Beekeeping Group To Host State Apiary Inspector In Weston

WESTON, CT — The Back Yard Beekeepers Association will host Connecticut State Apiary Inspector Paula Wolf for an in-person presentation Sept. 30 in Weston on invasive pests that threaten honey bee health.

Wolf, who also serves as the association’s vice president, will speak at 7:30 p.m. at Norfield Congregational Church, 64 Norfield Road. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. with time for members and guests to socialize. Admission is free, but registration is requested online here.

The talk will focus on two emerging invasive species of concern: the yellow-legged hornet, an aggressive predator of honey bees, and the Tropilaelaps mite, a parasite more destructive than Varroa mites in areas where it is established. Neither pest is currently widespread in the United States, but recent detections have raised alarms among beekeepers and agricultural officials.

Wolf will review how the pests spread, their biology and behavior, and how local beekeepers can help with early detection and prevention. Attendees will learn how to monitor colonies, report sightings and stay up to date on surveillance and regulatory measures.

The event is open to the public, though there is no virtual participation option. Recordings will be available afterward to association members through the group’s website.

The Back Yard Beekeepers Association, based in Connecticut, is one of the nation’s largest regional clubs for hobbyist beekeepers, with more than 400 members. The group provides education, training and outreach on honey bee health and the benefits of beekeeping.