Bee Health & Best Practice
UK guidance for safe, responsible community beekeeping
Last reviewed: 26 June 2026
Suspected Notifiable Disease or Pest?
If you suspect American foulbrood, European foulbrood, Small hive beetle or Tropilaelaps mite, close the hive, do not move bees, comb, honey or equipment, inform a Project Apis lead immediately, and contact the National Bee Unit or local bee inspector. Do not inspect other colonies with the same gloves or tools until equipment has been cleaned and disinfected.
Go to Official BeeBase / National Bee Unit GuidanceA serious bacterial brood disease affecting sealed brood.
A serious bacterial brood disease affecting unsealed brood.
An invasive pest not normally present in the UK.
An exotic mite pest not normally present in the UK.
A non-native predator of honey bees.
A parasitic mite that weakens honey bees and spreads viruses.
A virus spread by varroa mites that damages developing bees.
A fungal brood disease causing mummified larvae.
A viral brood disease where larvae die before pupation.
A gut disease of adult bees that can weaken colonies.
A colony with insufficient food stores is at risk of collapse.
Signs that a colony may be queenless or have a failing queen.
A pre-inspection checklist to keep inspections safe and calm.
What to check while the hive is open.
Last reviewed: 26 Jun 2026
Closing the hive and recording your visit.
Last reviewed: 26 Jun 2026
Good hygiene protects all Project Apis sites. Disease can be spread on gloves, hive tools, frames, bees, honey, wax and used equipment.
Last reviewed: 26 Jun 2026
Early-season checks as colonies build up.
Last reviewed: 26 Jun 2026
Peak inspection season — watch for swarming.
Last reviewed: 26 Jun 2026
Manage supers and watch for pests.
Last reviewed: 26 Jun 2026
Prepare colonies for winter.
Last reviewed: 26 Jun 2026
Minimal disturbance — keep hives secure.
Last reviewed: 26 Jun 2026
Stay safe around bees.
Last reviewed: 26 Jun 2026
Ask a Project Apis lead immediately if any of these apply.
Last reviewed: 26 Jun 2026
Official UK Resources
National Bee Unit / BeeBase
The National Bee Unit runs BeeBase, the UK's official bee health resource and colony register.
Visit National Bee UnitGOV.UK Honey Bee Pests & Diseases
Official GOV.UK guidance on honey bee pests, diseases and notifiable requirements.
Open GOV.UK GuidanceBeeBase Disease & Pest Pages
Detailed BeeBase information on specific diseases and pests.
Open BeeBaseBeeBase Advisory Leaflets
Official advisory leaflets on bee health, management and biosecurity.
Open LeafletsBeeBase Registration
Register your apiary on BeeBase to receive disease alerts and support.
Register on BeeBaseAsian Hornet Reporting
Report Asian hornet sightings via the official UK reporting route.
Report a SightingLocal Bee Inspector Contact
Contact your local bee inspector via the National Bee Unit for suspected notifiable disease.
Find an InspectorThis page provides general UK beekeeping guidance for Project Apis CIC volunteers. It is not a diagnosis tool and does not replace advice from an experienced beekeeper, the National Bee Unit, APHA or a local bee inspector. If you suspect a notifiable disease or pest, stop, close the hive, avoid moving equipment, inform a Project Apis lead and contact the National Bee Unit or local bee inspector immediately.