Handy Resources
KRTP provides practical learning opportunities for beekeepers at every stage, offering insights on honey bee health and best management practices.
Links, Videos, & More!
Videos at the bottom (for most recent videos check our YouTube)
Check back soon! We’re always adding something new.
Pest & Pathogen Management
National Honey Bee Diagnostic Centre Lab Services
Before you submit samples for diagnostic services, you may contact the KRTP or Provincial Apiarist for guidance on sample submissions and appropriate testing to meet your objectives.
Manitoba VetLab Honey Bee Laboratory Services.
If you have further questions before submitting to the VetLab, you reach out to the the KRTP or the MB Provincial Apiarist.
CAPA Honey Bee Diseases & Pests Booklet
A concise and comprehensive Canadian publication made for beekeepers.
Available at local bee stores, online, and through the KRTP. Note: the KRTP stocks English, French, and Spanish editions.
- Other testing services are offered by the KRTP. See: Services to Beekeepers page.
Bee Pests Reference Guide: BeeAware
BeeAware has excellent layout and is easy to navigate. You must use some caution on regional distinctions as this is an Australian reference, however it's clear categorial layout makes it an informative tool.
Nosema
Nosema Diagnosis Methods
A KRTP Guide to Nosema Biology, Monitoring, and Control
Nosema factsheet
Nosema review from U.K. National Bee Unit (2018)
Varroa
Varroa tools: Honey Bee Health Coalition
Tools for Varroa Management: A Guide To Effective Varroa Sampling & Control
Re-imagining varroa monitoring a practical approach – NZ MPI
This doc covers sticky board monitoring considerations.
Varroa Population Dynamics 101
An explainer of the basics of mite population growth and management.
Miticide Resistance
At-home resistance test directions
This video from the OB-TTP demonstrates how to do a caged-bee test and record the data. The KRTP generally recommends a 1 litre plastic container in the Apiarium/Rinkevich methods, but same principles apply.
Webinar : Amitraz resistance in varroa: separating lab findings from field reality
An in-depth look at the complexities of amitraz resistance.
Webinar: Integrated Resistance Management
Phil Lester provides an overview of integrated resistance management.
Feed & Nutrition
Protein Nutrition in Honey Bees [Pollen Patties!]
Presentation by Dr. Shelley Hoover at 2024 MBA Convention
MORE VIDEO LINKS BELOW - & Even more on our YouTube Channel.
General Beekeeping
University of Manitoba Beekeeping Course
This is a 9-week non-credit course offered by the Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba, in collaboration with Manitoba Agriculture. Online & in-person. Next offering: Winter 2026 (Late January)
Honey Bee Producer Guide to the National Bee Farm-level Biosecurity Standard
A comprehensive and quality reference for apiary management and operations.
Breeding & Queen Rearing
KRTP - Freeze-kill Brood Testing
A look at the KRTP's freeze-kill brood testing service.
BC-TTP - Freeze-kill Brood Testing
An additional example of how freeze-kill brood testing
UBeeO Testing
Factsheet (Vermont Bee Lab)
UBeeO Protocols
Protocols can be found directly from Optera/UBeeO, however, here is an additional resource from the BC-TTP.
Pin Kill Test with Lutz Eggert
Why use pin-kill stamp and how to interpret hygienic responses.
ABC Bees Online Queen Rearing Course
Developed with the Alberta Beekeepers Commission
Staying ahead of Varroa : Challenges & strategies (CAN-BTTPs/CHC/Véto-Pharma)
Monitoring Varroa Discussion Featuring: Bob Binnie, Dani Glennie, Derek Micholson, Dr. Nuria Morfin – Moderated by Matthew Polinsky
Assessing Syrup Quality: An Explanation of KRTP Syrup Testing Services
A Walk Through How to Use Formic Pro NOD Apiary Products with Tom & Heather
How Beekeepers Can Do Research: Practical ways to find answers in your operation with Lynae Ovinge of Buzzworthy Solutions
KRTP Program Update at 2025 February MBA Convention
Varroa Mite Monitoring (2011)
A project of the Manitoba Beekeepers’ Association with funding provided by Growing Forward’s “Food Safety Program, For Farms”. Made possible with contributions from Merv Malyon, David Ostermann, Rhéal Lafrenière, Dr. Rob Currie, Midcan Production Services, and others.
Dr. Rob Currie-Assessing Syrup Quality: Does it matter what and when you feed your bees
MBA Convention 2024
KRTP Workshop: Integrated Pest Management of Varroa destructor
Preparing Your Bees for Winter - Rob Currie
Full presentation, with a concise explanation of the info beekeepers need regarding syrup quality. Syrup in general is covered beginning at the 34 minute mark. The 2023/24 field trial covered from the 48 minute mark.