Books published by International Bee Research Association

This second edition of the Healthy Hive Guide is provided to help both new and experienced beekeepers identify problems within their honey bee hives. Each of the images has a short explanation; however it is clear that not all problems manifest themselves in exactly the same way every time. It is sometimes enough for beekeepers to recognise that they may have a problem and therefore seek help and further advice from more experienced beekeepers, their local associations or national organisations.This book introduces the reader to all areas of pests and diseases and how to recognise and deal with potential problems within the hive.The Healthy Hive Guide is endorsed by the British Beekeepers AssociationAuthors hold the highest qualification in British BeekeepingDesigned for both new and experienced beekeepersCovers all aspects of beekeeping pests and diseasesBeautifully illustrated throughout with many specially shot images

Most people are now aware that our insect population has come under severe pressure due to changes in their environment. This awareness is causing an increasing interest in what can be done to support our insect life for our own good. We are seeing a gradual change in agricultural & horticultural attitudes and practice that should contribute towards improvement in the general welfare of insects.Gardeners also have a vital role to play.Most environmentally engaged gardeners want more information about what to plant for the benefit of insects. The key objective is to create a steady supply of nectar and pollen throughout their active season. Extending the supply at both ends of the active season is more effective than in Spring. Everyone knows about the glut of insect food in April/May but not everyone is aware of the so-called "June Gap" when supplies often suddenly temporarily dip.This book provides that information in a concise tabular form as it deals in turn with herbaceous plants, then annual and biannual plants, trees and finally shrubs. It is an essential guide for all environmentally interested gardeners.

Upon her death in 2007, the New York Times acknowledged that Eva Crane wrote some of the most important books on bees and apiculture. A Book of Honey is one of her seminal works and must be on the shelves of anyone who is serious about understanding honey. Not only does it describe how and why bees make honey, but she also describes in detail the constituents and characteristics of honey. There is a chapter on the uses of honey in the kitchen as well as mead-making, medical remedies and cosmetics.Eva describes the history of honey starting from the evolution of plants and bees, then on to the harvesting of honey by humans over the past 10,000 years and its religious significance and beliefs.There is a huge databank of information to facilitate further detailed study, making this an essential read for both teachers and students. Please note that Eva's comments at the end of her preface refer to the original cover which as now been replaced in this 2019 reprint.

This book was derived from papers given at the meeting organised by the International Bee Research Association entitled: "Honey and healing: from the hive to the hospital" which was held at the University of Cardiff on 7 October 2000. The programme for the meeting stated: "Man has known the curative properties of honey from the earliest times.We may have forgotten, in latter years, just what medicinal benefits the golden harvest of the hive can bring. Perhaps with bacteria ever more resistant to antibiotics and viruses that seemingly defeat the medical world it is time to look once again to one of nature's own medicines that has a scientifically proven track record."The book was originally published in 2001, but has been out of print for a number of years. Sadly, Peter Molan, who contributed two chapters, died in 2015. In his obituary published in Bee World, his colleague Prof. Rose Cooper wrote: "I met Peter Molan by chance late in 1996 when I was collecting wound swabs from outpatients attending the Wound Healing Research Unit's clinic at the University Hospital of Wales. He was visiting his mother in Cardiff (where he was born and brought up) and had come to the hospital to promote the use of manuka honey in treating wounds. We chatted for about an hour and he offered to send me some samples of honey when he returned to New Zealand. I did my first experiments on the antibacterial activity of honey in 1997, and it marked the start of a wonderful collaboration that changed the course of my professional life."It is thus fitting that we republish this popular book.

The accidental introduction of the Asian hornet or more accurately the yellow-legged hornet into France and South Korea over ten years ago and its subsequent spread to neighbouring countries has been worrying both governments and beekeepers alike. Many people are now seeking more information on this new threat to our beloved honey bees. Hornet biology is very different to that of honey bees and this can lead to misunderstandings and false assumptions. So, this book is aimed at anyone wanting to learn more about hornets, why the Asian hornet possesses such a threat, and what you can do about it. While the natural history of hornets makes their eradication impossible, it is important that all interested parties are well informed about their biology and potential impact. The Asian hornet will continue to expand its range into new countries irrespective of the measures taken, so education is the best way to lessen their impact. This book aims to cover all the key aspects of the hornets' biology including the impact they have on both people and honey bees. The information presented is gained from various sources during the many years I studied hornets in Asia (mainly Japan), and more recently via the ever-expanding scientific literature on the spread and impact of the Asian hornet both in France and South Korea.

The small hive beetle Aethina tumida is native to sub-Saharan Africa, where it is not generally considered a pest. Its arrival in 1996 in the south east of the United States was unexpected, as was the devastating effect it had on colonies. It has since spread to Australia, Canada, and Mexico. An isolated incursion in Portugal, Europe in 2004 was successfully eradicated. The discovery of the beetle in south west Italy in September 2014, and subsequent continuing control efforts have brought new attention to the beetle by beekeepers, scientists and governments. This book intended for beekeepers derives from a conference organised by the COLOSS association and held at CRA-API, Bologna, Italy. In its seven chapters the world's experts on the small hive beetle discuss its biology and spread, and suggest practical ways of living with the pest.

The conservation of bees and other pollinators is currently very high on the public agenda. Indeed, landscape, conservation and biodiversity are inextricably linked and this book takes a comprehensive look at the European scene. Originally published in 1994 it is appropriate for IBRA to republish this important book which will help to link existing schemes for the management of agricultural land with broader policies with the aim to encourage all land holders to consider pollinators in their management strategies.