• Virginia Apiculture Program: IPM of Honey Bee Colonies, Queen Breeding and Pollination
  Virginia beekeepers have suffered serious colony losses due to the introduction of parasitic mites. The Apiculture Program is designed to improve the pest management practices utilized by beekeepers through the development of research and extension programs. The program will also involve the development of queen breeding programs within the state, and the initiation of programs to improve and promote the use of honey bees for pollination. In addition the program will involve the development of an Africanized Honey Bee Response Plan in collaboration with VDACS.
  

Reduced Pesticide Use in Bee Hives through the Development and Promotion of an IPM Program for Mite Parasites
The U.S. beekeeping industry has faced serious challenges after the introduction of the parasitic mites, Varroa destructor and Acarapis woodi. The mites have lead to a significant delcine in the number of managed colonies. Effforts to control the mites have lead to an over-reliance on acaracides and chemical fumigants. Our goal, therefore, is to develop and promote an IPM program that not only provides beekeepers with alternative approaches for the management of mite parasites, but reduces pesticide use and the potential for honey and wax contamination. We will also sample hives (honey and wax) for miticide residues to allow us to monitor changes in hive product contamination.