Researchers at UGA have been studying honey bees for decades. These important insects are practical models of biological organization and social behavior and are managed and used to produce honey and pollinate crops.
Honey bee research at UGA emphasizes sustainable bee health management and other questions about bee pollination and foraging ecology. The UGA Honey Bee Program continuously aims to develop research, teaching and Extension initiatives that are locally responsive while globally relevant.
Our Programs and Services
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Master Beekeeper A program to increase knowledge of bees and beekeeping.
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On-Site and Telephone Consultation Available in many county offices for ag producers.
Recent Publications
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Honey Bee Swarms and Bees in Walls (C 824) This circular is for property owners who have unwanted honey bee swarms on their lands or colonies nesting inside walls. It explains these natural processes and gives options for dealing with them.
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Home & Garden Georgia Pest Management Handbook Series: Animals and Honey Bees (SB 48-03) This section of the Home & Garden Edition covers external parasite control in companion animals, flea control products, and honey bee disease and pest control. Beginning in 2022, the Home & Garden Edi…
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2023 Georgia Ag Forecast Series: Honey Bees 2023 (AP 130-1-10) 1. Honey production overall for 2022 was below average for the state. However, in some regions yields of two types of honey, northern wildflower and sourwood, were above average. 2. Colony losses for …
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Pollination of Vegetable Crops (C 934) Plants develop seeds through a process called pollination. Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the stamen (male flower part) to the pistil (female flower part).
Websites
UGA-affiliated sites
UGA Honey Bee Program Information on beekeeping in Georgia, honey bee research, and graduate studies.
UGA Department of Entomology Learn more about the entomology department at the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
Protecting Pollinators UGA Extension faculty and staff provide tools for businesses, schools and homeowners to help increase natural pollinator spaces.
Commodity Teams at CAES Teams made up of research scientists and extension specialists work together to provide the latest technology and information for efficient, profitable production of some of Georgia's most valuable commodities.
External sites
American Beekeeping Federation A national organization with about 1,000 members that continuously works in the interest of all beekeepers, large or small, and those associated with the industry to ensure the future of the honey bee. Included are links to educational opportunities and events, membership information, news and publications, legislative activities, resources, and a photo gallery.
Georgia Beekeepers Association Information concerning upcoming events, junior beekeepers, Africanized bees, products and services, local clubs, national clubs, and other pertinent topics.
Georgia Department of Agriculture Apiary Inspections List of frequently asked questions pertaining to apiary plants in an effort to promote the highest quality and integrity of plants and plant products produced by the Georgia green industry while ensuring consumer protection.
USDA Bee Research Laboratory Site providing information about the Bee Research Laboratory, located in Beltsville, Maryland, where research is conducted on the biology and control of honey bee parasites, diseases, and pests to ensure an adequate supply of bees for pollination and honey production.
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Pollinator Census As summer draws to a close, nature enthusiasts, gardeners and residents across the Southeast are gearing up for an exciting citizen-science project – the 2024 Great Southeast Pollinator Census.
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Economics of Pollination Sharon Kane and Becky Griffin have put together a powerful map displaying the economic importance of pollination across Georgia.
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Bees in winter As temperatures drop, bees must change their behavior to survive the winter.
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