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UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences University of Georgia Honey Bee Program
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The Georgia Prison Beekeeping Program

Georgia Prison Beekeeping Program

 


How to protect pollinators and other beneficial insects

Some of the six- and eight-legged creatures you come across outside may seem scary, but they are actually helpful. These beneficial insects pollinate our flowers, fruits and vegetables - and some even kill the "bad" (or, destructive) bugs.

Please don't run to the big box store for a can of pesticide promising the most devastating results. First, read our information on Beneficial Insects.


 

Honey bee health information


Read more about bee health:

eXtension.org


The Great Georgia Pollinator Census

Citizen Science at Work
August 23-24, 2019
Coordinated by University of Georgia Extension

The Great Georgia Pollinator Census


 

Learn more about how to protect our state's pollinators:

Protecting Georgia's Pollinators


Registration is still open but your form may not reach us in time. Please bring your form with you since walkins are welcome. Click here for registration form. The dates of the 2019 Young Harris Institute are May 22-25 at the campus of Young Harris College. Our special guest instructors will include Dr. Francis Ratnieks from the University of Sussex, UK, Dr. David Tarpy from North Carolina State University, and Dr. Wyatt Mangum. 

Questions or comments:
Please contact Bear and Marybeth Kelley, the Bee Institute Registrars, at greenabaco@gmail.com or 229-322-5025.

 

Our latest research
Ecological and evolutionary approaches to managing honeybee disease
Honeybee declines are a serious threat to global agricultural security and productivity. Although multiple factors contribute to these declines, parasites are a key driver. Disease problems in honeybees have intensified in recent years, despite increasing attention to addressing them. Here we argue that we must focus on the principles of disease ecology and evolution to understand disease dynamics, assess the severity of disease threats, and control these threats via honeybee management.
Our latest research
Fine scale population genetic structure of Varroa destructor, an ectoparasitic mite of the honey bee (Apis mellifera)
In this paper we collaborate with Emory colleagues to show that detectable genetic variation in Varroa populations occurs between apiaries, between colonies within an apiary, and even within colonies. This is evidence that a significant part of Varroa spread is horizontal via human-assisted movement. Horizontal transmission, as opposed to vertical transmission when a colony swarms, is thought to promote higher virulence in mites.

Support the Bee Lab

Please support our UGA Bee Lab research efforts by purchasing some of our private-label, pure, raw honey. It is available from several convenient locations:

  • Athens Seed, Lawn and Garden
    54 Greensboro Highway
    Watkinsville, GA 30677
  • Southern Hardware 
    650 GA-72, Comer, GA 30629
  • Cofer's Home and Garden
    1145 Mitchell Bridge Road
    Athens, GA 30606
  • UGA Entomology Department
    413 Biological Sciences Building
    120 Cedar Street
    Athens, GA 30602

Giving to the UGA Honey Bee Program


About the UGA Honey Bee Program

Honey bees have been the Official State Insect of Georgia since 1975, and a subject of teaching and inquiry at the University of Georgia for decades. These marvelous insects are manageable and are used to produce honey and pollinate crops. They are practical models of biological organization and social behavior.

Honey bee research at the University of Georgia addresses sustainable bee health management issues as well as more basic questions on bee pollination and foraging ecology. In all its endeavors, the UGA Honey Bee Program aims to develop research, teaching and extension initiatives that are locally responsive while globally relevant.

Learn more