What the World’s Best Beekeeping Research Can Teach NZ Beekeepers

A massive international review of 191 field studies covering over 12,000 hives has revealed what actually works in the apiary. Researchers analyzed 744 real-world beekeeping practices from 42 countries, identifying proven ways to improve colony health and productivity.

The Big Picture

No single trick keeps bees healthy. The most successful beekeepers combine effective management, targeted Varroa control, and robust biosecurity. The study demonstrates that colonies thrive when beekeepers implement evidence-based, seasonally timed interventions that align with local environmental conditions.

Key Global Findings

• Varroa management dominated research (57% of studies).

  • “Soft” acaricides like oxalic and formic acid were the most effective and widely used.

  • Success depends heavily on timing—oxalic acid works best during broodless periods, while formic acid is temperature-sensitive.

  • Combining brood breaks (queen caging or splits) with soft acids yields the best mite control.

    
    

• Good colony management reduced losses.

  • Splitting colonies, requeening annually, freezing old comb, and maintaining low hive densities all improved survival.

  • Imported queens and chemical-free operations often performed worse than local queens and managed IPM approaches.

    
    

• Nutrition matters. Colonies near diverse natural forage or receiving balanced pollen supplements performed better. Poor protein diets increased winter losses.

  
  

• American foulbrood (AFB) is still a major global issue.

  • Shook swarms and hygienic requeening worked well without antibiotics, but it is not allowed in NZ.

  • Antibiotics such as tylosin were effective but left honey residues—unsuitable for NZ conditions where antibiotic use is banned.

  • Reporting and burning of AFB-infected hives is mandatory in NZ.

    
    

• Emerging pests like Tropilaelaps mites and small hive beetle are global threats, but fortunately, they are not present in NZ.

  • “Soft” acids and in-hive traps showed some promise, but more field work is needed.

  • Continuous vigilance and prompt reporting of incursions are essential to keep NZ free of these pests.

Why It Matters for New Zealand

New Zealand beekeepers already face high Varroa pressure, AFB management rules, and growing concern about nutrition and queen quality. This global synthesis confirms the NZ approach—integrated, chemical-limited, and science-guided beekeeping—is the right path.

What can NZ beekeepers do better?

• Treat Varroa strategically around the brood cycle, not by habit.

• Use oxalic acid sublimation or trickling during broodless periods for best results.

• Keep hive densities low to limit disease spread.

• Replace queens regularly, using locally bred, well-mated stock.

• Support bees nutritionally by ensuring varied pollen sources or quality supplements if required.

• Continue strict AFB vigilance—NZ remains a model for the world in this area.

  
  

Take-Home Message

Science is clear: the healthiest colonies come from well-timed, region-specific, and evidence-based management, not one-size-fits-all recipes. NZ beekeepers are already part of the world’s most science-aware apiculture community—this research gives reassurance that our best practices truly are best.

Find the study here: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/16/10/1025