Varroa Control
The Varroa mite can be found in the vast majority of honey bee colonies and beekeepers should use an Integrated Pest Management programme to manage varroa levels.
By using a combination of treatments at the right time of year, a very effective level of mite control can be achieved.
The Varroa Destructor mite
An Integrated Approach to Controlling Varroa
What are we aiming for?
An integrated strategy is guided by three principles:
- Methods used should aim to control mite levels, not eradicate them.
- Mite levels below the treatment threshold should not be controlled.
- Chemical treatments should be the last method used, not the first.
How can we achieve this?
- Monitor mite levels regularly throughout the season – Worksheet 2 describes methods of measurement.
- Determine if treatment is needed – Worksheet 3 and Worksheet 4 give the treatment thresholds for each time of the year.
- Use one or more if these methods if treatment is indicated.
Treatment | Time of Year | Effectiveness | Worksheet |
---|---|---|---|
Open Mesh Floors | All year | 10% - 20% | Worksheet 11 |
Drone Brood Culling | April to July | Up to 50% | Worksheet 14 |
Artificial Swarming | May to July | Figures not available but considered to be very effective | Worksheet 15 |
Queen Caging | Mid-May to Mid-July | Up to 95% | Worksheet 17 |
Apiguard | Mid-July to September | 74% to 99% - temperature dependent | Worksheet 13 |
APHA and the NBU has produced an excellent booklet on “Managing Varroa.” There is also a short best practice factsheet available that summarises a management approach to Varroa. NBU data sheets can be downloaded from here.