Pests and Diseases
Beetles and mites.
Varroa
Varroa is a serious pest of honeybee colonies having reached the UK in 1992
For more information see
Beebase Varroa webpage
Small Hive Beetle
An Invasive species not currently in the UK but regarded as a serious threat to beekeeping.
For more information see
BeeBase Small Hive Beetle webpage.
Tropilaelaps
Currently, Tropilaelaps spp. is not present in the UK, but if introduced, could potentially cause major damage
For more information see
BeeBase Tropilaelaps webpage.
Pesticides
HSE FAQ on concerns about the use of pestides
Concern about the use of Pesticides
Neonicotinoid Insecticides
Northamptonshire Beekeepers Association supports and endorses the BBKA position on Neonicotinoid insecticides,
Foulbrood Diseases of Honeybees
There are 2 foulbrood diseases of honeybees both of which, if found, UK beekeepers are required by law to notify to the National Bee Unit (NBU)- a part of the Government Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) or their Regional Bee Inspector.
These are American Foul Brood and European Foul Brood
The NBU Guidance on these diseases can be found here.
Foulbrood Diseases of Honeybees –
Contact details for the Bee Inspectors can be found here