Tracheal mites infestation
Tracheal mites (Acarapis woodi) are microscopic parasites that live and reproduce inside honey bee tracheae, feeding on hemolymph through the tracheal walls. Infestations weaken bees, reduce winter survival, and lower honey production — especially in colder climates or stressed colonies. Diagnosis requires dissecting bees and examining tracheae under a microscope, and treatment relies on volatile compounds that penetrate the respiratory system.
- Treat with menthol crystals3
Place 50g of menthol crystals on the top bars or in a mesh bag inside the hive. The crystals sublimate into vapor that is toxic to Acarapis woodi mites inside the tracheae, killing them over a 2-4 week treatment period.
📌 commercial📌 organic4/16/2025, 9:22:01 PM
🛠️ Menthol crystals (50g packet), mesh bag or cardboard, hive tool
- Use Apivar strips for combined varroa and tracheal treatment3
Hang 2 Apivar strips (amitraz) per brood box between frames in the brood nest area. Leave in place for 6-8 weeks. While Apivar is specifically designed and labeled for Varroa destructor, beekeepers using it for varroa may see modest secondary reduction in tracheal mite loads.
📌 commercial4/16/2025, 9:22:01 PM
🛠️ Apivar strips (2 per brood box), gloves, hive tool
- Apply essential oil fumigation (wintergreen or tea tree)2
Soak absorbent pads with 15-20 drops of wintergreen oil (methyl salicylate) or tea tree oil and place them on the top bars of the hive. The volatile compounds fumigate the tracheal system and reduce mite loads over 1-2 weeks.
📌 diy📌 organic4/16/2025, 9:22:01 PM
🛠️ Wintergreen or tea tree essential oil, absorbent pads, dropper