Marietta Daisies Garden Club

"What's the Buzz"

BEE HIVE

EDUCATIONAL NEWS

from the Hive

Laura Guilmette

This will be a year long

educational series.

• Diverse Landscapes:

From the North Georgia mountains to the coast, Georgia's varied ecosystems provide the necessary flowers and foliage for strong bee populations and honey production. 

• Commercial Importance:

  Georgia is a leading state in the production and sale of honey bees and queen bees. 

• Research and Education:

  • The University of Georgia (UGA) Bee Program focuses on sustainable bee health, pollination, and foraging ecology, offering resources and master beekeeper programs. 

  • The Georgia Tech Urban Honey Bee Project explores the integration of bees into urban environments and uses data to map good habitats in cities like Atlanta. 

• Industry Support:

  • The Georgia Beekeepers Association (GBA) provides connections, education, and promotes Georgia beekeeping products. 

  • The Georgia Department of Agriculture regulates commercial beekeepers and requires licenses for bee removal services. 

• Challenges and Management:

  • Beekeepers face challenges from pests such as varroa mites and small hive beetles. 

  • Environmental factors like hot, dry summers can be stressful for bees, requiring beekeepers to provide water sources. 

  • Bees in walls can be problematic, and sealing entry points can help prevent swarms from nesting in structures.