British Beekeepers Association
@bbka.org.uk
This is the page for the British Beekeepers' Association, a national charity supporting bees and beekeepers.
https://www.bbka.org.uk/
https://www.bbka.org.uk/
Met office yellow & amber weather warnings in place for next couple of days.
weather.metoffice.gov.uk/warnings-and...
weather.metoffice.gov.uk/warnings-and...
November 30, 2025 at 11:04 AM
Met office yellow & amber weather warnings in place for next couple of days.
weather.metoffice.gov.uk/warnings-and...
weather.metoffice.gov.uk/warnings-and...
Treatment with licenced oxalic acid (OA) products, if required, is most effective when colonies are broodless. OA does not impacts mites in sealed cells.
Broodless period dates vary with seasonal weather and location
When will you be doing yours?
Broodless period dates vary with seasonal weather and location
When will you be doing yours?
November 30, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Treatment with licenced oxalic acid (OA) products, if required, is most effective when colonies are broodless. OA does not impacts mites in sealed cells.
Broodless period dates vary with seasonal weather and location
When will you be doing yours?
Broodless period dates vary with seasonal weather and location
When will you be doing yours?
For the first time since early April there has been no official update this week on more yellow-legged Asian hornet sightings or nests.
November 29, 2025 at 12:23 PM
For the first time since early April there has been no official update this week on more yellow-legged Asian hornet sightings or nests.
There have been some reposts of late autumn colony losses this year. It would be interesting to know your experiences & possible reasons.
If colonies do die please close them up to prevent robbing until the hives can be dealt with fully
If colonies do die please close them up to prevent robbing until the hives can be dealt with fully
November 27, 2025 at 9:06 AM
There have been some reposts of late autumn colony losses this year. It would be interesting to know your experiences & possible reasons.
If colonies do die please close them up to prevent robbing until the hives can be dealt with fully
If colonies do die please close them up to prevent robbing until the hives can be dealt with fully
The study found that hornet abundance was significantly lower around colonies protected with electric harps compared to those protected with muzzles or left unprotected.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
November 26, 2025 at 12:15 PM
The study found that hornet abundance was significantly lower around colonies protected with electric harps compared to those protected with muzzles or left unprotected.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
The BBKA has sent an email to association for circulation to members regarding upcoming developments to the BBKA's website & online learning resources.
Please ask you association officers if you have not already received this information
Please ask you association officers if you have not already received this information
November 26, 2025 at 11:11 AM
The BBKA has sent an email to association for circulation to members regarding upcoming developments to the BBKA's website & online learning resources.
Please ask you association officers if you have not already received this information
Please ask you association officers if you have not already received this information
Bee suits can also do with a bit of TLC over the winter. A vital and hardworking bit of kit that's not cheap to buy and worth maintaining.
November 26, 2025 at 9:14 AM
Bee suits can also do with a bit of TLC over the winter. A vital and hardworking bit of kit that's not cheap to buy and worth maintaining.
Auckland, New Zealand
22 confirmed queen hornets found.
14 of the 19 confirmed queen hornets were found with either developed nests or evidence of nesting.
22 confirmed queen hornets found.
14 of the 19 confirmed queen hornets were found with either developed nests or evidence of nesting.
November 25, 2025 at 11:20 AM
Auckland, New Zealand
22 confirmed queen hornets found.
14 of the 19 confirmed queen hornets were found with either developed nests or evidence of nesting.
22 confirmed queen hornets found.
14 of the 19 confirmed queen hornets were found with either developed nests or evidence of nesting.
Licenced oxalic acid (OA) products are often sold in amounts that, once made up, are are too much for many hobby beekeeper.
Some groups organise sharing schemes between members to save waste and reduce expense.
Always follow manufacturer's instructions & wear appropriate PPE when handling OA
Some groups organise sharing schemes between members to save waste and reduce expense.
Always follow manufacturer's instructions & wear appropriate PPE when handling OA
November 25, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Licenced oxalic acid (OA) products are often sold in amounts that, once made up, are are too much for many hobby beekeeper.
Some groups organise sharing schemes between members to save waste and reduce expense.
Always follow manufacturer's instructions & wear appropriate PPE when handling OA
Some groups organise sharing schemes between members to save waste and reduce expense.
Always follow manufacturer's instructions & wear appropriate PPE when handling OA
The National Bee Unit has recently update its Best Practice Guidance on Handling & Examining Bees.
www.nationalbeeunit.com/assets/PDFs/...
www.nationalbeeunit.com/assets/PDFs/...
November 24, 2025 at 12:15 PM
The National Bee Unit has recently update its Best Practice Guidance on Handling & Examining Bees.
www.nationalbeeunit.com/assets/PDFs/...
www.nationalbeeunit.com/assets/PDFs/...
BBKA Spring Convention 2026
17 - 19 April
Please note the bookings opening date & time has been announced
Sunday 25 January @ 20.00
This is at a weekend to assist those working weekdays to access
www.bbka.org.uk/pages/catego...
17 - 19 April
Please note the bookings opening date & time has been announced
Sunday 25 January @ 20.00
This is at a weekend to assist those working weekdays to access
www.bbka.org.uk/pages/catego...
November 24, 2025 at 9:11 AM
BBKA Spring Convention 2026
17 - 19 April
Please note the bookings opening date & time has been announced
Sunday 25 January @ 20.00
This is at a weekend to assist those working weekdays to access
www.bbka.org.uk/pages/catego...
17 - 19 April
Please note the bookings opening date & time has been announced
Sunday 25 January @ 20.00
This is at a weekend to assist those working weekdays to access
www.bbka.org.uk/pages/catego...
The National Bee Unit has recently update its Best Practice Guidance on The Essence of Beekeeping.
www.nationalbeeunit.com/assets/PDFs/...
www.nationalbeeunit.com/assets/PDFs/...
November 23, 2025 at 12:12 PM
The National Bee Unit has recently update its Best Practice Guidance on The Essence of Beekeeping.
www.nationalbeeunit.com/assets/PDFs/...
www.nationalbeeunit.com/assets/PDFs/...
YLH update 21.11.25 Great Britain
161 nests
544 sightings
2 new nests this week
www.bbka.org.uk/asian-hornet...
www.nationalbeeunit.com/about-us/bee...
161 nests
544 sightings
2 new nests this week
www.bbka.org.uk/asian-hornet...
www.nationalbeeunit.com/about-us/bee...
November 22, 2025 at 9:47 AM
YLH update 21.11.25 Great Britain
161 nests
544 sightings
2 new nests this week
www.bbka.org.uk/asian-hornet...
www.nationalbeeunit.com/about-us/bee...
161 nests
544 sightings
2 new nests this week
www.bbka.org.uk/asian-hornet...
www.nationalbeeunit.com/about-us/bee...
Yellow-legged nest located by National Bee Unit (NBU) in Swyre, Dorset
Please continue to look up for potential nests & report.
The NBU can only investigate if an insect photo is submitted. Nests of other species can look very similar
Photo Crown copyright APHA
Please continue to look up for potential nests & report.
The NBU can only investigate if an insect photo is submitted. Nests of other species can look very similar
Photo Crown copyright APHA
November 22, 2025 at 9:25 AM
Yellow-legged nest located by National Bee Unit (NBU) in Swyre, Dorset
Please continue to look up for potential nests & report.
The NBU can only investigate if an insect photo is submitted. Nests of other species can look very similar
Photo Crown copyright APHA
Please continue to look up for potential nests & report.
The NBU can only investigate if an insect photo is submitted. Nests of other species can look very similar
Photo Crown copyright APHA
YLH update 21.11.25 Great Britain
161 nests
544 sightings
2 new nests this week
Red icons represent the last weeks nest locations
Eye icon = sighting
House icon = Nest
www.bbka.org.uk/asian-hornet...
www.nationalbeeunit.com/about-us/bee...
161 nests
544 sightings
2 new nests this week
Red icons represent the last weeks nest locations
Eye icon = sighting
House icon = Nest
www.bbka.org.uk/asian-hornet...
www.nationalbeeunit.com/about-us/bee...
November 22, 2025 at 9:05 AM
YLH update 21.11.25 Great Britain
161 nests
544 sightings
2 new nests this week
Red icons represent the last weeks nest locations
Eye icon = sighting
House icon = Nest
www.bbka.org.uk/asian-hornet...
www.nationalbeeunit.com/about-us/bee...
161 nests
544 sightings
2 new nests this week
Red icons represent the last weeks nest locations
Eye icon = sighting
House icon = Nest
www.bbka.org.uk/asian-hornet...
www.nationalbeeunit.com/about-us/bee...
Update on yellow-legged hornet (YLH)
W/E 21 Nov
544 sightings in 2025.
2 more nests have been discovered in Ewhurst, East Sussex and Swyre, Dorset. These nests have been destroyed and will be removed.
161 confirmed nests found in 2025.
W/E 21 Nov
544 sightings in 2025.
2 more nests have been discovered in Ewhurst, East Sussex and Swyre, Dorset. These nests have been destroyed and will be removed.
161 confirmed nests found in 2025.
November 21, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Update on yellow-legged hornet (YLH)
W/E 21 Nov
544 sightings in 2025.
2 more nests have been discovered in Ewhurst, East Sussex and Swyre, Dorset. These nests have been destroyed and will be removed.
161 confirmed nests found in 2025.
W/E 21 Nov
544 sightings in 2025.
2 more nests have been discovered in Ewhurst, East Sussex and Swyre, Dorset. These nests have been destroyed and will be removed.
161 confirmed nests found in 2025.
The December 2025 edition of BBKA News is out soon.
Bottom-up Beekeeping – Ray Baxter
UK Beekeeping Perspectives – Fay Kahane
New Beekeeper – Emma Guile
Apimondia 2025 – Ian Campbell
+ regulars, features, news, apiary tips, letters, puzzle & recipes
Bottom-up Beekeeping – Ray Baxter
UK Beekeeping Perspectives – Fay Kahane
New Beekeeper – Emma Guile
Apimondia 2025 – Ian Campbell
+ regulars, features, news, apiary tips, letters, puzzle & recipes
November 21, 2025 at 9:16 AM
The December 2025 edition of BBKA News is out soon.
Bottom-up Beekeeping – Ray Baxter
UK Beekeeping Perspectives – Fay Kahane
New Beekeeper – Emma Guile
Apimondia 2025 – Ian Campbell
+ regulars, features, news, apiary tips, letters, puzzle & recipes
Bottom-up Beekeeping – Ray Baxter
UK Beekeeping Perspectives – Fay Kahane
New Beekeeper – Emma Guile
Apimondia 2025 – Ian Campbell
+ regulars, features, news, apiary tips, letters, puzzle & recipes
The National Bee Unit has recently update its Best Practice Guidance on Apiary & Hive Hygiene.
www.nationalbeeunit.com/assets/PDFs/...
www.nationalbeeunit.com/assets/PDFs/...
November 20, 2025 at 1:23 PM
The National Bee Unit has recently update its Best Practice Guidance on Apiary & Hive Hygiene.
www.nationalbeeunit.com/assets/PDFs/...
www.nationalbeeunit.com/assets/PDFs/...
The White Paper seeks to:
Define the economic and ecological importance of commercially
managed honey bees
Encourage dialogue among policymakers,
regulators & stakeholders
Identify opportunities to strengthen beekeeping
industry for U.S. agriculture
www.californiastatebeekeepers.com/wp-content/u...
Define the economic and ecological importance of commercially
managed honey bees
Encourage dialogue among policymakers,
regulators & stakeholders
Identify opportunities to strengthen beekeeping
industry for U.S. agriculture
www.californiastatebeekeepers.com/wp-content/u...
November 20, 2025 at 11:05 AM
The White Paper seeks to:
Define the economic and ecological importance of commercially
managed honey bees
Encourage dialogue among policymakers,
regulators & stakeholders
Identify opportunities to strengthen beekeeping
industry for U.S. agriculture
www.californiastatebeekeepers.com/wp-content/u...
Define the economic and ecological importance of commercially
managed honey bees
Encourage dialogue among policymakers,
regulators & stakeholders
Identify opportunities to strengthen beekeeping
industry for U.S. agriculture
www.californiastatebeekeepers.com/wp-content/u...
Auckland New Zealand
Now 14 confirmed queen hornets found (based on specimens). 9 of the 14 confirmed queen hornets were found with either developed nests or evidence of nesting.
Now 14 confirmed queen hornets found (based on specimens). 9 of the 14 confirmed queen hornets were found with either developed nests or evidence of nesting.
November 20, 2025 at 10:19 AM
Auckland New Zealand
Now 14 confirmed queen hornets found (based on specimens). 9 of the 14 confirmed queen hornets were found with either developed nests or evidence of nesting.
Now 14 confirmed queen hornets found (based on specimens). 9 of the 14 confirmed queen hornets were found with either developed nests or evidence of nesting.
Karl von Frisch, Austrian entomologist and Nobel Prize winner, was born on this day in 1886.
He is best remembered for his work decoding honey bee waggle dance behaviour. His key book 'The Dancing Bees' was published in 1927
He is best remembered for his work decoding honey bee waggle dance behaviour. His key book 'The Dancing Bees' was published in 1927
November 20, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Karl von Frisch, Austrian entomologist and Nobel Prize winner, was born on this day in 1886.
He is best remembered for his work decoding honey bee waggle dance behaviour. His key book 'The Dancing Bees' was published in 1927
He is best remembered for his work decoding honey bee waggle dance behaviour. His key book 'The Dancing Bees' was published in 1927
The National Bee Unit has recently update its Best Practice Guidance on Varroa.
www.nationalbeeunit.com/assets/PDFs/...
In conjunction with the comprehensive Managing Varroa leaflet they provide beekeepers with excellent information and best practice advice
www.nationalbeeunit.com/assets/PDFs/...
www.nationalbeeunit.com/assets/PDFs/...
In conjunction with the comprehensive Managing Varroa leaflet they provide beekeepers with excellent information and best practice advice
www.nationalbeeunit.com/assets/PDFs/...
November 19, 2025 at 12:03 PM
The National Bee Unit has recently update its Best Practice Guidance on Varroa.
www.nationalbeeunit.com/assets/PDFs/...
In conjunction with the comprehensive Managing Varroa leaflet they provide beekeepers with excellent information and best practice advice
www.nationalbeeunit.com/assets/PDFs/...
www.nationalbeeunit.com/assets/PDFs/...
In conjunction with the comprehensive Managing Varroa leaflet they provide beekeepers with excellent information and best practice advice
www.nationalbeeunit.com/assets/PDFs/...
Auckland New Zealand -
As of 18.11.25 - 12 confirmed yellow-legged Asian hornet queens found. 8 of the 12 confirmed queen hornets were found with either developed nests or evidence of nesting.
www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/...
As of 18.11.25 - 12 confirmed yellow-legged Asian hornet queens found. 8 of the 12 confirmed queen hornets were found with either developed nests or evidence of nesting.
www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/...
November 19, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Auckland New Zealand -
As of 18.11.25 - 12 confirmed yellow-legged Asian hornet queens found. 8 of the 12 confirmed queen hornets were found with either developed nests or evidence of nesting.
www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/...
As of 18.11.25 - 12 confirmed yellow-legged Asian hornet queens found. 8 of the 12 confirmed queen hornets were found with either developed nests or evidence of nesting.
www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/...
BBKA November Talk
The next BBKA Zoom talk will be ‘Becoming a Show Judge’ with Shirley Bond tonight,Tuesday 18 Nov @ 7pm. Recording available afterwards for those unable to watch live.
'Shirley is a Master Beekeeper, BBKA Show Judge & Chair of the BBKA Exam Board.
The next BBKA Zoom talk will be ‘Becoming a Show Judge’ with Shirley Bond tonight,Tuesday 18 Nov @ 7pm. Recording available afterwards for those unable to watch live.
'Shirley is a Master Beekeeper, BBKA Show Judge & Chair of the BBKA Exam Board.
November 18, 2025 at 12:41 PM
BBKA November Talk
The next BBKA Zoom talk will be ‘Becoming a Show Judge’ with Shirley Bond tonight,Tuesday 18 Nov @ 7pm. Recording available afterwards for those unable to watch live.
'Shirley is a Master Beekeeper, BBKA Show Judge & Chair of the BBKA Exam Board.
The next BBKA Zoom talk will be ‘Becoming a Show Judge’ with Shirley Bond tonight,Tuesday 18 Nov @ 7pm. Recording available afterwards for those unable to watch live.
'Shirley is a Master Beekeeper, BBKA Show Judge & Chair of the BBKA Exam Board.