UF IFAS Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory

Here's a sweet lil' recap from this past spring's bee college! Swipe through and see if you made the cut.

And don't forget, the best prices for this summer's bee college in Bristol, Fl are available now! Tickets here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-2026-ufifas-bee-college-tickets-1984779436724?msockid=323d6200a77564273fbe77d9a66f6535

Happy June, beekeepers! We hope you've been enjoying the beautiful weather these past few days when working your bees. 🐝🌺

Happy World Bee Day and (belated) Two Bee Tuesday, beekeepers!

With Dr. Ellis departing the University of Florida, there has been quite a bit of concern over the future of the podcast. There is no need to worry, we plan on continuing the podcast with both Amy and Jamie as a joint endeavor between our universities!

With that being said, if there are any suggestions on ways to improve upon the podcast, please feel free to let us know while we undertake this small transition.

Thank you for your continued support, and please enjoy this week's episode: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rIh9tQ4jh4ejxarZuPye8?si=Y7uFzIsWTwWC_21E_MKVpQ

Happy World Bee Day! 🐝

Recognized world-wide by the United Nations, the theme of this year is “Bee Together for the People and Planet: A partnership that sustains us all.”

This theme highlights how humans and bees have been working together to nourish and sustain people and the environment over thousands of years.

You can support pollinators today, and every day, by planting a pollinator garden, donating to research institutions, educating yourself (and your children, if applicable!) on the importance of pollinators, supporting local agricultural practices, and reducing use of pesticides.

Farewell, Dr. Ellis! The University of Georgia is incredibly lucky to have such an astounding leader among their ranks. We will continue to do the great work that we have done under your guidance for the past twenty years, and we look forward to the next era of honey bee research!

Farewell and Thank You Jamie! Farewell, Dr. Ellis! The University of Georgia is incredibly lucky to have such an astounding leader among their ranks. We will continue to do the great work...

Registration is now open for Summer 2026 UF/IFAS Bee College, taking place August 14–15, 2026, in Bristol, Florida!

Bee College is a two-day educational event designed for beekeepers of all experience levels. Whether you are just getting started or have been keeping bees for years, this event will include opportunities to learn from experts, ask questions, and connect with others in the beekeeping community.

Join the UF/IFAS Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory for a weekend full of honey bee education, hands-on learning, and practical information you can take back to your own apiary.

Tickets are available now and can be purchased here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-2026-ufifas-bee-college-tickets-1984779436724

Happy Mother’s Day! Make sure to let the queen bee in your life know how much you appreciate her!

Happy May, beekeepers! Weather conditions have been particularly dry these past few months, so be sure to practice caution when using your smoker!

Research Recap!🔬🐝

Members of the UF/IFAS Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab conducted a research project to better understand what pesticides kill small hive beetles but are safe for honey bees.

This research helps us to better understand how to safely reduce small hive beetle populations.

Check out the findings here: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/entnemdept/2026/03/03/research-update-evaluating-the-toxicity-of-known-western-honey-bee-safe-insecticides-in-controlling-small-hive-beetles-aethina-tumida/

The next session in the At Home Beekeeping Series will be tonight, April 28th from 7:30-8:30 PM Eastern Time.

This month, our speaker is Mississippi State University's Dr. Esmaeil Amiri. Don't miss his talk titled, "The Role of Varroa and Viral Dynamics in Winter Honey Bee Losses."🐝❄

This event is online and free. For more information or to access the webinar, please visit this link: https://www.facebook.com/events/474435301816485/474435935149755/?active_tab=about&rdid=CQff7MZ90ogcOyQ6