The

Varroa
mite –
a deadly and dangerous bee parasite
 Honey bees –
Small insects,
big impact
Big tasks for little insects: the work done by
Contents
honey bees is of great importance to humans.

The Varroa mite – The honey bee is essential for pollination of

a wide number of crop plants, making them
an important part of food production. A large
a deadly and dangerous bee parasite proportion of our food is produced, to some
extent, with the help of bee and other insect
Introduction pollination. That is why protecting and
3 Honey bees – Small insects, big impact improving the health of bees is so important.
5 Varroosis: the infestation of bee colonies
6 The expansion of the Varroa mite Although the number of honey bee colonies
7 Mite migration
has grown across the world in the past 50
years, poor bee health has reached alarming
Biology
levels in some regions of the world. One of
8 The biology of the parasite the main causes, and one of the honey bee’s
8 Body structure
9 Gender differences worst enemies, is a tiny mite called Varroa
10 Sensory perception of the Varroa mite destructor. There are currently only a few
11 The reproduction process of Varroa destructor ways to protect bees from the mite. Using the
12 Egg laying in the brood cell
Mating behavior
few effective control products and measures
13 Developmental stages of the Varroa mite available, combined with good beekeeping
14 After the bee exits the cell management practices, it is possible to
15 Transmission of honey bee viruses
reduce the impact of Varroa and keep the
16 Honey bee viruses
impact of this parasite in check.
Infection
19 Infection with the Varroa mite

Combating
21 Combating the Varroa mite
Diagnostics Þ
24

26
Measures to combat
Chemical methods for use during the breeding season
Chemical methods for use outside the breeding season
1
27 Biotechnical methods If an article or picture is marked
with this sign, you can download
Outlook this material with the following link:
www.beecare.bayer.com/varroa
28 What’s next in bee research?
29 Varroa gate technology We hope this material may be useful
30 Further research activities for your Varroa training courses.

The Varroa mite | Introduction 3

 Varroosis:
the infestation
of bee colonies

Þ
1
Download the picture at:
www.beecare.bayer.com/varroa

Right:
Varroa mites at various
development stages in a
bee colony brood comb

Left:
Varroa mite attached to adult
bee showing symptoms of
deformed wing virus (DWV)

It is small and yet highly dangerous: the Varroa destructor mite is the most
destructive enemy of the Western honey bee (Apis mellifera). The parasite
has now spread to almost all parts of the world – except for Australia.
Mite infestation has hit Europe and North America particularly hard, and
the parasite is a serious threat to bee health. Without human intervention,
a bee colony infested with mites will typically die off in these regions
within three years.

In addition to the threat posed by the Varroa mite itself, there is also the
danger of secondary infection from various mite-vectored diseases, which
have also become more widespread and additionally weaken the bee
colonies. The parasitic Varroa mites – much like ticks – transmit diseases
that often prove fatal to adult honey bees and their brood.

Combating the mite is a difficult task for researchers. This is because –

despite a number of promising ideas – they have not yet managed to
develop simple and long-lasting treatments for fighting the bee parasite,
nor have they yet managed to breed a Varroa-resistant strain of the
Western honey bee.

The Varroa mite | Introduction 5

 The expansion
of the Varroa mite
Mite migration

The Varroa mite is originally native to Asia, where it was first discovered
on the island of Java in Indonesia over 100 years ago. The Dutch zoologist
Anthonie Cornelis Oudemans gave it the name Varroa jacobsoni. The
mite initially preyed on the Asian honey bee (Apis cerana). But over
thousands of years the bee successfully adapted its behavior to the
parasite. The bees fend off the mites through their intensive cleaning
habits in the hive, thus minimizing harm to the colony.

When European settlers brought the Western honey bee (Apis mellifera)
to Asia, it also fell prey to the Varroa mite. Through these infested
colonies the parasite was then introduced to Europe, where since the
1970s it has continued to spread. Recent genetic investigations have
revealed that Varroa jacobsoni comprises 18 different genetic variants
No information No reports
with two main groups: Varroa jacobsoni and Varroa destructor.
Varroa destructor, the newly identified type, inflicts a great deal of
harm in Europe, North America and elsewhere because the Western
Spread of the Varroa mite in the selected countries with the year of detection in the corresponding decade.
honey bee lacks sufficient defense mechanisms. Clearly, the equilibrium
between Varroa destructor and the Western honey bee has not yet been
established. 2000s 1980s 1970s 1960s 1950s First detection

The mite is now found in many areas of the world: it is common not only Source: adapted from Webster TC, Delaplane KS 2001, Mites of the Honey Bee, (ECPA)
in China and Russia but also in Central Europe and North and South
America. Even New Zealand and Hawaii reported cases of infestation
in the first decade of the 21st century. Australia is the only part of the
// The Varroa mite originated in Asia, but has since spread towards
world where the mite has not yet spread, mainly as a result of intensive
the west and now threatens the Western honey bee almost all
biosafety protocols at the borders.
over the planet.

// Only Australia has managed to keep the parasite at bay to date.

6 The Varroa mite | Introduction The Varroa mite | Introduction 7

 The biology
of the parasite
Body structure Gender differences

Varroa destructor literally means “destructive mite.” And Male and female mites differ significantly from one another. Male Varroa
although the parasite’s name more or less says it all, this mites are more rounded and yellowish-white. And, measuring in at only
tiny arachnid is not much larger than a millimeter and lacks 0.7 to 0.9 mm, they are also markedly smaller than females, which
hearing and sight. The body of the mite has four pairs of are approximately 1.1 mm long and 1.6 mm wide. Females are also more
legs and piercing and sucking mouthparts. It uses the heavily sclerotized, giving them a harder cuticle, and are brownish in
numerous sensory hairs all over its body as receptors to color.
sense its environment. The Varroa mite’s flattened shape
and the suckers on its feet enable it to optimally grip the In addition, the mouthparts of females are much more pronounced
bee’s body. It uses its mouthparts to pierce the bee’s than those of males. This means that only females can penetrate the
exoskeleton and feed on its hemolymph, a circulatory exoskeleton of honey bees and their brood; males, on the other hand,
fluid similar to blood. cannot reach the hemolymph without damaging themselves. The male
mite is confined to the brood cells and feeds on the bee brood at a
feeding spot created by the female mite. For this reason, only females
can survive outside the brood cells. The function of male mites is limited
// Body structure:
to mating with the females.

Þ
idiosoma (main body
region) and gnathosoma

1
(mouth and feeding parts).
Download the picture at:
www.beecare.bayer.com/varroa
// The mite has four pairs
of legs and piercing and Female morphology
sucking mouthparts. • 1.1 mm long and 1.6 mm wide
• flattened body
// The hairs on the top and • heavily sclerotized = mechanical
bottom of the mite’s protection
body enable it to cling to • brownish in color
the honey bee. • have suckers (apoteles) on the last
section of each leg (tarsus)
// The parasite feeds on • two teeth are situated at the end of their
the hemolymph of both jaws (chelicerae)
adult bees and their
brood.
Male morphology
• smaller than the female
• 0.7 mm long and 0.9 mm wide
• yellowish-white in color
• rounded body
Female Varroa mite top right • can survive only in the capped brood cells
and male bottom left, below

8 The Varroa mite | Biology The Varroa mite | Biology 9

 The reproduction process
of Varroa destructor
Sensory perception of the Varroa mite

The Varroa mite orients itself without any sense of sight or hearing – it can
only differentiate between light and dark. However, the receptors on its
sensory hairs are highly developed: the mite is able to detect differences Varroa mite enters Varroa mite
in temperature, moisture and chemical stimuli. The parasite uses its cell with larva inside reproduction

.....................

...................
acute sense of touch to find its way around the beehive and can pick up

l
ith ee a
w b fin

m ith es
the smallest of vibrations. It uses its front legs much as insects use their

ro ll w ch
ll er to
gs

.
ax

ar ce hat
ce ork th
eg

s
antennae – to sense its environment. Research has also discovered that

w
es W w

ite
ul th ee
ys

os . ro
g ee

ad om g b
la

cl age al g
a
the Varroa mite is endowed with the senses of smell and taste through a

a
in b

e n
rv

tV e
e

as tio

fr oun
r
be

la

st arv
ed e

ph pa
fe ork
sensory organ located in a small cavity on its front legs. The mite’s highly

Y
L
en

Pu
W
ue
responsive sensory system enables the parasite to locate the brood cells

Q......

..

......

....

......
in the beehive.

Electron microscope picture of a Varroa mite Close-up detail showing Varroa mite front Development of Varroa mites in a honeycomb cell
legs, with mouthparts in between

The parasite preys on both adult honey bees and their brood. Varroa females can also
survive outside the brood cells by attaching themselves to adult bees. However, the
parasite only reproduces in the sealed brood cells of the honey bee. Shortly before the
// THE FRONT LEGS OF VARROA DESTRUCTOR CONTAIN brood cells are capped, the Varroa female mites enter and crawl to the bottom of these
AN OLFACTORY SENSE ORGAN THAT ENDOWS THE cells – they protect themselves from the bees that tend to the brood by hiding under
the larvae. Here they first immerse themselves in the liquid brood food. Once this is
PARASITE WITH THE ABILITY TO SMELL AND TASTE. depleted, the Varroa mite feeds directly on the bee larvae. The parasite has strongly
IT USES ITS FRONT LEGS LIKE ANTENNAE TO SENSE adapted to its host in terms of habitat and food.

ITS ENVIRONMENT. //

10 The Varroa mite | Biology The Varroa mite | Biology 11

 Egg laying in the brood cell
DAY8 DAY 9
AFTER CELL
CAPPED
DAY 10 11
AFTER CELL
CAPPED DAY

7 12
AFTER CELL
The pheromones emitted by the bee larvae and the capping of AFTER CELL
CAPPED CAPPED
the honeycomb cells with wax by worker bees activate Varroa egg DAY DAY
A
development – so-called oogenesis – approximately six hours after AFTER CELL
CAPPED
AFTER CELL
CAPPED

6
infestation. After finalization of oogenesis – approximately 60 hours after
the brood cell is sealed – the female mite starts to lay eggs. The first egg DAY Matin
is not fertilized and always develops into a male. The mite lays at daily AFTER CELL g
CAPPED
intervals the remaining four to five fertilized eggs, which become female

5
4t
mit h
mite offspring. The nymphs are white and mature into adult female mites ee
gg
in about six days, passing through various development stages during DAY
AFTER CELL
this process. Males need about seven days to mature. The juvenile mites CAPPED

are unable to feed themselves, so the mother mite pierces a hole in the 3rd

4
mite e
gg
bee pupa to create a communal feeding site for her offspring. During the 17 18 19 20
development period the mother mite has to expend considerable energy DAY 15
16 21

AFTER CELL 14 Female Varroa

to maintain the communal feeding site, as it is the sole source of food for CAPPED 2nd
mite egg
13 DAYS BEE LARVA
12 IN BROOD CELL
1 mite and her
the mites. A female mite lays 11
2
offspring invade
3

3
s 1st egg
up to 5 fertilized egg 10 4 new brood cells
mite 9
8 7 6 5
DAY
AFTER CELL
Mating behavior CAPPED

To complete the mating process, the mites remain for twelve days with
the developing worker brood – and even as long as 14 days in the cells
DAY 2
AFTER CELL
A female mite enters the brood cell shortly before capping; approximately
CAPPED 3 days later the first male egg is laid followed by up to five female eggs.
of the drone brood. The drone brood is typically infested five to ten times Depending on the post-capping period, one or two mature daughter mites
more often than the worker brood. Mating in the broodcell proceeds will leave the brood cell together with the mother mite and the hatching bee.

efficiently and purposefully: the males wait for the mature females near DAY 1
AFTER CELL
CAPPED
the common excrement area. Mating with each of the female mites needs
to occur before the bee hatches, because males and unmated females
Development of the Varroa mite
die after the bee emerges from the cell. The mating behavior shows that
the Varroa mites have optimally adapted their feeding and reproduction to Graphic showing Varroa mite
the hive environment of the honey bee. This enables parasite infestation development stages Unfertilized mite egg Fertilized mite egg
to double every three to four weeks during the breeding season. The first development stage of the Varroa
mite is as a six-legged larva which develops
Male protonymph Female protonymph
inside its closed egg. After hatching, the
second development stage emerges – the
eight-legged protonymph.This protonymph
develops into the third phase - the Male deutonymph Female deutonymph
deutonymph, which then becomes the adult
mite. Following the final nymph phase, the
// THE DRONE BROOD IS INFESTED FIVE TO TEN TIMES developing mite becomes immobile and
Young male mite Young female mite
becomes a chrysalis. Young nymphs are
MORE OFTEN THAN THE WORKER BROOD. // white in color and after several moltings Adult male mite Adult female mite
during the development process of the mite
the last immobile stage – the deutochrysalis –
turns brown, taking on the color of the female Adult male mite stays Immature female mite
adult Varroa mite it will finally become. in the cell and dies stays in the cell and dies

12 The Varroa mite | Biology The Varroa mite | Biology 13

 After the bee exits the cell Transmission
A mite’s life span is two to three months in summer, and six to eight of honey bee viruses
months in winter. But the parasite is strongly dependent on its host –
it can only survive up to seven days without bees and their brood.
Unlike its South-East Asian counterpart, the Western honey bee lacks
Dead mites fall to the base of the hive.
sufficient defense mechanisms to fend off the non-native parasites.
Infested honey bees are weakened as a result of the mites feeding on
Brood their hemolymph, which puts a strain on the bees’ immune system. This
Population density

adversely affects their performance and shortens their life span. When
the parasite feeds on the larva, it also transmits dangerous viruses
Varroa mites directly into the bees’ hemolymph. The viruses can spread and harm the
bees during their vulnerable development stage. Varroa increases the
extent of the infection, because in the hemolymph, many viruses become
deadly. Since there are no effective medicines to treat honey bee viruses,
control of the Varroa mite to reduce the spread of viruses is essential.
Bees

One such virus that is very widespread is the deformed wing virus
(DWV), which can occur both in the brood and in adult bees. Often an
infection does not produce any visible symptoms, but if the parasite
transmits the virus to bee pupae, the young bees will develop deformed
Winter bees
Winter wings. These bees are unable to fly – and have a shortened life span
bee brood compared to healthy bees.

Spring Summer Autumn Winter The Varroa mite also transmits other viruses such as the acute bee
paralysis virus (ABPV), which can infect adult bees and larvae alike.
Graphic: Varroa population
It is primarily found in fat body cells and in the bees’ salivary glands, but
does not produce any typical signs of disease. The mite transmits ABPV
directly into the bees’ hemolymph. From there it spreads to the vital
organs: once in the brain, the virus induces behavioral disturbances and
Debris is the term used to describe the remains
that drop to the bottom. The honey bees’ different impairs orientation and development – all of which can have lethal effects
movements and activities cause the remains, such on the bees. An infection with ABPV is particularly critical in the case of
as wax, cell caps, food and dead mites, to fall into winter bees – it severely affects their ability to survive until spring.
an insert on the floor of the hive. The infestation
level can be monitored by counting the number of
dead mites (debris diagnosis).
Bee larva with parasitizing
Varroa mites

// THE VARROA POPULATION CAN DOUBLE EVERY FOUR

WEEKS DURING THE BREEDING SEASON. IT CAN GROW FROM
50 MITES UP TO AROUND 3,200 MITES FROM THE BEGINNING
OF FEBRUARY TO THE END OF AUGUST – WHICH ENABLES IT TO
WIPE OUT EVEN A STRONG BEE COLONY OVER THE WINTER. //

14 The Varroa mite | Biology The Varroa mite | Biology 15

 Honey bee viruses
Ü1 Download the table at:
www.beecare.bayer.com/varroa

Virus Abbreviation Symptoms of the disease Virus Abbreviation Symptoms of the disease

Acute bee paralysis virus ABPV The virus thrives in the bees’ fat bodies and Slow bee paralysis virus SBPV SBPV infection typically produces no
salivary glands, but the infection usually symptoms in bees. But the Varroa mite
does not produce typical symptoms. transfers the virus directly into the bee’s
Through the hemolymph, however, ABPV hemolymph, where the infection can be
can reach the bee’s brain. In this case the deadly.
virus causes problematic behavioral displays,
such as bees flying to the wrong hive. They Deformed wing virus DWV The widespread DWV infects bees in all
become disoriented and disturbed in their development stages. At first, the infection
development and die within a short time. does not produce any symptoms. If the
Varroa mite transfers the virus to a pupa, it
Chronic bee CBPV Symptoms include black bees lacking hair, will develop deformed wings. The adult bee
paralysis virus trembling and inability to fly. Affected bees is unable to fly and thus unfit for survival.
are often seen around the hive entrance.
Infestation may sometimes cause diarrhea. Sacbrood virus SBV SBV typically infects brood that is fed with
Excrement spreads CBPV throughout the infected jelly. Diseased larvae fill with liquid
entire hive. and their body loses structure within a
tough, sac-like outer shell (exoskeleton).
Israeli acute IAPV 2004 IAPV was first described in Israel, Eventually, the brood dries out and dies. A
paralysis virus where infected bees were seen with shivering dark scab forms on the dead bodies. Adult
wings, progressed to paralysis, and then bees typically do not show visible symptoms
died outside the hive. IAPV is spread by bee of SBV. But they develop faster, collect less
excrement in the hive. The Varroa mite can food and die sooner.
also carry the virus and kill both pupae and
adult bees very fast after transmission into Kashmir bee virus KBV Infection with KBV is deadly to adult bees in
the hemolymph. a very short time. The Varroa mite increases
its spread within the beehive. Wasps and
bumble bees can also get infected by KBV.
Symptoms include black bees lacking hair
THE VARROA MITE HARMS HONEY BEES IN VARIOUS WAYS: and a higher number of dead or dying bees
// IT WEAKENS THE BEE’S IMMUNE SYSTEM, CAUSING DISEASE PROGRESSION inside or outside the hive. KBV leads to
TO BE MORE ACUTE. weakening of the colony.
// IT TRANSMITS VIRUSES THAT SPREAD QUICKLY WITHIN AND BETWEEN BEE
Cloudy wing virus CWV CWV spreads through the air in the entire
COLONIES. beehive. Varroa mites strengthen the
// IT TRANSMITS VIRUSES DIRECTLY INTO THE BEES’ HEMOLYMPH – PREVIOUSLY infestation of the brood. The bee’s wings
HARMLESS VIRUSES CAN THUS BECOME LETHAL. become translucent.

16 The Varroa mite | Biology The Varroa mite | Biology 17

 Infection with the
Varroa mite
Varroa destructor depends on honey bees to move from hive to hive.
This is possible because when searching for food, bees regularly come
into contact with bees from other colonies (drifting), even those located
several kilometers away. As a result, even colonies that were treated
for Varroa mites are at risk of being reinfested by bees from untreated
colonies. A high density of honey bee colonies in some areas further
facilitates the spread of the parasite. The spread of Varroa mites through
so-called mite reinfestation was long underestimated, but is now
Spread of the
considered a significant contributor to rapid increases in Varroa numbers,
Varroa mites
particularly in the late summer and fall periods.

Swarming is a colony’s natural method of reproduction. When the brood

Shipping Live Bees nest becomes too crowded, roughly half of the bees will swarm out to
establish a new colony with the old queen – taking the Varroa mites with
them to their new home. The parasites mate inside the new brood cells,
and the Varroa mite’s reproduction cycle starts all over again.
Split
The mites may also spread when beekeepers build up new honey bee
colonies, for example through a process known as splitting, which involves
Nucleus Colony removing brood combs from established honey bee colonies to start a new
honey bee colony (nucleus colony). This method allows the nurse bees
which stay with the brood to raise a new queen from fresh larvae material
and set up a new honey bee colony. A split can also be carried out with
Drifting adult honey bees: beekeepers initiate an artificial swarm to form a new
colony from worker bees and an established queen to start a new colony on
a broodless basis. After establishing on brood free honey combs the queen
Honey Bee starts egg laying and the development of a new honey bee colony.
Colony Artificial Swarm
In a swarm prevention split, beekeepers relocate the existing hive
including the old queen to a new location. A new hive will be placed
instead, filled with brood material, pollen and nectar from the relocated
hive. The foraging bees from the “old hive” will return to the old location
Swarm Prevention Split and start immediately to raise a new queen from the larvae material as a
foundation for a new honey bee colony. Splitting can be an efficient way
to reduce the Varroa population. In all described splitting methods the
mites hitch a ride on the bees from the old hive to the new one, although
the natural degree of mite infestation is lower in the split colonies than
in the parent colony. An additional Varroa treatment when using splits,
Robbing
artificial swarms or removing the queen to break the brood cycle helps to
further reduce the parasites in the new colony.
18 The Varroa mite | Infection The Varroa mite | Infection 19
 Combating
the Varroa mite
It happens that foraging bees drift to other bee colonies. That is how When it comes to improving honey bee health, one of the main activities
colonies owned by different beekeepers come into contact with one of beekeepers in Europe and North America is fending off the Varroa
another. It cannot be controlled by the beekeepers, since they cannot mite. In fact, the beekeepers’ most important task – particularly in late
predict when their bees will swarm in the neighborhood. summer – is to minimize the level of colony infestation. This is crucial to
ensure that sufficient numbers of bees survive the cold months of the
Scientists see robbing as the primary risk factor for the transmission year, thus enabling a strong colony to develop again in the spring.
of varroosis. From late summer to fall as food sources become scarce,
honey bees start to steal from winter stockpiles of weaker colonies; those
infested with Varroa mites are particularly susceptible to such attacks.
The Varroa mites also find less and less food in the weakened colonies,
causing them to latch on to the invading bees. The robber bees not only
return home with food, but also bring back new parasites.

The bees left behind face an even greater danger. This is because around
two-thirds of the Varroa mites reside in sealed brood cells, which has
the effect of significantly increasing the proportion of infested bees in
the overall population. In the worst case the colony dies, or the honey
bees leave the hive in the fall – the peak months for Varroa mites. When Þ
swarming occurs under emergency conditions the bees depart with
the queen to search for a new home, leaving behind the infested brood in
order to ensure their colony’s survival.
1
Download the picture at:
www.beecare.bayer.com/varroa

// THE VARROA MITE SPREADS FROM HIVE TO HIVE THROUGH Hanging a Varroa mite control
strip between the combs in a
CONTACT WITH BEES FROM OTHER COLONIES, EVEN TO beehive

COLONIES LOCATED SEVERAL KILOMETERS AWAY. DURING

NATURAL AND ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND DURING Diagnostics
ROBBING, THE VARROA MITE TRAVELS ON THE BACK OF Before taking special control measures, beekeepers should periodically
THE HOST BEE TO NEARBY HIVES, WHERE IT CONTINUES TO determine whether their hives are infested with the Varroa mite, and if
so, survey to determine mite levels. They can then use their findings to
MULTIPLY AND SPREAD. // decide the appropriate control measure. Beekeepers should also check
parasite levels during and after anti-mite treatment in order to monitor the
measure’s success.

20 The Varroa mite | Infection The Varroa mite | Combating 21

 Þ
1 Download the table at:
www.beecare.bayer.com/varroa

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

OF THE DIFFERENT SURVEY METHODS

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
STICKY BOARD
• Simple monitoring of Varroa • The natural death rate of the mites
infestation depends on colony strength and the
• Additional information on the brood activity in the colony, and must
For diagnostic purposes, the dropped Varroa mites are counted on a white plastic drawer. The photo
colony’s state gleaned from the be taken into consideration in the survey
shows Bayer bee health expert, Peter Trodtfeld, checking the mite fall on the plastic drawer. hive debris • Wind and ants can distort the results
• Ongoing monitoring possible • Commercial sticky boards can add
One detection option is to use a so-called Another technique is the powdered sugar • No disturbance of the bee significant operating costs
sticky board, which involves placing a flat method. Beekeepers collect approximately colony during the diagnostic
insert underneath the brood box. Dead 500 bees in a jar. They dust them with inspection
mites and other debris will naturally fall five tablespoons of powdered sugar and
from the hive onto the floor. This enables shake the jar several times. This causes the
beekeepers to count the daily mite drop, mites to lose their ability to cling to their
which they can use to estimate the host. Beekeepers then separate the mites
POWDERED SUGAR
severity of infestation and to determine the from the powdered sugar using a mesh • Colony strength can be taken • Dependent on weather conditions:
appropriate control method. The Varroa sieve and count them on a light surface. into consideration dry weather is required
floor is very simple (beekeepers only need The bees are finally put back in the hive • Level of mite infestation in the • The assessment of the level of mite
an open mesh floor) but it is an extremely without causing them any damage. This colony can be determined infestation depends on the brood
imprecise method of surveying for mite treatment is heavily dependent on weather activity in the colony and the season
infestation; thus it is only suitable for conditions; beekeepers should therefore • A sample of living bees has to be
regularly monitoring approximate parasite carry out this procedure only on dry days. used for diagnostic inspection
levels. The powdered sugar and bees must also
be completely dry.
WASHING
The washing method, on the other hand, can be performed in any weather to monitor • Colony strength can be taken • A sample of living bees has to be
the level of Varroa mite infestation. This technique also requires beekeepers to remove into consideration used for diagnostic inspection
bees from the hive. After washing the mites off the bees with water and detergent in a • Survey can be performed in any • The assessment of the level of mite
jar, beekeepers sieve out the parasites and count them. weather infestation depends on the brood
• Level of mite infestation in the activity in the colony and the season
colony can be determined

22 The Varroa mite | Combating The Varroa mite | Combating 23

 Measures Varroacides well tolerated by bees. A plastic strip

to combat In addition to organic acids, there is embedded with the active ingredient is
another possible control method – hung between the combs in the central
varroacides. These veterinary medicinal brood chamber. The bees pick up the
products have been specially developed active ingredient when they walk over the
Various biological, physical, chemical, and biotechnical options are available to combat
to combat parasitic mites without causing strips and then distribute the compound
the Varroa mite in the hive. If beekeepers want to effectively protect their colonies, they
damage to the host bees. Varroacides are evenly among themselves during social
must accept an important fact: a rapid increase of the mites during the fall period needs
particularly effective when applied from interaction in the hive. When the mites
a very effective late-season treatment to protect the hatched winter bees during this
late summer into the fall. feed on the hemolymph, they ingest the
time. Mite numbers do fall toward the end of the year, but the bees that have matured
active ingredient and die as a result.
beforehand during the period of high mite feeding are considerably weakened, which
Examples include:
means that the colony may not survive until spring. Beekeepers also need to combine
Tau-fluvalinate
appropriate measures whilst taking into account their particular location and approach
Amitraz The active ingredient tau-fluvalinate
to apiary management. Varroa treatment products that require specific temperature and
Products which contain the active adheres to the bees’ bodies when
environmental conditions are only suitable for certain regions in the world. Marketed
ingredient amitraz do not directly kill bees walk over the plastic strips hung
products to control Varroa mite are not registered for use in all countries, because of
the mites but instead paralyze them, between the combs in the central brood
differing regulatory and marketing conditions.
causing the parasites to fall off the bees chamber. The chemical substance is
and die from starvation. Bees pick up the transferred to other bees in the hive
active ingredient via a plastic strip hung through social interaction, thus killing the
// ACARICIDES IS THE NAME GIVEN TO CHEMICAL AGENTS between the combs in the central brood Varroa mites that are attached to adult
chamber. The honey bees spread the bees.
USED TO COMBAT MITES AND TICKS – CHEMICAL AGENTS compound through the entire hive during
SPECIALLY DEVELOPED TO COMBAT THE VARROA MITE ARE social interaction. Thymol
Varroacides based on thymol are
CALLED VARROACIDES. BEEKEEPERS SHOULD ADMINISTER Coumaphos evaporated in the hive from cellulose
THE FIRST CHEMICAL TREATMENT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE Products based on coumaphos are wafers or gel carriers. The concentration
also spread among the bees by hanging of the substance in the air poses no risk
LAST HONEY HARVEST OR IN BROODLESS PERIODS. // plastic strips between the frames in the to bees, but is toxic to the Varroa mite.
hive. Bees pick up the active ingredient The mites drop off the bees and die.
when they rub up against the strips. Then Thymol-based products are most
Chemical methods for use during they pass the compound on to all bees effective at maximum temperatures of
the breeding season in the hive during social interaction. This 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. Such products
is how the female Varroa mites living on have only limited efficacy at temperatures
One chemical substance that effectively protects bees from the Varroa mite parasites is
bees outside the brood cells come into below 15 degrees Celsius, and they
formic acid. The liquid compound vaporizes and disperses throughout the hive in gas
contact with coumaphos and are killed. should not be used if temperatures
form. The vapor bath even penetrates into the sealed cells and kills off the mites feeding
exceed 30 degrees Celsius.
there, thus protecting not only the adult bees but also the developing brood. Formic acid
Flumethrin
rapidly decreases the level of mite infestation. Temperature plays a decisive role in the
Products based on flumethrin – a
treatment: if the dose of formic acid is too large because of high ambient temperatures,
chemical substance that offers effective
the brood is damaged – but if the dose is too small, it does not have any effect at all.
protection against Varroa mites – are
Formic acid is therefore used mainly by beekeepers in countries with mild climates,
particularly as the main control measure from July to August after the last honey harvest
has taken place. Marketed products to control Varroa mite are not registered for use in all countries.
The legal regulations of a country must be strictly followed during use of a product.

24 The Varroa mite | Combating The Varroa mite | Combating 25

 Biotechnical
methods
In addition to the main and follow-up control measures with chemicals in the
Chemical methods for use outside late summer and winter period, there are additional biotechnical methods
the breeding season to stop the spread of the Varroa mite. They can be performed at any time,
even during the foraging period of the honey bees, and do not require any
Lactic acid is an effective spray treatment. When colonies no longer
medicines or other chemicals. Especially useful are methods such as drone
have any brood, the 15-percent lactic acid is lightly and evenly sprayed on
brood removal during the entire period of drone brood rearing (April to July),
each side of the combs. Young, broodless colonies can be treated at any
as the mites infest drone brood as much as five to ten times more frequently
time. However, this method of treatment is very labor-intensive since each
than worker brood. This method involves hanging an empty frame on the
individual comb must be removed and sprayed on both sides.
outermost part of the upper brood nest and then cutting off the drone comb
full of the sealed drone brood, a measure that beekeepers should repeat
Oxalic acid is preferably used for winter control in broodless colonies.
every two to three weeks.
The oxalic acid is trickled evenly onto the bees in the spaces between the
combs. The solution adheres to the bodies of the bees, which then pass
it on to other bees in the hive. Beekeepers should complete the treatment Cutting out drone brood
during the broodless period, because after application it is necessary to
An empty brood frame is
wait until the following spring to harvest the honey. frequently placed along an
outer edge of the upper
brood chamber - the area
in the beehive where brood
development takes place.
Every two to three weeks
the capped drone brood is
removed from the brood frame.

By consistently removing the drone brood, beekeepers can greatly reduce

the level of infestation in a colony. Since additional drone brood is reared
in another part of the hive, there is a sufficient number of drones in the
colony to mate with the young queens.

// OVER TIME, THE VARROA MITES DEVELOP RESISTANCE The establishment of young colonies is another method for controlling
TO THE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS – THUS RENDERING THE mites in the parent colony. Here drone combs are removed from the
parent colony. Any mites present are easier to kill in the broodless young
VARROACIDES INEFFECTIVE. BEEKEEPERS SHOULD USE A colony by applying, for example, lactic acid – and are no longer able to
COMBINATION OF CONTROL METHODS TO COUNTERACT THE multiply in the parent colony.

EMERGENCE OF SUCH RESISTANCE. // Beekeepers can also develop artificial swarms using adult bees. This
involves taking approximately 1.5 kilograms of bees away from the parent
colony and producing an artificial swarm. During this time the Varroa
mites mainly reside in the brood cells and have less contact with adult
bees – infestation in the young colonies is thus automatically low. The
newly established young colonies are also broodless, which means that
beekeepers can treat them for mites as well.

26 The Varroa mite | Combating The Varroa mite | Combating 27

 What’s next in Varroa gate
bee research? technology
Breeding Varroa-resistant bee populations In the future, bees may be able to apply varroacides to themselves
at the beehive door. Bayer’s scientists have been working to develop
Helping honey bees help themselves: breeding Varroa-resistant bee populations is a the Varroa gate – a strip of plastic with holes that contain an active
long-term solution for the mite problem. A number of honey bee colonies are showing substance. Beekeepers fit it over the entrance to the hive. When the
the first signs of resistance – honey bees with a behavioral trait called Varroa-sensitive bees squeeze through one of the holes in the strip, the active substance
hygiene (VSH) can detect the Varroa mites in the closed brood cell. These bees pull adheres to their legs or hair. In the future the strip should automatically
out the infested pupae and thus stop the Varroa mite from multiplying in the colony. replenish the substance on the surface of the strip – but only as much
This behavior was originally only known to occur among Asian honey bees. On the as necessary, to protect the honey bees against the Varroa mite. That
basis of these observations, researchers intend to strengthen this defensive capability means it keeps working for several weeks. Beekeepers will thus be able
by practicing selective breeding among European bee populations, and thus create to protect their bees in the hive and also prevent new infestations from
long-lasting protection against the parasites. The research being carried out by the outside sources.
Arista Bee Research Foundation is showing promising results and could significantly
improve the health of bees in the future – but several more years of study are required.
It is therefore still necessary that researchers and beekeepers continue to work on
developing new methods to combat the Varroa mite.

Ü1 Download the graphic at:

http://aristabeeresearch.org/varroa-resistance/

Honey bee Apis mellifera Varroa-resistant honey bee

Development from egg to Varroa-sensitive hygiene behavior
adult, with Varroa mite

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Larva

Queen bee lays eggs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Varroa enters

cell with larva
Varroa gate model
Worker bee feeding larva . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reproducing
Varroa mite
Varroa mite enters . . . . . . . . . Worker bee making
cell with larva inside . . . . . . . . . hole in cap

Larval growth to final stage . . . . .

. . . . . . Worker bee removing
pupa and mite Þ
1
Worker bee closes cell with wax .
Varroa mite reproduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adult female
. . . . . . . . . . . . Adult male
Pupation phase . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Egg Download the illustration at:
. . . . . . . . . . Protonymph www.beecare.bayer.com/varroa
Young bee hatches from the cell
. . . . . . . . . . Deutonymph
with adult Varroa mites . . . . . . . . . .

28 The Varroa mite | Outlook The Varroa mite | Outlook 29

 Further research activities IMPRINT
PUBLISHED BY
It is especially important to get to know the Bayer CropScience AG
enemy better through intensive monitoring of Alfred-Nobel-Straße 50
the Varroa mite. In long-term observations, 40789 Monheim am Rhein
[email protected]
researchers gain significant facts and figures www.beecare.bayer.com
about the mites’ population and the efficacy
of current countermeasures. These results Peter Trodtfeld
Bayer Bee Health Expert
help them optimize and complement Varroa
treatments. So far, they were even able TEXT
to identify sexual attractants – so-called transquer GmbH –
wissen + konzepte
pheromones – that can help to specifically
develop new natural or synthetic varroacides LAYOUT AND ARTWORK
in the future. Currently, experts are examining ageko . agentur für gestaltete
kommunikation
and testing the pheromones in the laboratory.
Other treatments are used, for example the PRINTING
sterilization of male and female mites or HH Print Management
Deutschland GmbH
heat treatment, to protect the bee colonies
from the Varroa mite. ILLUSTRATIONS
Page 7, 29: Bayer
Page 11, 28: Arista Bee Research
Page 13, 14, 18: ageko

PHOTOS
Page 1, 2, 4, 8, 10 (left),
14, 21, 22, 27, 31: Bayer
Page 5: Werner Mühlen,
Landwirtschaftskammer NRW
Page 9, 15: Bettina Ziegelmann
Page 10 (right): BASF SE
Page 18: Shutterstock

30 The Varroa mite | Outlook

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