Beekeeper Participation Needed
We need your samples for our research! We are looking for beekeepers in British Columbia to send in samples from their hives such as frames, bees, mites, and honey. Check out our projects to help assist in our efforts!
AFB Spore Surveillance Across BC
Funded by Pollinator Partnership Canada
Project description
American foulbrood (AFB), caused by (Paenibacillus larvae,) is a devastating and reportable bacterial disease that targets honey bee larvae. It is difficult to control and often requires the destruction of the hive as a management strategy. With support from Pollinator Partnership, the BC-TTP is grateful for the opportunity to evaluate the distribution of P. larvae spores across British Columbia using pooled, extracted honey samples.
When samples are needed
Late summer or early fall 2025, during the routine honey extraction season.
What is needed from volunteers
Volunteers can ship 5 pooled, extracted honey samples (100 g each) to the BC-TTP. Please fill out the inquiry form for more information on shipping.
What the beekeeper will get in return
Shipping costs will be refunded! Please fill out the inquiry form for more information. Participating beekeepers will get confidential information about the status of their apiary in regard to AFB spore loads and the joy of participating in the first BC study on the status of AFB prevalence using honey samples!
Number of participants required
75 honey samples from 5 regions of BC. Three apiaries per region, and 5 honey samples per apiary. Please fill out the form below and we will contact you with further instructions.
Amitraz and Fluvalinate Resistance in Varroa Mites
In collaboration with Wolf Veiga Patricia, National Bee Diagnostic Centre – Beaverlodge
Project description
Amitraz and fluvalinate are commonly used treatments against varroa mites in honey bee colonies. Over the years, mites have been shown to reproduce despite exposure to these treatments, suggesting resistance to these acaricides. The BC-TTP will be supporting Patricia Wolf Veiga from the National Bee Diagnostic Centre (Beaverlodge) in her research on amitraz and fluvalinate resistance in varroa mites. As part of this project, we plan to collect varroa mite samples from approximately 20 to 30 apiaries across British Columbia.
When samples are needed
Spring and fall of 2025. If you are only able to collect samples in the fall, those are welcome too.
What is needed from volunteers
If the BC-TTP can visit volunteers’ yards, our staff will collect mite samples. If we are unable to make it to your yard, volunteers are asked to collect mites (it can be from alcohol washes or icing sugar tests), place them in a small container with rubbing alcohol (99%), and ship them to the BC-TTP. Please fill out the inquiry form for more information on shipping including the shipping address and reimbursement. Volunteers can provide multiple samples of varroa mites from more than one apiary of their beekeeping operation.
What the beekeeper will get in return
Shipping costs will be refunded! Please fill out the inquiry form for more information. Participants will receive iInformation about amitraz and fluvalinate resistance in their apiaries and the joy of participating in a national study to survey amitraz and fluvalinate resistance in Canada!
Number of participants or samples required
Varroa mite samples from 20 to 30 apiaries across BC collected in the spring and fall of 2025. A minimum of 16 mites per apiary are required, this could be from mites collected from various colonies of the same yard. Please fill out the form below and we will contact you with further instructions.
Amitraz Resistance Study
In collaboration with Dr. Erika Plettner, Simon Fraser University
Project description
Amitraz is an acaricide often used to treat varroa mites in honey bee colonies. Over the years, mites have been shown to reproduce despite exposure to amitraz, suggesting resistance to this treatment. The BC-TTP, in collaboration with Dr. Erika Plettner from Simon Fraser University (funded by Genome BC), are studying the mechanisms behind resistance to help understand and prevent further resistance to current and future synthetic acaricides.
When samples are needed
August – October 2025
What is needed from volunteers
We need capped drone frames (1 to 3 per beekeeper) - preferably from colonies with >3% mite levels. Once the drone frames are capped, they can be placed inside a compost or plastic bag and shipped in a cardboard box. Participants will receive further shipping instructions and addresses after completing the inquiry form below.
What the beekeeper will get in return
Shipping costs will be refunded! Please fill out the inquiry form for more information. Participating beekeepers will receive information about amitraz resistance in their apiaries. They will also be supporting a project to develop a novel synthetic acaricide and strengthening our understanding on varroa control and IPM strategies.
Number of participants required
We are looking for 20 beekeepers to participate in this study. Please fill out the form below and we will contact you with further instructions.