Pollination and Bees

Flies in the family Syrphidae are helpful allies in the garden and in the greenhouse or nursery.

Varroa mites (Varroa destructor), are the most influential of all of the pests and diseases of the European honey bee (Apis mellifera) today.

There are numerous insects that can be considered "beneficial."

Beneficial insects are those that consume or parasitize insect pests.

Discover the vital role of native ants, beetles, and flies in pollination and learn how to support these overlooked species in your garden with native plants and habitat-friendly practices.

Explore Pennsylvania's bee law—past, present, and future—and discover how upcoming changes may impact beekeeping across the Commonwealth.

One of the most important ways you can help pollinators is by provisioning your yard with many different kinds of plants that provide pollen and nectar. If you want to attract butterflies, you will also need to include a variety of larval host plants for butterfly caterpillars to eat.

Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the anthers of a flower to the stigma of the same flower or another flower. The result is the production of fertile seeds.

As a general rule, insecticides are more toxic to pollinators than fungicides and herbicides, but not all insecticides are toxic to pollinators.

By understanding the bloom color preferences of different pollinators, such as bees, flies, butterflies, and hummingbirds, gardeners can choose flowers to draw them into the garden.

Interview with Dr. Harland Patch, Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology and Director of Pollinator Programming for The Arboretum at Penn State

Moths are as important as bees and butterflies among the world's pollinators. Although active at night, we must not discount their importance.

Many books, field guides, pamphlets, and online resources can provide thorough information about our native pollinators and aid in their identification.

Learn the essentials of maple syrup production, beekeeping, and pollination, and gain practical skills to start harvesting syrup and extracting honey on your property.

Dive into the world of stingless bees, key pollinators in tropical regions. This webinar covers their diversity, beekeeping practices, and sustainable management.

Become a successful beekeeper by learning about honey bee biology and how to manage bee colonies in this publication.

An alcohol wash is the best method for monitoring Varroa mite populations in honey bee colonies.

Learn about Indian beekeeping, managing Apis cerana and Apis mellifera, and the practices and challenges shaping this unique apicultural tradition.

Explore Türkiye's beekeeping legacy, unique honey varieties, and modern practices in this webinar highlighting one of the world's top honey producers.

Learn how bees help protect Kenyan farms from elephant raids! This webinar covers African honey bee ecology, elephant-bee interactions, and solutions for coexistence.

Join Etienne as he shares his year-round approach to managing bees in northern climates. Learn how every decision impacts honey harvests, colony growth, and winter survival.

Learn beekeeping in Brittany, France—manage honey bees, harvest honey, and more. Perfect for beekeepers, anyone interested in bees, and global agriculture enthusiasts.

Monarch butterflies have a low survival rate from egg to adult, but experts now caution that it may not be helpful to raise them in captivity.

Though flies may have a bad reputation, many are actually beneficial pollinators. Find out more about flower flies and the plants and gardening practices that will nurture them.

View this video to learn how to install bees.