Survey on Beekeeper Practices: Record-Keeping, Feeding, Watering, and European Foulbrood in Europe
The B-THENET Platform, a leading resource for EU beekeepers and apiculture advisors, has announced its upcoming publications for the next two years. The platform, which focuses on different topics related to beekeeping each year, will publish a series of articles starting from October 2025.
In October 2025, the platform will delve into three important topics: Record-keeping, Bee Feeding and Watering, and European Foulbrood. These topics are crucial for the health and productivity of bee colonies, and understanding them can help beekeepers make informed decisions.
Record-keeping is essential for tracking the health and productivity of bee colonies. Accurate records help beekeepers identify patterns, manage resources, and make informed decisions. In October 2025, the focus will be on preparing for winter, monitoring for diseases, and planning for the next season.
Bee Feeding and Watering are also essential for bees to thrive. Feeding and watering strategies can vary based on the season and local conditions. As the weather cools, beekeepers might focus on ensuring colonies have enough stored food for the winter and maintaining access to clean water sources.
European Foulbrood (EFB) is a bacterial disease affecting honey bee brood. It requires early detection and treatment to prevent colony loss. In October 2025, the focus will be on monitoring for signs of EFB and planning for disease management strategies during the colder months when bees are more vulnerable.
B-THENET, the first EU-wide network for sustainable beekeeping, provides practical solutions and training to EU beekeepers and advisors. The network consists of 18 entities from the apiculture sector, including beekeepers' associations, research institutes, and universities. There are 13 National B-THENET Centres across Europe, with additional International Centres.
A short online survey for input on the upcoming October 2025 publications is available until September 15, 2024. The survey can be accessed at EUSurvey - Survey (europa.eu). The B-THENET Community is encouraged to participate in the online survey to contribute to a thriving apiculture sector.
The B-THENET Platform will continue to publish new topics related to beekeeping. In 2026, the topics of Routine (Preventive) Hygiene Practices, Nosemosis, Small Hive Beetle, and Vespa velutina will be published. These topics are crucial for maintaining healthy bee colonies and preventing the spread of diseases.
B-THENET's practical solutions and training are developed over a period of three years, ensuring that the information provided is up-to-date and relevant. The platform's articles are continually published on the B-THENET Platform (www.bthenet.eu/platform/).
For more information about B-THENET, visit their website at bthenet.eu. By working together, we can ensure the health and sustainability of bee colonies across Europe.
In October 2025, the B-THENET Platform will publish an article on 'Health and Wellness', focusing on Record-keeping, a crucial aspect for tracking the health and productivity of bee colonies, with a focus on strategies for winter preparation, disease management, and planning for the next season.
In alignment with the health-related topics, an article on 'Lifestyle' will also be published, discussing Bee Feeding and Watering strategies, which are essential for bees to thrive, and will cover the variation in feeding and watering approaches based on seasonal and local conditions.
Furthermore, with an aim to tackle medical-conditions affecting bees, a topic on European Foulbrood (EFB), a bacterial disease impacting honey bee brood, will be published in October 2025. This article will help beekeepers understand the importance of early detection and treatment to prevent colony loss during the colder months when bees are more vulnerable.
In addition to these, the B-THENET Platform plans to delve into other topics like Routine (Preventive) Hygiene Practices, Nosemosis, Small Hive Beetle, and Vespa velutina in 2026, ensuring a continuous flow of relevant information for maintaining healthy bee colonies and preventing the spread of diseases. The platform's articles on these topics are grounded in up-to-date scientific research and technology, providing practical solutions for the EU beekeeping community.
