Articles

American foulbrood disease (AFB) is a disease of honey bee larvae and pupae caused by the bacterium Paenibacillus larvae.

​A new study has found that insecticides could soon be developed that can target pests without harming beneficial insects such as bees and bumble bees.

The Ecrotek team talks you through everything you need to know about Varroa mites in New Zealand, and how to check for them.

Don’t forget, honey can pose risks to our health. Here’s why you should test it – and how to make it simpler with Ecrotek’s Humm.

Common, contagious bee parasite Nosemosis can contaminate hives. Ecrotek outlines symptoms and how you can prevent it harming yours.

Spring seems to be starting slowly this year, but the days are finally feeling warmer. With spring comes an exciting and busy time for beekeepers

Organic food is made without using chemical pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics or other artificial chemicals during production. Organic fruit growers don’t spray their trees or vines, using natural methods to control insects on their produce. Organic meat and dairy farmers don’t use antibiotics or artificial hormones to speed up animal growth. For many proponents, the organic concept extends into the overall management of the farm or orchard as well – they tend to take a slower, natural approach to crop or animal management, with a focus on caring for their charges rather than profit.

Most people know that bees collect pollen, but few really understand its role in the hive. Unlike nectar, pollen is not used to make honey, but it plays a vital role in the life of the colony.

Whether you’re a gardener, a beekeeper, or just love the outdoors, wasps in the garden are less than ideal. Painful stings are the most obvious downside, but wasps can also pose a significant threat to bees and hives.