The Honey Bee Lab at Oregon State University provides commercial and hobbyist beekeepers with applied research, best practices, and diagnostic services for maintaining healthy, happy bees. 

Resources for Commercial Beekeepers

PNW 591 - How to Reduce Bee Poisoning from Pesticides (PDF)
Updated in 2013, this publication describes the latest research and regulation on pesticide use and how it affects honey bee heath. 

Oregon State Beekeepers Association offers a number of resources, such as pollination services, information about swarm collection, and farm direct marketing rules.

Diagnostic Services - Determine the current status of pest/disease levels in your colonies.

The Bee Informed Partnership is working with beekeepers to monitor colony health.

 

Honey Bee Pest and Disease Diagnostics

Knowing the current status of pest and disease levels in your colonies can help you make informed decisions in your colony management. The OSU Honey Bee Lab can analyze your bees for Varroa mites, Nosema, and/or tracheal mites. Please contact us for more information on sending in your bees for analysis:  (541) 737-5440.

 

How-To Videos

Tracheal Mite Dissection


Dissecting for Tracheal Mites - Oregon State University

 

Testing for Nosema spp.


Testing for Nosema - Oregon State University

 

Hypopharyngeal Gland Dissection


Hypopharyngeal Gland Dissection - Oregon State University

Other Videos

Honey bee queen dueling

Honey Bee - Queen Dueling

Pollen mites


Pollen Mites

Stradiolaelaps scimitus attacking Varroa mites

Stratiolaelaps scimitus - Oregon State University