Survey of beekeeper management practices in Florida honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies

There are many factors that contribute to honey bee (Apis mellifera) health, including pathogen presence and beekeeping management strategies. A survey was conducted to follow managed honey bee colonies in Florida to track their health and management. Each month a questionnaire was filled out by participating beekeepers for three colonies. The questionnaire inquired about colony strength, treatment strategies, supplement feeding, etc. The characteristics of these colonies were compared to their honey pathogen levels, time of year, and location. During January – December 2024, there were 85 monitored colonies with 721 corresponding questionnaires. We found that the strength of honey bee colonies was significantly impacted by the presence of the pathogen Lotmaria passim and the infection level of Nosema ceranae. Although 605 of the honey bee samples were positive for N. ceranae, only 9 instances of fecal streaking were reported. Oxalic acid-related and amitraz-related chemical treatments on a colony were correlated to higher probabilities of Melissococcus plutonius and N. ceranae detections, respectively. The findings of this survey provide insight into the impact of honey bee management strategies and how they relate to pathogens in a colony in Florida.