Public’s help needed in looking for wild bee colonies

Chris Rosario, research associate with the Western Pacific Tropical Research Center at the University of Guam has been surveying bees in the Marianas Islands as part of the National Honey Bee survey funded by USDA-APHIS.

“Bees are not only important as pollinators, they are fascinating insects to study,” said Rosario. His interest in bees has prompted him to find ways to control the varroa mite discovered in Guam, Tinian, and Saipan.

“While conducting the honey bee health survey we found the presence of the varroa mite, Varroa destructor on Saipan bees. As the name suggests, this mite is detrimental to the health of bees on island and worldwide,” said Rosario

He needs the public to assist him in finding wild (feral) bee colonies, especially if they are causing a problem for neighborhoods or homeowners.

Those willing to assist can contact Christopher Rosario at the Wise Owl Animal Hospital: (671) 646-2273 or (671) 487-1640. He can also be reached at the University of Guam Western Pacific Tropical Research Center: (671) 735-2068.