Abstract

Both edible insects and honey bees are important to our food system. Here, the link between pest management practices in apiary systems and entomophagy (the human consumption of insects) is explored. Chapter 1 provides background information on beekeeping and entomophagy. Chapter 2 examines a mite control practice called drone brood removal (DBR). This practice involves removing frames of drone larvae from colonies. Beekeepers provided samples of nurse bees to see how their mite levels changed over time. Overall, mite levels significantly increased from the spring to the fall, regardless of mite control strategies. An experiment was conducted examining how removing two drone frames impacted mite levels; this method was found to be effective in the month of August at lowering mite levels. Chapter 3 examines the willingness of bug farms and beekeepers to utilize drone larvae. A majority of beekeepers were willing to sell drone larvae, and all bug farms were willing to sell drone larvae. Chapter 4 then examines how this practice can be implemented, and explores potential avenues in which drones can be better integrated into a sustainable food system.

Advisor

Clayton, Susan

Second Advisor

Moreno, Carlo

Department

Environmental Studies

Disciplines

Apiculture | Entomology

Keywords

Honey bees, Varroa, entomophagy, edible insects

Publication Date

2018

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2018 Bridget A. Gross