Fostering relationships between mosquito control and beekeepers

The relationship between mosquito control programs and beekeepers can be complicated to establish and maintain. Caitlin Gill, Mosquito Control Outreach Specialist of the Entomology and Pest Control Section, and Brandi Stanford, Assistant Bureau Chief of the Apiary Inspection Section, at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) have created a course that aims to create and improve such relationships. This course focuses primarily on honey bee education and public communication for mosquito control personnel. The objectives are to provide mosquito control personnel with practical ideas and approaches to utilize. Based on feedback from past students, these topics have proven to be valuable and engaging to mosquito control programs. The concepts conveyed in this course could be applied in various situations to effectively communicate between diverse groups.