Breeding Varroa-Resistant Honey Bees—For Good

We’re a nonprofit foundation advancing science-based breeding of Varroa Sensitive Hygiene (VSH) honey bees to protect pollination, cut chemical use, and support beekeepers worldwide.

Our Sponsors: Make it Possible

The Problem

Varroa destructor is the leading driver of colony losses; untreated colonies often collapse within two years and chemical controls face resistance and residue risks.

Our Solution

We breed and select honey bee lines expressing VSH—workers detect and remove Varroa-infested brood—reducing mite reproduction and enabling healthier, lower-treatment colonies.

How Our Program Works

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Identify VSH Candidates

Field and lab methods (e.g., brood checks, standardized infestation measures) surface promising colonies.
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Controlled Breeding

Instrumental insemination and controlled mating concentrate VSH while monitoring temperament and productivity.
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Field Validation

Colonies are tested for mite load, survival, and performance under real beekeeping conditions.
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Distribute & Scale

Proven lines are propagated and shared via breeders, mating stations, and partner networks.
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Our Projects

Impact & Where We Work

We collaborate with beekeepers, scientists, and institutions across Europe and the United States, with documented efforts from Hawaii to the Netherlands—including cooperation with USDA Baton Rouge and Project Apis m.

Serving Beekeepers in the Netherlands, Europe & the USA

From our base in Beers (5437 BG), North Brabant, we support partner apiaries and breeders throughout the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, the UK, and select US regions (including earlier work in Hawaii), with new nodes added as projects scale. (Get in touch to confirm your area.)
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Get Involved

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Donate

Fuel breeding cycles, field trials, and education. As an ANBI foundation, gifts can be tax-deductible within the EU (see specifics).
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Adopt an Arista Hive

Sponsor a monitored hive (with dashboards and periodic updates) to spread resistant genetics locally and support applied research.
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Join the Breeding Network

Breeders and beekeepers can participate in the VSH selection program being rolled out across multiple countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Varroa destructor and why does it matter?
It’s a parasitic mite that weakens bees directly and vectors viruses; without effective management, colonies can collapse within ~2 years.
What is VSH (Varroa Sensitive Hygiene)?
A naturally occurring behavior where worker bees detect and remove mite-infested brood, suppressing Varroa reproduction.
How is your breeding different from using chemicals?
We select for heritable resistance, aiming to reduce chemical dependency, residues, and resistance development while maintaining productivity and temperament.
Where are you based? Do you work internationally?
Our foundation is based in Beers, North Brabant, Netherlands, and we collaborate across Europe and the USA.
Are donations tax-deductible?
We’re an ANBI public-benefit organization; many EU donors can receive tax advantages. (US personal income-tax deductibility is not available at this time.)
How can I participate as a beekeeper or breeder?
Apply to join the program and we’ll share protocols, testing methods, and collaboration options.
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Arista Bee Research - Foundation for breeding varroa resistant honey bees

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Need Help?
Phone: +31(0)485 788 105
Email: info@aristabeeresearch.org
Address: Dr Moonsweg 5, 5437 BG Beers NB, The Netherlands.

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