Sometimes the order of a bee colony breaks down. What compels workers to begin laying eggs? What happens when they do? And what can a beekeeper do to correct things?
Dr. Jon Zawislak is the apiculture specialist for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, where he conducts research, education, and outreach related to honey bees and beekeeping. His teaching emphasizes understanding the biology and behavior of honey bees and hive pests as key to keeping the bees healthy while minimizing the use of pesticides in the hives. He also spreads the word about the importance of pollinators to the non-beekeeping public. Jon has a background in botany and entomology, and became an EAS Master Beekeeper in 2009. He and his family operate Walnut Valley Honey Company in Little Rock, Arkansas, producing good products from the hive and supplying pollinators for area community gardens.