The University of Minnesota Bee Squad is an outreach organization dedicated to improving honey bee health through educational programs and sustainable management. They address the rising popularity of backyard beekeeping by providing novices with scientific research, hands-on training, and unique community initiatives for veterans and artists. A primary focus is combating the Varroa mite, a dangerous parasite that threatens hive survival and spreads easily between local apiaries. To solve this, the group developed an accessible testing kit and a citizen science project called MiteCheck to track infestation levels nationwide. By simplifying complex biological monitoring, the Bee Squad empowers hobbyists to maintain healthy colonies while contributing valuable data to the broader scientific community.
