Resources

Recommended Publications

Tools for Varroa Management

Published by the Honey Bee Health Coalition. Includes the document "Tools for Varroa Management" and associated videos.

Nov 2019 | Online resource

Identifying and Mitigating Foulbrood in Honey Bee Colonies

Published by the Honey Bee Health Coalition

Nov 2019 | Online resource

Honey Bee Health Coalition 'Best Management Practices for Hive Health'

Every beekeeper should seek to have hives that are healthy and productive. Today, the many threats to honey bee health — including parasites, pests, disease, pesticides, and inadequate nutrition — make achieving this goal a major challenge. Successful beekeeping means closely monitoring bee health and taking proactive steps to protect them.

Nov 2019 | Online resource

Varroa Management Decision Tool

From the Honey Bee Health Coalition: "This tool will walk you through the decisions you need to make to determine how best to manage varroa mites in your hives. Answer each of the following questions, and the tool will generate a list of your options. If you need more information to help you answer the question, we’ve included that as well."

Nov 2019 | Online resource

Websites

Northern giant hornet update

A description of Northern giant hornets (formerly Asian giant hornets) with resources and additional links.

Carolyn Breece | May 2020 | Online resource

Bee Informed Partnership

Bee Informed Partnership Homepage

Nov 2019 | Online resource

OSU Honey Bee Lab

The Honey Bee Research and Extension program focuses on honey bee health, nutrition, and pollination with a goal of servicing commercial beekeepers, backyard beekeepers, producers, and all citizens that are interested in bees.

Nov 2019 | Online resource

Oregon Bee Project

Homepage for the Oregon Bee Project and Oregon Bee Atlas

Nov 2019 | Online resource

OSU Extension Catalog

The Catalog is the source for current, peer-reviewed, research-based learning materials published by OSU Extension. It is an active and growing resource, with learning materials in a variety of media for use in a variety of outreach and engagement activities and programs.

Apr 2019 | Online resource

Oregon State Beekeepers Association

The Oregon State Beekeepers Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the well-being of honey bees and to the fields of beekeeping, apiculture, research, and education.

Apr 2018 | Online resource

Selected OSU Extension Publications

Residential Beekeeping: Best-practice guidelines for nuisance-free beekeeping in Oregon

This publication outlines guidelines for best practices for beekeeping in residential areas. It outlines the steps residential beekeepers can take to operate their bees in nuisance-free manner.

Andony Melathopoulos, Jennifer Larsen, Ramesh Sagili | Feb 2018 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Living on The Land: Providing Habitat for Native Pollinators

This publication is part of the Living on the Land series. It provides concise information on how to attract and support native pollinators by creating and maintaining the right habitat, including features like nesting sites, ...

Rachel Suits, Brian Tuck | Jan 2017 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Sampling for Varroa Mites from a Honey Bee Brood Nest

Knowing the levels of Varroa mites in your apiary and understanding the effects of their presence will enable you to make an educated decision on your treatment plan. This video demonstrates two methods for sampling a colony for varroa mites: the alcohol wash and the powdered sugar shake.

Carolyn Breece, Ramesh Sagili | Jun 2016 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Nosema Analysis in Honey Bees

Knowing the levels of Nosema in your apiary and understanding the effects of its presence will enable you to make an educated decision on your treatment plan. In this video, we demonstrate how to process a sample of honey ...

Ellen Topitzhofer, Carolyn Breece, Ramesh Sagili | Jun 2016 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Dissecting Honey Bees for Tracheal Mites

Knowing the levels of tracheal mites in your apiary and understanding the effects of their presence will enable you to make an educated decision on your treatment plan. In this video, we demonstrate the dissection of a honey bee worker for tracheal mite infestation.

Ellen Topitzhofer, Carolyn Breece, Ramesh Sagili | Jun 2016 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

The Small Hive Beetle: A Potential Pest in Honey Bee Colonies in Oregon

Although no significant damage has been reported from this pest in Oregon and it is not clear whether this beetle can thrive in this state, the beetle has been a menace in many states and poses a threat to Oregon ...

Carolyn Breece, Ramesh Sagili | Jun 2016 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Nurturing Mason Bees in Your Backyard in Western Oregon

An overview of mason bee basic biology and life cycle, and detailed descriptions of what is needed to start keeping mason bees, including desirable plants, nesting sites and types of nests, and caring for the cocoons over fall and winter. There are many helpful color photos throughout.

Brooke Edmunds, Ramesh Sagili | Feb 2016 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Overwintered Honey Bee Nucleus Colonies: Big Solutions in Small Packages

This publication describes how commercial and backyard beekeepers can minimize colony losses through such best management practices as establishing nucleus colonies, which can provide quick resolution for many beekeeping problems.

Ramesh Sagili, Carolyn Breece | Oct 2015 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

How to Reduce Bee Poisoning from Pesticides

An overview of how a variety of wild and managed bees and their pollination activities are affected by pesticide application. Provides guidelines for how beekeepers, growers, and pesticide applicators can work together to prevent ...

Ramesh Sagili | Mar 2016 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Evaluating Honey Bee Colonies for Pollination

In this publication, commercial growers who rent honey bees for pollination and beekeepers who provide pollination services will find information on honey bee colony strength evaluation, average number of colonies needed for ...

Ramesh Sagili | Jan 2011 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Enhancing Urban and Suburban Landscapes to Protect Pollinators

The way we garden and manage the landscapes of the Northwest can help promote the health of bees, butterflies and other insects. Homeowners, gardeners, landscape professionals and volunteer groups all can work to attract a wide ...

Andony Melathopoulos, Neil Bell, Signe Danler, Amy Jo Detweiler, Gail Langellotto, Nicole Sanchez, Heather Stoven | Jun 2020 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Northern Giant Hornet: A Potential Threat to Honeybee Colonies in Oregon

The northern giant hornet was detected in British Columbia and Washington in 2019. This publication outlines the identification, life cycle, and predatory habits of the northern giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) for beekeepers. It also...

Ellen Topitzhofer, Chris Hedstrom, Andony Melathopoulos, Silvia I. Rondon, Gail Langellotto, Ramesh Sagili | Sep 2022 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Beekeeping Equipment Expenses: Woodenware and Other Components

Woodenware for a typical honey bee colony includes vertically stackable boxes with removable frames, a bottom board, lid and a queen excluder. The most common design is Langstroth equipment. Langstroth colony configuration varies ...

Ellen Topitzhofer, Carolyn Breece, Ramesh Sagili | May 2020 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Revenue Sources for a Commercial Beekeeping Operation in the Pacific Northwest

Pollination services and honey production are the primary revenue sources for a beekeeping business based in the Pacific Northwest. Those starting a beekeeping operation should focus on two to three revenue sources initially and ...

Ellen Topitzhofer, Carolyn Breece, Ramesh Sagili | May 2020 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Honey Bee Colony Maintenance Expenses: Supplemental Feed, Requeening and Medication

Success in pollination, honey production and other aspects of a beekeeping business depends on honey bee health. Strong, thriving colonies require many inputs from the beekeeper, including feed (carbohydrates and protein), medications and new queens when necessary.

Ellen Topitzhofer, Carolyn Breece, Ramesh Sagili | May 2020 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Operational Equipment Expenses for a Commercial Beekeeping Operation in the Pacific Northwest

When developing a business plan for a commercial beekeeping operation, a beekeeper must plan for honey production. Even if other income sources, such as pollination or nucleus/package/queen sales, are expected to be the primary ...

Ellen Topitzhofer, Carolyn Breece, Ramesh Sagili | May 2020 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Protecting Honey Bees from Yellowjacket Wasps

This publication gives beekeepers a brief overview of yellowjacket wasps, a common threat to honey bee colonies. Included are details about yellowjacket identification, life cycle, and behavior. It also offers recommendations for ...

Carolyn Breece, Ramesh Sagili | Jul 2018 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Northern Giant Hornet: A Potential Threat to Honeybee Colonies in Oregon

Ellen Topitzhofer, Chris Hedstrom, Andony Melathopoulos, Silvia I. Rondon, Gail Langellotto, Ramesh Sagili | Sep 2022 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Enhancing Urban and Suburban Landscapes to Protect Pollinators

Andony Melathopoulos, Neil Bell, Signe Danler, Amy Jo Detweiler, Gail Langellotto, Nicole Sanchez, Heather Stoven | Jun 2020 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Master Beekeeper program adds groundbreaking Spanish-language track as it celebrates 10th year

It's the first program of its kind in the United States.

Kym Pokorny | Oct 6, 2022 | News story

Volunteer's discovery adds to knowledge of rare Oregon bee species

The small stonecrop mason bee (Hoplitis emarginata) had never been found in Oregon until 2019 when it was discovered by Master Melittologist Judi Maxwell in the Siskiyou Mountains in southern Oregon. Only one person had seen it...

Lincoln Best, Andony Melathopoulos | Nov 2021 | Article

Less showy flower petals mean more pollinators

As beautiful as they are to us, some horticulturally “improved” varieties of flowers just aren’t as attractive to bees, butterflies and other insects. Doubled petals, in particular, may block access to nectar or pollen.

Ellen Silva | Aug 2021 | Article

OSU study will provide insight into optimal nutrition for bees

With the $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, the team hopes to improve bee nutrition by building a database of macro and micronutrients found in the flowering plants used in the study.

Kym Pokorny | Jul 26, 2021 | News story

We are moving to the desert, can we still keep bees?

Q: We are moving to the alvord desert area and have kept bees in the past. I'm curious of your thoughts on how a honey bee hive would thrive in that high desert environment? Any thoughts or advice you have here would be great!

A: View answer | View all featured questions

Western bumble bee population declines sharply

The western bumble bee was historically very common throughout the western United States and Canada. However, in the last 20 years it has declined by more than 90%. Disease is the probable cause.

Jess Tyler | Nov 2020 | Article

Profile of showy townsendia — Townesendia florifer

Showy townsendia is a member of the sunflower or aster family, the largest family of flowering plants in the world. This family is very important ecologically, especially for native bees and other pollinators.

Phil Paterno | Nov 2020 | Article

Profile of Oregon sunshine — Eriophyllum lanatum

Oregon sunshine is a member of the sunflower or aster family. It thrives in a variety of habitats, most frequently on dry, sandy sites or fine talus slopes. Many species of bees rely on Oregon sunshine.

Phil Paterno | Nov 2020 | Article

What are nectar robbers?

Not all bees collecting nectar from flowers enter through the flower. Some rob the nectar from the flower, and in the process, avoid contacting the reproductive parts. Master Melittologist Carol Yamada demonstrates this behavior.

Carol Yamada | Nov 2020 | Video

Mowing after flowering

Mowing is an important part of maintaining pollinator habitat. As Master Melittologist Pat Hayes demonstrates, waiting until after flowering is finished can really increased seed production, helping flowers establish over time.

Pam Hayes | Nov 2020 | Video

Resin bees

Resin bees build above-ground nests out of plant resin or a mix of plant resin and stones. These freestanding nests, about one-third inch, accommodate one egg and may be attached to a twig, leaf, rock or other surface.

Tom Robertson, Julie Biddle | Nov 2020 | Article

Species profile: Suckley’s cuckoo bumble bee

Suckley’s cuckoo bumble bee once was found in the mountainous areas of western North America from Colorado to Alaska. But there have only been a few observations in the past 20 years with the last one in 2017.

Jess Tyler | Nov 2020 | Article

Leave behind some stems for bee habitat

Home gardeners can provide natural habitat for native bees by leaving behind the dried, pithy stems of shrubs such as raspberries, elderberries and hydrangea. It's in those stems that carpenter bees build their nests.

Leana Dickerson | Nov 2020 | Article

Seventy percent of bees live in nests underground, not in hives

That tiny anthill you noticed may actually be the entrance to a ground-nesting bee family. A single female bee excavates a ground nest by using her saliva and tough mandibles to break up and move soil.

John Womack | Nov 2020 | Article

When submitting bee photos to iNaturalist, consider your angles

When submitting photos of bees for iNaturalist identification, consider your angles. Providing photos of the bee’s abdomen, head and thorax from multiple angles can help ensure accurate identification.

Anna Brown | Nov 2020 | Article

Goldenrod crab spiders are sneaky predators for bees

Goldenrod crab spiders are adept at ambushing bees by changing their color to match the flower they're inhabiting. The spider will sit in the center of a flower and when a bee moves near, the spider attacks.

Pam Hayes | Oct 2020 | Article

Sweat bees and mariposa lilies

Emerald green sweat bees are striking in appearance with coloring that ranges from metallic green to blue or purple. It is found throughout the US from sea level to about 8,000 feet but is most common on the West Coast.

Pam Hayes | Oct 2020 | Article

156 - Shelley Hoover - Preparing hives for winter

The highest period of honey bee colony mortality is during the winter. But there are a number of tricks to ensure high colony survival. In this episode we visit a Canadian bee yard to learn about what they do. Shelley ...

Andony Melathopoulos | Oct 2020 | Podcast episode

Cheery garden cosmos

In late summer as most seasonal flowering plants start to wither, the cheery garden cosmos is still blooming strong. It is also attracting a diversity of bees, pollinators and other beneficial insects.

Candy Solovjovs | Oct 2020 | Article

Maintain a bee-friendly garden in fall and winter, too

Many home gardeners put much effort into attracting bees to their summer flower and vegetable gardens. But it's just as important to be bee-friendly in the fall and winter. Here's how to do it.

Candy Solovjovs | Oct 2020 | Article

The biology and management of honey bee colonies for winter.

This presentation is to provide you with the theory and management practices to ensure high honey bee colony winter survival. The presentation is by Dr. Andony Melathopoulos, Assistant Professor of Pollinator Health Extension in ...

Andony Melathopoulos | Sep 2020 | Video

How do wildfires affect bees?

How do wildfires affect Oregon bees? Flames and heat can destroy their nests and smoke can disrupt their navigation abilities. But research shows they rebound strongly along with other flora and fauna after a fire.

Andony Melathopoulos, Brooke Edmunds, Jim Rivers | Sep 2020 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Calochortus eurycarpus (white mariposa lily)

The white mariposa lily is a bulb-forming perennial that produces a flowering stem up to 20 inches tall. Flowers have three large white petals with purple blotches, and bloom occurs June to August.