Our September meeting will take place 7-9 pm on Tuesday, November 19

We will meet in Building 14
(download campus map)

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The Biology and Behavior of the Tropilaelaeps (Tropi) Mite

In this presentation, Dr. Skyrm will share his recent journey to see Asian (Thailand) honey bees and beekeeping up close.

Through the eyes of an Apiary Inspector, Dr. Skyrm will then focus the presentation on the biology and behavior of the Tropilaelaeps (Tropi) mite, where and how it may be detected if found in the US and the subsequent potential impact on honey bee health.

Information and comparisons will also be made between Varroa and Tropi mites as it relates to current proposed monitoring and management techniques.

The presentation will end with a list of action steps you can take as a beekeeper to “Fight the (NEW!) Mite”.

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Guest Speaker: Dr. Kim Skyrm

Dr. Kim Skyrm is Chief Apiary Inspector for the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) and East Director for the Apiary Inspectors of America (AIA).

Prior to these appointments, Dr. Skyrm received a Ph.D. from Oregon State University focused on the environmental impacts affecting bumble bees native to the Willamette Valley of Western Oregon, was a Research and Development Scientist for Koppert Biological Systems, Inc. specializing in commercial bumble bee rearing and a Post-Doctoral Researcher at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst evaluating bumble bee colonies in the cranberry agroecosystem.

 Dr. Skyrm is an alumni of Georgia Southern University (Bachelors in Science, Biology) and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Masters in Science, Entomology with Education minor).

In addition to being a bombiculturist (i.e. bumble bee rearing), Kim is also a hobby honey beekeeper. Dr. Skyrm has always been driven by an intense love of bees to serve in supporting roles informed by the latest scientific research.​This is evident since Kim has been working with wild and managed bees, beekeepers, farmers, veterinarians, and pesticide applicators for the past 18 years through outreach education, research, and extension.

Dr. Skyrm has a “bees-eye view” of the world and is truly passionate about continuing to do work that preserves the viability and sustainability of bee populations! 

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This event is free for members of Bristol County Beekeepers Association.

Non-members are welcome to join this event for a $10 fee
or to become a member for only $20/year.