Varroa mites infestation
Varroa mites are parasitic mites that infest honey bee colonies. Varroa destructor is the most common and damaging species. These mites attach to adult bees and brood, feeding on their hemolymph (bee blood). This weakens bees, making them more susceptible to diseases and viruses. Varroa mites are a major global threat to honey bee health and are considered a primary factor in colony losses. Untreated infestations can lead to colony collapse within one to two years. Monitoring and control of varroa mites are essential for beekeeping. They are spread through drifting bees and swarms, and can quickly devastate an entire apiary if not managed proactively.
- Use Apivar strips4
Apivar strips are a commercial treatment for varroa mites containing the active ingredient amitraz. Amitraz is an insecticide that is toxic to varroa mites but relatively safe for honey bees when used as directed. The strips are placed within the brood nest of the hive, and bees walking over the…
📌 commercial4/16/2025, 9:22:01 PM
🛠️ Gloves, hive tool
- Formic acid treatment3
Formic acid is an organic acid that occurs naturally in honey and bee venom. It is used as a varroa mite treatment by vaporizing it within the beehive. The vapor penetrates the capped brood cells where varroa mites reproduce, killing mites both on adult bees and in brood. Formic acid treatments are…
📌 commercial4/16/2025, 9:22:01 PM
🛠️ Safety mask, gloves, formic acid applicator
- Oxalic acid vaporization5
Oxalic acid is another organic acid used for varroa mite control, particularly effective during broodless periods in late fall or winter when mites are phoretic (riding on adult bees and not inside brood cells). Oxalic acid is typically applied by vaporization using a vaporizer device that heats…
📌 commercial4/16/2025, 9:22:01 PM
🛠️ Oxalic acid vaporizer, battery, safety mask, gloves