Bee Keeping

Three of the most commonly encountered bees by homeowners are honey bees, carpenter bees and bumble bees. These bees usually become active in the spring with the warm weather and flowering of plants. They remain active throughout the summer and into the fall. Cooling temperatures in the fall prompt them to prepare to overwinter. During the winter months their activity decreases to the point where they are not seen unless on a warm winter day.

The NBU is a recognised centre of excellence in the provision of advice and research in bee health and uses as a base, the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) Manuals of Standard diagnostic tests for laboratory diagnosis. The NBU also draws on the vast and diverse scientific expertise across Fera Science Limited and more widely with collaborating Universities and Institutes, both at home and abroad, to achieve the delivery of the Bee Health work, for example:

Knowing the distribution of beekeepers and their apiaries across the country helps us to effectively monitor and control the spread of serious honey bee pests and diseases, as well as provide up-to-date information in keeping bees healthy and productive. By telling us who you are you’ll be playing a very important part in helping to maintain and sustain honey bees for the future.