Amy Vu

0000-0001-7547-7282

Best Management Practices for Live Bee Removals in Florida: A Beekeeper's Guide

Mary Bammer, Jamie Ellis, Eric Baxter, Krista Butler, John Coldwell, B. Keith Councell, Kevin Easton, Brendhan Horne, Brandi Stanford, and Amy T. Vu

Bottling, Labeling, and Selling Honey in Florida

Amy Vu, Jennifer Hagen, Nancy Gentry, James D. Ellis, and Mary Bammer

The intended audience is Florida beekeepers of all operation sizes from small scale to commercial. There are 5,000 registered beekeepers in the state, managing almost 700,000 colonies. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services have updated their rules and regulations related to honey production and what falls under the "Cottage Food Law." This publication provides beekeepers with Florida’s updates, so they will be able to sell honey legally under this law.

Streaming Science #4: Using Podcasts for Engagement with Your Target Audience

Jamie Loizzo, Christine Krebs, Caroline Nickerson, Amy Vu, Phillip Stokes, Michaela Kandzer, Lara Milligan, and Shannon Carnevale

This is the fourth publication in the Streaming Science EDIS series focused on how to use mobile hardware and software for engagement with your target audience. The following article focuses on how to produce podcasts to share science-based information with adult audiences and engage listeners in conversations about agricultural and natural resources topics impacting their everyday lives. Educators, scientists, Extension professionals, and students at land grant universities and other organizations can cost effectively produce their own podcasts for niche audiences (Chivers et al., 2021; Rose et al., 2021; Beattie et al., 2020).

Minimizing Honey Bee Exposure to Pesticides

J. D. Ellis, J. Klopchin, E. Buss, L. Diepenbrock, F. M. Fishel, W. H. Kern, C. Mannion, E. McAvoy, L. S. Osborne, M. Rogers, M. Sanford, H. Smith, B. S. Stanford, P. Stansly, L. Stelinski, S. Webb, and A. Vu

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. Published by Integrated Pest Management

Manejo de Enjambres en Apiarios

Jonael Bosques, Amy Vu, Sara DeBerry, John Crowley, and James D. Ellis. Traducido por Jonael Bosques, UF/IFAS Extension Hardee County

Un manejo adecuado de colonias incluye la prevención de enjambres. Prácticas apícolas proactivas alteran la respuesta al comportamiento de enjambre y deben ser utilizadas regularmente durante la época en la cual este acontecimiento sucede regularmente. Un buen manejo mantiene las colonias fuertes permitiendo que haya mas producción de miel y un mayor potencial de división que producirá unidades mas viables en el momento adecuado. Esto a su vez ayuda a optimizar la viabilidad del proyecto apícola.

Monitoring for Amoebic Disease (Malpighamoeba mellificae) in Honey Bee Colonies

Hannah N. Gurland, James C. Fulton, Marley E. Iredale, Amy Vu, and Julia St. Amant

Digestive health is an overlooked but vital component of the success of Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies. Viral, bacterial, fungal, and protozoal infections can inhibit nutrient uptake and waste elimination by the honey bee digestive tract. Active management requires monitoring honey bee health on an individual and colony basis, providing adequate nutrition, and controlling for other pests and diseases. One organism that has gained recent attention is Malpighamoeba mellificae. This publication describes how to detect M. mellificae in A. mellifera colonies.

Welcome to the Hive! Honey Bee 4-H Project Book

Megan Hammond, Amy T. Vu, Mary Bammer, Emily Helton, Karen Henry, Jessica Sullivan, and James D. Ellis

The purpose of this publication is to provide a 4-H project book that discusses honey bees and their importance to our nation’s agriculture. The intent is to introduce the world of honey bees to youth ages 8 to 12, with or without any previous beekeeping background or knowledge. This book consists of six sections that familiarize youth with the honey bee’s basic anatomy and life cycle, the three members of the honey bee colony, their roles and responsibilities, and colony communication. Each section has been designed to give youth a brief introduction to a topic and offers activities building on that topic. Written by Megan Hammond, Amy T. Vu, Mary Bammer, Emily Helton, Karen Henry, Jessica Sullivan, and James D. Ellis; 56 pp.

Plants and Youth: Designing and Building a Terrarium

Clarissa Chairez, Amy Vu, and Sydney Park Brown

This document is ENH121, one of a series of the Department of Environmental Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date June 1996. Revised October 2007 and April 2017.

Welcome to the Apiary! Honey Bee 4-H Project Book

Written by Megan Hammond, Amy T. Vu, Natalie Parkell, Mary Bammer, Emily Helton, Karen Henry, Jessica Sullivan, and James D. Ellis

The purpose of this publication is to offer a follow-up 4-H curriculum to Chapter 1: Welcome to the Hive! The text is most appropriate for junior-, intermediate-, and senior-aged youth (about 8–18 years old) and may serve as a guide for prospective and beginner beekeeping.

Small Hive Beetle, Aethina tumida Murray (Insecta: Coleoptera: Nitidulidae)

James D. Ellis and Amanda Ellis

Florida Honey Bee Plants

Mary Christine Bammer, William H Kern, and Jamie D. Ellis

Several factors influence the flora throughout Florida, including annual freezes, average temperature, annual rainfall, and soil composition. Because of these variations, plants that grow well in one region may not grow well in another. Climate, plant communities, and timing of floral resources differ significantly between the three main regions in Florida: North Florida, Central Florida, and South Florida. While many plants are acceptable pollen producers for honey bees, fewer yield enough nectar to produce a surplus honey crop. As such, the tables in this document list the nectar-bearing plants that are present to some degree in each region and the plants' respective bloom times.

The Benefits of Pollen to Honey Bees

Amanda Ellis, Jamie D. Ellis, Michael K. O'Malley, and Catherine M. Zettel Nalen

Using Nucs in Beekeeping Operations

James D. Ellis

Swarm Trapping for Pest Control Operators

M. K. O'Malley, J. D. Ellis, and C. M. Zettel Nalen

Outlines the standard operating procedures for swarm trapping by certified Pest Control Operators as a means of capturing and removing a nesting Africanized bee colony before the bees become aggressive.

Choosing the Right Pest Control Operator for Honey Bee Removal: A Consumer Guide

M. K. O'Malley and J. D. Ellis

Living with African Bees in Florida's Outdoor Workplaces

M. K. O'Malley and J. D. Ellis

This document offers African honey bee (AHB) related recommendations and precautions specific to outdoor workers in Florida. Outdoor workers should be aware of the presence of AHBs in Florida. This awareness should include a healthy respect and caution toward all stinging insects and a realization of the importance of honey bees nationwide. Furthermore, it may be helpful for outdoor workers to know some basic biological and behavioral characteristics of AHBs; this prior knowledge is presupposed for the recommendations in this document.

Giant Honey Bee Apis dorsata Fabricius (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Cameron J. Jack, Andrea Lucky, and James D. Ellis

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

The Social Organization of Honey Bees

Ashley N. Mortensen, Bryan Smith, and James D. Ellis

Solar Beeswax Rendering and Hints for Exhibiting Wax Blocks

Malcolm T. Sanford and Tomas Bustamante

Infant Botulism and Honey

Malcolm T. Sanford, Eddie Atkinson, Jeanette Klopchin, and Jamie R. Ellis

Preserving Woodenware in Beekeeping Operations

J. D. Ellis, W. H. Kern, and C. M. Zettel Nalen

Identification and Treatment of European Foulbrood in Honey Bee Colonies

Catherine M. Mueller, Cameron J. Jack, Ashley N. Mortensen, and Jamie Ellis

Swarm Control for Managed Beehives

Sara DeBerry, John Crowley, and James D. Ellis

During the swarm season, hive owners should undertake proactive beekeeping practices to alter colonies in response to potential swarming behavior. In this way, the beekeeper maintains strong colonies with greater honey production and the potential to split and increase the total number of colonies, all of which makes beekeeping much more profitable for hive owners.

How to Quantify Varroa destructor in Honey Bee (Apis mellifera L.) Colonies

Cameron Jack, Nathan Sperry, Ashley N. Mortensen, and Jamie Ellis

Bee Louse, Bee Fly, Braulid, Braula coeca Nitzsch (Insecta: Diptera: Braulidae)

James D. Ellis, Ashley N. Mortensen, and C. M. Zettel Nalen

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Chalkbrood Recommendations

Malcolm T. Sanford, Cameron J. Jack, and Jamie Ellis

Florida Bears and Beekeeping

Malcolm T. Sanford and James D. Ellis

Honey and Its Uses

Malcolm T. Sanford

Overwintering Honey Bee Colonies in Northern Climates

James D. Ellis and Katherine Hammons

A UF/IFAS numbered publication. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Animal Systems

Tropilaelaps mite Tropilaelaps spp. Delfinado & Baker (Arachnida: Mesostigmata: Laelapidae)

Ashley N. Mortensen, Sarah Burleson, Gunasegaran Chelliah, Ken Johnson, Daniel R. Schmehl, and Jamie D. Ellis

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Wax Moth Control

Cameron J. Jack and Jamie D. Ellis

A UF/IFAS numbered Management. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Differences Between European and African Honey Bees

M. K. O'Malley, J. D. Ellis, and C. M. Zettel Nalen

ENY147 describes key differences between the aggressive African bee and the docile European honey bee, including hive defense and stinging, swarming and absconding, and selection of nesting site. Includes additional resources.

African Honey Bee, Africanized Honey Bee, Killer Bee, Apis mellifera scutellata Lepeletier (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Apidae)

James D. Ellis and Amanda Ellis

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Sweat Bees, Halictid Bees, Halictidae (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Halictidae)

Katie Buckley, Catherine Zettel Nalen, Jamie D. Ellis, and Rachel E. Mallinger

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

A Guide to Planting Wildflower Enhancements in Florida

Mary C. Bammer, Josh Campbell, Chase B. Kimmel, James D. Ellis, and Jaret Daniels

A UF/IFAS numbered publication. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Plant Systems

Keeping Bees in Florida

Tomas A. Bustamante, Jamie Ellis, and Mary Bammer

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Florida Beekeeping Management Calendar

James D. Ellis, Mary C. Bammer, and William H. Kern

A UF/IFAS numbered publication. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

European Honey Bee Apis mellifera Linnaeus and subspecies (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Ashley N. Mortensen, Daniel R. Schmehl, and Jamie Ellis

This document provides an overview of the European honey bee, Apis mellifera, detailing its natural distribution, subspecies, and introduction to the Americas. It covers the biology, life cycle, and social structure of honey bee colonies, emphasizing the roles of workers, drones, and queens. The article also discusses the economic importance of honey bees in pollination and honey production, as well as management practices and challenges, including pests and diseases. The information is intended for both laypersons with some biological knowledge and academic audiences. 

Guide to Collecting and Maintaining Live Arthropods for Classroom Display in Florida

S. McCann, J. D. Ellis, and M. K. O'Malley

A UF/IFAS numbered publication for Academic and 4-H/Youth audience(s).

Antlions in the Classroom

S. McCann, J. D. Ellis, and M. K. O'Malley

This document is designed to be used with other entomology youth curricula and is suitable for any age group. It details the process of using antlions for live insect illustrations in the classroom. Antlions, belonging to the Order Neuroptera, create conical depressions to trap prey. The document covers finding, capturing, and keeping antlions, feeding them, and observing their life cycle. It also provides suggestions for classroom lessons and activities involving antlions, emphasizing their accessibility and educational value. First published: January 2008.

La organización social de las abejas melíferas

Ashley N. Mortensen, Bryan Smith, y James D. Ellis. Traducido por Manrique Planell Ramos

Los insectos exhiben varios niveles de organización social. Muchas especies viven en grupos durante una parte de sus vidas, pero no todos estos grupos son verdaderamente sociales. Por ejemplo, las abejas chimenea, Anthophora abrupta, viven en grupos durante períodos de tiempo, no obstante, son abejas solitarias. Las abejas chimenea hembras construyen nidos en grandes grupos, dando la impresión de que son sociales, pero de hecho cada hembra construye y aprovisiona su propio nido. En contraste, algunos insectos, las hormigas, por ejemplo, viven en sociedades complejas llamadas colonias y dependen de interacciones sociales continuas para sobrevivir. Los miembros de estas especies sociales no pueden sobrevivir como individuos; deben vivir como parte de una colonia.

Cape Honey Bee Apis mellifera capensis Escholtz (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

James D. Ellis

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Bee-Proofing for Florida Citizens

M. K. O'Malley, J. D. Ellis, and A. S. Neal

ENY-143 provides information about Africanized honey bees (AHB), precautions that can be taken by Florida residents to locate potential nesting sites, prevent nests from forming, and how to inspect one's property for nests.

Miner Bee, Chimney Bee Anthophora abrupta Say

Jason R. Graham, Jamie D. Ellis, Harlan G. Hall, Catherine M. Zettel Nalen, and Rachel E. Mallinger

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Lesser Wax Moth Achroia grisella Fabricius (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Ashley A. Egelie, Ashley N. Mortensen, Lynn Barber, Jessica Sullivan, and James D. Ellis

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

How to Quantify Nosema Spores Infection Rate in a Honey Bee Colony

Ashley N. Mortensen, Cameron J. Jack, Meghan McConnell, Liana Teigen, and Jamie Ellis

A UF/IFAS numbered publication. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Insects, Oh Yes!: An Introduction

S. McCann, J. D. Ellis, and M. K. O'Malley

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.

African Honey Bee Information for School Administrators

M. K. O'Malley, J. D. Ellis, and A. S. Neal

African honey bees exhibit several characteristics that have caused public concern. It is important that school officials and administrators stay current on AHB-related information, educate students about the AHB, and ensure that school properties are bee-proofed.

Theft, Vandalism, and Other Related Crime in the Beekeeping Industry: A Guide for Beekeepers

C. M. Zettel Nalen and James D. Ellis

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.

Common Viruses of Florida Honey Bees: Diagnosis and Management

James C. Fulton, Kiley J. Epperson, and James D. Ellis

Viruses can have a significant negative economic impact on the international and domestic apiary industries. Globally, more than 70 viruses have been described infecting the western honey bee. Only a small proportion of these viruses cause noticeable adverse clinical signs in bees. The purpose of this publication is to provide beekeepers an overview of bee viruses commonly found in Florida, virus impact on colony health, associated clinical signs of viruses, and virus transmission pathways.

Zombie Fly (suggested common name) Apocephalus borealis Brues (Insecta: Diptera: Phoridae)

Nicole A. Casuso, Ashley N. Mortensen, and James D. Ellis

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Robbing Behavior in Honey Bees

Ryan Willingham, Jeanette Klopchin, and James Ellis

A UF/IFAS numbered publication. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Eradication of Swarms and Colonies for Pest Control Operators

Michael K. O'Malley, Jamie D. Ellis, and P. G. Koehler

ENY-145 outlines for pest control operators the standard operating procedures for removing swarms and colonies. Includes additional resources and contacts.

Wedge-Shaped Beetles (suggested common name) Ripiphorus spp. (Insecta: Coleoptera: Ripiphoridae)

David Owens, Ashley N. Mortensen, Jeanette Klopchin, William Kern, and Jamie D. Ellis

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Giant Resin Bee Megachile sculpturalis (Smith) (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)

Kristen C. Stevens, Cameron J. Jack, and James D. Ellis

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

How to Dissect Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L.) to Detect Tracheal Mites (Acarapis woodi Rennie)

John Bonkowski, Ashley N. Mortensen, and James D. Ellis

A UF/IFAS numbered publication. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Beekeeping: Watermelon Pollination

Malcolm T. Sanford and Jamie Ellis

In an effort to more widely disseminate information on optimizing watermelon pollination, this paper presents an overview of the introductory material on honey bee management and the section on pollination agreements and services in the Agriculture Handbook Num. 496, "Insect Pollination of Cultivated Crop Plants," authored by S.E. McGregor and published by the Agriculture Research Service, USDA, in 1976, which is no longer available.

Observation Bee Hives

David Hall, James D. Ellis, and Malcolm Sanford

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Sample Pollination Agreement

Malcolm T. Sanford, Jeanette Klopchin, and James D. Ellis

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Farm Economics, entrepreneurship, and management

Varroa, Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman (Arachnida: Acari: Varroidae)

James D. Ellis and C. M. Zettel Nalen

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Best Management Practices for Siting Honey Bee Colonies: Good Neighbor Guidelines

James D. Ellis and Jerry Hayes

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Farm Economics, entrepreneurship, and management

Living with the African Honey Bee

J. D. Ellis and M. Bammer

African honey bees and European honey bees are the same species of honey bee, but the two are classified as different subspecies or races of honey bee. African honey bee x European honey bee hybrids present an unpredictable combination of both subspecies‹ behavioral traits. This fact sheet explains how to “bee-proof” your house and yard and develop a bee safety plan as well as what you can do if you encounter a swarm or a colony of bees and how to treat a bee sting.