Mission:
The mission of the Bee Research Laboratory in Beltsville is to conduct research on the biology and control of honey bee parasites, diseases, and pests to ensure an adequate supply of bees for pollination and honey production. Using biological, molecular, chemical and non-chemical approaches, scientists are developing new, cost-effective strategies for controlling parasitic mites like Varroa jacobsoni, bacterial diseases like American foulbrood, and emergent pests like the small hive beetle. An additional focus of the Laboratory is to develop preservation techniques for honey bee germplasm to maintain genetic diversity and superior honey bee stock. Bee Research Laboratory staff also provides authoritative diagnosis of bee diseases and pests for Federal and State regulatory agencies and beekeepers on a worldwide basis.