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When treating Varroa Mite (Varroa destructor), it's critical to rotate treatments in order to prevent treatment-resistant populations of Varroa Mites. It’s also important to have the right timing for each treatment to prevent the acaricides from contaminating the honey and wax in the beehives.
Below are the most common methods beekeepers use to treat Varroa Mites. This article will first give an overview of the Varroa Mite treatment methods, then we’ll dive deeper into how and when to use them in later sections.
Among many Varroa Mite treatment options, chemical Varroa Mite treatment is the most common and high-performance method for beekeepers. Amitraz, Fluvalinate, and Coumaphos are all chemicals that are commonly used in products that are used to treat Varroa Mites.
Amitraz treatment is typically applied through strips. The beekeeper will hang two strips for every brood chamber. Then they'll leave the strips in the chamber for about 42 days, depending on the exact product being used. Strips are usually applied in the spring or fall and must be removed 2 weeks prior to the honey flow starting.
Fluvalinate is also applied through strips, though the quantity of application and timing is different from Amitraz.
Other chemicals, such as Coumaphos, are rarely used in Canada as the development of coumaphos-resistant mites has been demonstrated frequently. It's critical to know that chemical treatments have the potential to create pesticide-resistant mites.
Formic Acid comes in various forms and products. Formic acid is commonly applied as slow-release or in strips. Liquid Formic acid should only be used in the Spring or Fall, whereas other products can be used at all times.
Oxalic acid treatment is one of the most efficient treatments for managing Varroa Mites in bee colonies. It's a relatively easy treatment to introduce for beekeepers, and it has limited side effects. This treatment can be administered by dribbling, vaporization, or as a part of the "drop" method.
Many beekeepers are now turning to organic methods like Thymol and Essential oils such as Eucalyptus oil to get rid of Varroa Mites.
The application of these organic treatments is often through tablets, where the essential oils evaporate from the tablet creating a vapor that spreads throughout the hive. This vapor works as the application method that disrupts the Varroa Mite.
Surprisingly, powdered sugar treatment is an effective way to control Varroa Mites since it works by encouraging bees to groom each other, and in the process, mites are knocked down off of the bees. All that is needed is a teaspoon of powdered sugar applied to the bees and bees are allowed to groom themselves.
Drone bees are male bees in the colony that mate with the queen and have no stingers. The drone traps work by containing drones within the hive, preventing the drones from leaving. After a while, the drone cells are removed, along with any Varroa Mite present. This method helps to control Varroa Mites infestations since the mites prefer to feed on drone brood before they mature. When no drones are present, the mites will have to feed on adult bees, eventually reducing their numbers.
A screened bottom board replaces the solid bottom board in your beehive with a mesh screen. This allows for better ventilation and improved air circulation. It can help control Varroa Mites by providing an easy way for them to fall out of the hive. Varroa Mites reproduce inside the brood cells, and once they mature, they move on to adult bees to feed off their hemolymph.
When adult bees emerge from their cells, the mites hitchhike on them and re-enter the hive. By having a screened bottom board, the mites have the ability to fall out of the hive and die instead of re-entering and continuing to infest the colony.
This method is not a be-all-end-all method for controlling Varroa Mites, but it can contribute to their control. This is best used in combination with the other methods of control.
It’s important to note that these bottom boards will stop honey bees from accessing the hive through the bottom, causing a build-up of debris such as pollen and wax there. Beekeepers will need to clean that off or else other pests may come to feed upon it such as wax moths.
Make sure all labels are read carefully before use and properly use all required personal safety equipment. Some of the chemicals listed above are damaging to both bees and humans if improperly used.
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While some Varroa Mite treatments can be administered at any time, most treatments get applied either during the Spring or Fall. When to treat Varroa Mites depends on the levels of infestations you have in the hive.
Beekeepers should not use the same treatment method consecutively in order to prevent the development of treatment-resistant populations. For example, if Amitraz is used in the spring, it is recommended to apply a different method in the fall.
Check below for more information on what is considered a dangerous level of infestation for each season. Later in this article, we’ll look at exactly which seasons you can apply each treatment method.
In the spring when bees are starting to build up their colonies, it’s important to monitor for Varroa Mites and begin treatment when levels reach above 1% of the bee population. This can be measured as 1 Varroa Mite for every 100 adult bees. This is also a great time to use preventative measures such as drone traps to stop Varroa Mite reproduction before it gets too severe.
Another important time to closely monitor your colony for Varroa Mites is fall, as infestations of Varroa Mites drastically increase during the Summer months. If there is significant brood present, the tolerance of your hive will be around 1-3% infection rate of the adult bees. If there’s an infestation rate over 3% it’s time to begin treatment. As brood decreases through the late fall, the Varroa Mites will occupy the adult bees, making the infestation rate of adult bees increase. If there is no brood present, infestation tolerance reaches as high as 10%. If you have over 10% infected bees in late fall, you should treat.
The most common two methods to test for Varroa Mite infestation are alcohol wash test and sticky boards. Sugar test and drone uncapping do not necessarily give accurate enough levels to determine when to treat.
Beekeepers should be monitoring regularly for Varroa Mites, running tests for Varroa Mites at least in the Spring and Fall. Beekeepers should test for Varroa Mites prior to and after every treatment.
Oxalic Acid Vaporization test (OAV) or Oxalic Vaporization test (OV), is very rarely used as a test if done at all. Some of these tests are one-time tests that enable you to make an estimate of the overall infestation rate. Others are more ongoing, allowing you to check in on your hive daily.
See below for some information about each of the tests.
This method is most commonly used in late summer or early fall, just before the bees start to cluster for winter. To perform this test, you will need a jar, alcohol, a coffee filter, and a strainer to collect the liquid. Take around 300 bees from the brood nest and place them in the jar. Add enough alcohol to cover the bees and shake gently to dislodge the mites. Beekeepers often use windshield washing fluid as the alcohol component for this test.
Once the mites have been separated from the bees, strain the alcohol and mites through a coffee filter. Count the number of mites left over under a microscope. If the count is over three (1% infection rate), you might need to treat your bees for mite infestation. The biggest disadvantage of this test is that the alcohol kills the bees that are sampled.
The sticky board method involves placing a sticky board at the bottom of the hive, between the screened bottom board and the floor of the hive. This board will trap any mites that fall off and then the beekeeper can count them. Measure the amount of time the sticky board has been collecting mites. After 24 hours, the board can be removed and examined to determine the severity of the infestation.
If you see about 1 mite drop onto the sticky board every 24 hours, beekeepers will estimate this as a 1% infestation level. If you see 30-40 mites over 24 hours, that could be an estimated 5% infestation rate.
The sugar shake test is a straightforward method of testing for the presence of Varroa Mites in your hive. This method requires a few basic household items such as a jar, powdered sugar, and a mesh screen.
First, collect around 300 bees from the brood nest and dust the bees with sugar. When the sugar touches a Varroa Mite, it will cover its feet with powder, making it impossible for the Varroa Mites to stick to the bees. The sugar makes the mites fall off the bees, then you can trap the mites in your shaker jar or on any other surfaces.
Collect the mites and count the number of mites that you see. If you find more than nine mites in a sample of 300 bees (3%), it indicates that your hive might be infested with Varroa Mites. Remember, there are different thresholds depending on the season. A 1% infection rate in the spring is enough to take action. Make sure to sample several different beehives to make sure your bee sample is wide enough to cover all of your colonies.
The drone brood test is an early indicator of a Varroa Mite infestation. This method requires that you identify drone brood in your hive and inspect it to detect infestations. Varroa Mites have a preference for drone brood because the brood's cells have a longer developmental period, giving mites more time to reproduce. Removing the drone brood, dissecting the cells, and counting the mites inside them can confirm whether or not your hive is infested with mites. If you find just one or two Mites on about 15 drone brood cells, then your hive is going to be OK. If you’re finding a Varroa Mite on every single drone brood, then it’s a good idea to start treating your hive for a Varroa Mite infestation.
The OAV test is a relatively new and effective method of testing for Varroa Mites. This method involves the use of an oxalic acid vaporizer that releases gas into the hive to kill any mites present. The vaporizer should be placed inside the hive and left to release the gas for a specific time. Afterward, the mites are left to fall onto a sticky board that you can count later. It is critical that you wear all the proper protective gear for performing this procedure, as Oxalic acid can be very dangerous.
Contaminating the honey flow is one of the major risks when treating Varroa Mite. For example, if you use chemical treatment, you’ll have to remove the chemical treatment a specific number of weeks before the honey flow begins in order to avoid contamination. This period of time is called the withdrawal period. When using natural compounds or organic treatment, contamination is less likely as there are no residuals from the treatment.
Below is a list of the withdrawal periods for common chemicals for treating Varroa Mite.
Amitraz strips should only be used in spring or fall when Varroa Mite infestations have reached the treatment threshold. Before placing Amitraz strips in the hive, ensure that there are no honey supers present. Remove all Amitraz strips two weeks before the honey flow starts to avoid contaminating the honey with Amitraz residues.
When using Amitraz strips in the fall, remove any surplus honey supers before placing the strips in the hive. DO NOT use Amitraz strips when honey supers are present. After removing the strips, wait at least 14 days before placing honey supers on the hive(s) to ensure that any residues have dissipated, and the honey is safe for consumption.
Fluvalinate is also applied to a hive using strips, and it has a withdrawal waiting period of 0 days. Apply during the spring or fall when honey flow is not happening, then do not apply Fluvalinate strips while Honey supers are present. Honey supers may be placed on the hive directly after the strips have been removed.
The use of Coumaphos strips will cause contamination of the beeswax regardless of the timing. Therefore, do not use the beeswax for human consumption after treating your beehive with Coumaphos strips.
Coumaphos strips must be removed at least 2 weeks prior to the honey flow.
These tablets can be used in any season, with different levels of efficacy depending on the stage of life the bees are in. Don’t use the tablets while the honey supers are in place to prevent the build-up of residues in honey or wax that is to be sold. Fortunately, these residues are not dangerous to consume, but build-up of residues affects the purity of the honey.
The withdrawal period for Formic Acid treatments is at least two weeks prior to honey flow. Do not apply while honey supers are in place, and wait two weeks before putting the honey supers back on.
Do not use Oxalic acid while honey supers are present. Otherwise, there is no waiting period between application and honey flow for Oxalic acid.
When applying a Varroa Mite treatment, always follow the instructions carefully. This includes applying the correct dosage, wearing protective gear, and following recommended application methods. Failing to do so can result in over-application, which can lead to contamination of the honey. Additionally, if you're using a product that requires the use of an applicator, make sure to keep it clean and properly sanitized to prevent the spread of pathogens.
This method is only possible to do if your operations are relatively small. If you have many hives the amount of work and extra gear involved would make this method very difficult to execute well.
By using a separate super or brood box, you can ensure that any contamination from the treatment is contained and doesn't mix with the rest of the honey in the hive. This also makes it easier to remove contaminated honey when it's time to harvest, which minimizes the risk of contamination.
To prevent creating antibiotic-resistant Varroa Mites, using IPM techniques is necessary. Essentially, IPM techniques involve minimizing the use of any singular pest management method to reduce the risk of mites developing any resistance. Some examples of IPM techniques include using screened bottom boards to trap mites, removing drone brood, and utilizing natural treatments such as essential oils.
Rotating your treatment Varroa Mite can prevent the creation of antibiotic-resistant mites. Alternating between different treatment methods every season can help reduce the risk of mites becoming immune to the particular chemicals you are using.
Check to see if the Mite levels have reduced after any specific treatment has run its course. If the Mite levels haven’t reduced, it’s likely that your Mite population is resistant to that treatment. If one of the treatment types doesn’t work, make sure to change your treatment style to prevent further development of resistance within that Mite population.
Utilizing natural methods such as essential oils or powdered sugar treatment is an ideal way to reduce the risk of creating antibiotic-resistant mites. These methods are typically gentler on bees and the environment while still being highly effective.
After each Varroa Mite treatment is completed, check the mite levels to see if the treatment worked. Low-population infestations can be controlled by the high use of a single treatment method. Larger populations may require an Integrated Pest Management approach. If your treatment method didn’t work, that means your mite population is resistant to that treatment style or environmental conditions are not suitable for efficient transfer of the chemical to the mites on the bees. For example, bees cluster in winter, making it difficult for any vapors to reach the surface of the bees. In that case, use another treatment approach from the list above.
Varroa Mites reproduce through a process known as parthenogenesis, which causes their offspring to be genetically identical to themselves. Unfortunately, this genetic similarity can cause resistance to develop over time if the same treatment is used repeatedly. Once resistant populations of Varroa Mites develop, it can be challenging to control them. Rotating between at least two different Varroa Mite treatments can help prevent the development of resistant populations, making it easier to keep your colony healthy.
The process of rotating your treatment is relatively straightforward. Start by selecting two effective Varroa Mite treatments that work best for you and your bees. Alternate treatments every other time you treat your hives. For example, during the first treatment, use one method. Then, during the next treatment, use the other method instead. This rotation helps prevent mites from developing resistance while simultaneously providing a novel and effective method for combating them.
Amitraz is a chemical agent that is used as an acaricide, or a pesticide that targets mites. It is effective against Varroa Mites and can be used to treat bee colonies that have been infested. Amitraz can be administered in several different ways, including through a slow-release gel or strip that is placed in the hive.
There are several different commercial products that use Amitraz as their active ingredient. Each product has slightly different timing, method of application, and dosage.
The recommended dosage for Amitraz is 3-4 strips per standard hive, and they should be left in the hive for 6-8 weeks. The strips should be placed in the brood nest of the hive, where the bees are most active. Always follow the instructors for the product you’re using.
It is also important to note that Amitraz is toxic to bees and should only be used as directed. When administering Amitraz, beekeepers should wear protective clothing, including gloves and a mask. They should also avoid using Amitraz during periods of nectar flow, as it can contaminate the honey.
Fluvalinate is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide used worldwide in beekeeping to combat the Varroa Mite. Fluvalinate targets the Mites by directly killing them, making them less harmful to honeybees.
Fluvalinate has approval in most countries for its use in beehives. It comes in a strip form and is simple to use. You should apply the strips to the brood chamber in spring while the weather is still cool before any bee colonies have moved up to their honey storage areas. Fluvalinate strips maintain their efficiency for roughly two months. Then, remove the strips two weeks before the honey supers are placed in the hive. The effectiveness of Fluvalinate depends on compliance with labeling recommendations to avoid residue build-up within the hive.
Like all pesticides, Fluvalinate does pose a risk to the environment and human health, especially when used incorrectly. It's highly toxic to aquatic life and insects other than the Varroa Mite, and it has a moderately low level of toxicity to humans. Therefore, care must be taken to handle it properly. Always wear protective gloves and clothing when handling Fluvalinate and avoid using it on flowering plants.
Fluvalinate's effectiveness is readily apparent when combating Varroa Mites, and it's one of the most popular treatments used globally by beekeepers. Its long-lasting effects, coupled with its easy-to-manage form, make it a practical solution for Varroa Mite infestation. Additionally, it's compatible with other treatments, so beekeepers can alternate between treatments to prevent the mites from developing resistance.
Coumaphos is an insecticide that belongs to a class of chemicals called organophosphates. It is a highly effective acaricide and is widely used for Varroa Mite control and management in bee colonies. Coumaphos works by inhibiting the activity of cholinesterase, a critical enzyme found in the nervous system of Varroa Mites. This leads to the Mite's paralysis and eventual death.
Coumaphos is available in different formulations, such as dust, spray, and strips. The most commonly used form of Coumaphos is the strips, which are placed inside the beehive. The strips slowly release the active ingredient and are designed to be effective for up to six weeks. The standard dosage of Coumaphos is one strip per five frames, and it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure proper usage. It is essential to only use Coumaphos when necessary as it is common for Varroa Mites to build up resistance to Coumaphos quickly.
As with any chemical treatment, it is essential to follow safety precautions when using Coumaphos. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and a respirator, to prevent accidental exposure to the chemical. Do not use Coumaphos during honey flow periods, as the chemical can contaminate the honey and render it unsafe for human consumption. Additionally, avoid using Coumaphos in hives with queen bees or with brood present, as the chemical can harm these critical components of the colony.
While Coumaphos is effective in controlling Varroa Mites, it is essential to note that the chemical can have adverse effects on bees. Studies have shown that Coumaphos can impair bees' navigational ability, reduce foraging activity, decrease brood production, and even cause death. Therefore, it is vital to use Coumaphos only as a last resort and in the recommended dosage.
Formic acid is a natural organic acid that is found in various plants and animals. It is a colorless liquid, commonly used as a preservative, disinfectant, and insecticide. Formic acid has a pungent odor, and it can cause severe irritation if it comes into contact with the eyes, skin, or respiratory system.
Formic acid works by blocking the Mite’s respiratory system, which makes it challenging for them to survive. It's an effective treatment as it kills both the mites and their offspring. Depending on the concentration used, it can be applied to bees in different methods, including fumigation and slow release.
Formic Acid is an organic acid found naturally in the venom of some ants and other insects. It has long been used in beekeeping as an effective treatment against Varroa Mites. This is because of its ability to penetrate the mites' exoskeleton and disrupt cellular respiration. When used correctly, formic acid does not harm the bees themselves, but it does eliminate mites in a hive.
The Formic Acid Slow-Release Method involves using a special treatment pad or strip that contains a controlled amount of formic acid. This pad is placed in your beehive for a specified period, allowing the acid to be released slowly over time. By reducing the concentration of formic acid and providing a controlled dose, there is less risk of harm to the bees. This method typically takes 14 days, but it can vary depending on the dosage, weather conditions, and hive strength.
Before using the Formic Acid slow-release method, ensure that your hives are completely sealed to prevent any escape of the acid. Safety gear, such as gloves and a mask, should also be worn during the procedure. You should conduct a Mite count before introducing this treatment to ensure the efficacy of the product.
65% Formic Acid is to be applied onto an absorbent material, such as an absorbent paper pad, then placed on the bottom board or the hive top bars. The acid will evaporate from the pad, filling the hive with a vapor. It should be used at rates of 30 to 40 ml for a two-story hive, or 15 to 20 ml for a one-story hive, as stated by the guidelines.
Put the pad into a perforated plastic bag, where it’s easy for the gas to evaporate from. Use a non-perforated plastic bag for transporting the Formic Acid pad to the hive, then remove the perforated plastic bag containing the absorbent material from the bag and place it in the hive.
It is important to remember that the slow-release method of Formic Acid is temperature-sensitive, and too high or low temperatures can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. Do not use Formic Acid when the air temperature is over 30oC. Always follow the instructions strictly.
There are also several products for strip application of Formic Acid. Depending on the size of your colony or the season, the number of strips and the duration of their use may vary.
Oxalic acid is a naturally occurring acid found in many vegetables and fruits, including spinach, rhubarb, and parsley. It has also been used for years as a treatment for Varroa Mites in honey bee colonies. Oxalic acid works by dissolving the outer layer of the Mite, causing it to dehydrate and die.
There are several methods of oxalic acid application, including dribble and vaporization. Spray Oxalic Acid is not recommended as it can be very harmful to humans. The most popular method is known as dribble, where a sugar solution infused with oxalic acid is dribbled between the frames of the hive. This method is relatively cost-effective and has proven to be very effective.
Vaporization involves heating up oxalic acid crystals to create a vapor that is then released into the hive. While it can be very effective, it is more costly and time-consuming than the dribble method.
Regardless of the method used, it’s important to follow usage instructions closely to ensure it’s done safely and effectively.
Using during the winter months is not recommended in Canada, or other places where bees are wintered indoors. If Oxalic Acid is used indoors, the fume build-up will kill bees. Bees wintered outdoors are clustered so even if you could use Oxalic Acid, the vapor would not penetrate the cluster. Oxalic Acid works best during broodless periods, which are early spring and late fall, and not during the height of summer or winter.
When using oxalic acid treatments, it’s essential to take the necessary safety precautions. Oxalic acid is toxic and can cause severe skin and eye irritation if it comes into contact with the skin or eyes. Always wear gloves, protective clothing, and eye protection when applying oxalic acid treatments. Additionally, ensure that you are in a well-ventilated area as the fumes from the acid can be harmful if inhaled.
Thymol is a natural compound commonly found in herbs like thyme, ajwain, and oregano. It is commonly used as an essential oil, and it has been shown to have excellent Varroa Mite control properties. Thymol works by disrupting the mites' internal systems, thus killing them. It is both safe and easy to use, and it does not harm the bees. Beekeepers can apply Thymol in various ways, the most common being through vaporization. By doing this, the chemical penetrates the beehive and eliminates the Varroa Mites.
Another popular natural remedy for Varroa Mite infestation is Eucalyptus essential oil. Eucalyptus oil is derived from the leaves of the Eucalyptus tree, and it is a powerful essential oil with antifungal, antiseptic, and antimicrobial properties. In addition to these properties, Eucalyptus oil is also known to have excellent insecticide properties. Eucalyptus oil is safe to use and can be applied in various ways, such as using a hive top feeder or a vaporizer. When using Eucalyptus oil, it is essential to note that it should not be applied directly as a liquid to the bees as this can cause harm.
Thymol tablets should be placed in the corners of the brood box, as far away from the brood nest as possible while still in the brood box. You can also use paper or cloth bags to hang the tablets, as this makes it easier to remove them later. Eucalyptus tablets, on the other hand, should be placed directly on top of the hive as they release fumes that spread easily throughout the colony.
One of the benefits of using natural remedies to control Varroa Mite infestation is that they are eco-friendly. Unlike chemical treatments, natural remedies do not pollute the environment or harm the bees. In addition, natural remedies like Thymol and Eucalyptus do not leave toxic residue, meaning that they do not dangerously contaminate the honey or other beehive products. It is still not recommended to use these products during the honey flow, as some residues may be found in honey, making the honey impure.
While antibiotics are used to fight several other diseases plaguing bees, such as Foulbrood, antibiotics are not used to treat Varroa Mite.
Oxalic acid, is commonly used as a miticide when treating Varroa Mite, and is considered safe for bees when used appropriately. Another option is Coumaphos, which is a synthetic chemical that kills Varroa Mites by disrupting their nervous system. However, coumaphos can also be harmful to bees if not used carefully. Coumaphos is not frequently used in Canada as Varroa Mites develop resistance to it quickly.
This type of treatment is typically administered in Spring and Fall since it is most effective when bees have low brood production, but should not be used during Winter. Applications of Amitraz must be removed after a time period to prevent resistance and honey contamination.
This treatment is for spring or fall, before the honey flow begins or after it ends. Do not apply Fluvalinate when honey supers or present.
The best time to administer this treatment is in the late fall when there is no brood present but before winter. When the brood decreases the Varroa Mites move onto the adult bees, making it easier for the oxalic acid to reach the Mites living on the bees. If you’re using Oxalic acid in the spring, make sure to stop treatment at least two weeks prior to honey flow. Do not use Oxalic acid during honey flow. Do not use Oxalic acid during the winter when wintering bees inside as the build-up of vapor indoors will kill the bees.
Like oxalic acid, formic acid treatment is a popular option for Varroa Mite control. Similar to oxalic acid, formic acid kills Mites through vaporization. If done correctly, it can be an effective treatment for both adult bees and brood. However, it’s important to administer this treatment before temperatures drop too low. Formic Acid is very temperature dependent, where high temperatures can cause Queen loss or absconding. Late summer or early fall, when temperatures are not too hot or cold, are the best times to use Formic Acid.
Thymol treatment is a plant-based Varroa Mite treatment. It is typically administered with a slow-release gel or pads that release Thymol vapors over several weeks. Thymol is most effective when bees are actively reproducing, which makes it an ideal treatment for spring and summer months. Since brood is consistently being produced during this time, Thymol has a better chance of killing Varroa Mites. While it’s not toxic when it contaminates the honey, it’s still not recommended to use this treatment during honey flows.
This method has been proven ineffective in the treatment of beehives, though we’ll give a short explanation of Gamma radiation and its history here.
Gamma radiation is a method used to treat foodstuffs and other goods to eliminate pests, bacteria, and fungi. The method involves exposing the goods to Gamma rays to kill or sterilize living organisms. This technique has been used to treat fruits, vegetables, spices, and even meats for decades. Over time, researchers have investigated the use of Gamma radiation to treat honeybees with Varroa Mites.
The idea behind Gamma radiation treatment for Varroa Mites is simple. It involves exposing beehives to Gamma rays to kill the mites without harming the bees. In a study carried out in 2000, researchers exposed honeybee hives to a dose of up to 200 Gray of Gamma radiation. The results showed a significant reduction (up to 95%) in the number of Varroa Mites in the hives.
While Gamma radiation treatment has shown potential in managing Varroa Mites, there are concerns about its safety and effectiveness. Some experts argue that the radiation may not target all the Mites in the hive, leading to incomplete elimination. Others argue that the radiation may affect the bees negatively, leading to sterility or death. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out more research to determine the most effective way to use Gamma radiation to manage Varroa Mites.
Furthermore, with existing technology, there is no practical way a beehive or thousands of beehives could be treated successfully for Varroa Mite with Gamma rays. Beekeepers have debunked this method and labeled it as “not effective for beekeeping”.
Thank you to all of our partners who helped us write this guide on Varroa Mite Treatment. The information in this article will change depending on your locality, seasons, and regional regulations. Check your local information for further information.
https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/apiary/pubs/honey-bee-health-treatment-guide.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2nlfwwSl6E&ab_channel=TheBeeSupply
https://extension.psu.edu/methods-to-control-varroa-mites-an-integrated-pest-management-approach
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