Beekeeping is an important profession nationwide. It is especially widespread in Florida, where $11 million dollars worth of honey are produced annually. Even more important than honey production are bee’s roles as pollinators. However, bee populations around the country are threatened by a certain hive beetle which takes up residence in the hive and chases the bees away. Between 2004 and 2006, SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education) funded research to develop a trap for the beetles. The traps were baited with a certain yeast released by the beetles which attracts more beetles. These traps were placed right next to beehives, eliminating the need to spray the hives with chemicals which would leave residues in the honey.
researchers checking traps for hive beetles
These traps and other similar innovations such as pheromone traps are very encouraging because they lure pests away from various crops, making the application of pesticides unnecessary.
References:
SARE Project Report
SARE Article
