The Rothenbuhler Bee Lab is a space dedicated to educating growers and educators on how to implement integrated pest management in fruit and vegetable crops commercially and locally, as well as providing timely information on pests as the seasons progress. Research is also conducted on honeybees, with projects such as understanding pesticide toxicity in pollinating insects and how this conflicts with the need to have pollinators in the field.
This 21-year partnership with the Central Ohio Beekeepers Association (COBA) makes programs such as the 1st year Bee Yard possible. Here, individuals learn hands-on beekeeping techniques and are connected to the beekeeping community throughout Ohio. Similarly, COBA also partners with Waterman to provide "Bee Schools" for individuals interested in furthering their knowledge and skills in beekeepin
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The department of Entomology also utilizes the Rothenbuhler Bee Lab to make "Buckeye Honey," which is produced, harvested and bottled by students. Students to not only learn about beekeeping but also analyze pollen and plants that produce nectar for the honeybees. This honey is available for sale on the Entomology website to the public.
At Waterman, the Department of Entomology also houses the BUGmobile, a mobile vehicle that helps entomologists educate the public on types of insects, feature different bugs and provide educational programs across the state.
For more information about the study of bees, visit the Department of Entomology website.