main St. Scotlandwell, Kinross-shire, Scotland, KY13 9JA. Tel: 01592 840582 E-mail: membership@bibba.com . Website.

More from Bee Diseases

Insect Pollinators Initiative March 2012 Newsletter
Download the Fera Bee Disease Insect Pollinators Initiative March 2012 Newsletter.

Sustaining a Healthy Bee Population and Free Training Offer
Support our ongoing work to increase the numbers of beekeepers signed up to BeeBase and also to inform you about the free training which Fera is offering to beekeeper trainers (closing date for applications is 29 February 2012).

BeeBase
BeeBase is a FREE online service provided by the National Bee Unit (NBU) to help protect you and your fellow beekeepers from colony threatening pests and diseases.

Asian Hornet Trap Factsheet
A factsheet giving information about a simple Hornet trap that can be used to catch Asian Hornet queens in spring. Read more...

NBU Apiary Inspections Programme
Summary of the 2011 National Bee Unit apiary inspections programme.