Fighting varroa: complete guide to saving your bees

To eliminate varroa mites from a beehive, there are several methods, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common methods:

• Chemical Treatment: Using chemicals such as oxalic acid, formic acid, or amitraz to kill the mites. These treatments must be used carefully to avoid harming the bees or contaminating the honey.
• Heat Treatment: Varroa mites are sensitive to heat. Special devices can raise the temperature of the hive to kill the mites without harming the bees.
• Varroa Traps: Devices like screens or plates placed at the bottom of the hive can trap and kill varroa mites.
• Biological Methods: Using certain predatory mites that feed on varroa mites or breeding strains of bees resistant to varroa mites.
• Hive Hygiene: Keeping the hive clean and healthy can reduce varroa infestation. This includes removing old or infested frames.
• Frame Rotation: Regularly replacing old frames with new ones can help control the varroa population.

Chemical Treatment

Chemical treatment against varroa involves using specific substances to eliminate these parasitic mites from bee hives. Here are some of the most common chemical treatments:

Oxalic Acid: Oxalic acid can be applied in various forms, such as a sprayed solution, drops, or as sublimation. It is particularly effective during periods without brood, as it does not penetrate sealed brood cells where varroa mites often reproduce.

Formic Acid: Formic acid is effective against varroa mites both in brood and on adult bees. It is typically applied using soaked pads or in special dispensers. Formic acid can be used during the honey production season, but it requires careful handling and suitable weather conditions to be effective.

When using chemical treatments, it is crucial to:

• Follow manufacturer instructions carefully.
• Vary treatments to prevent varroa resistance.
• Apply treatments at strategic times of the year, often recommended by manufacturers or beekeeping experts.
• Be aware of local regulations regarding the use of chemicals in hives.
• Take precautions to protect bees, beekeepers, and the environment.

Heat Treatment:

Heat treatment against varroa is a non-chemical method that uses heat to eliminate Varroa Destructor mites in beehives. Here's how it works and some important considerations:

Principle

Temperature and Duration: The treatment involves raising the hive's temperature to a level that is lethal to varroa mites but tolerable for bees. Typically, this is around 42°C (approximately 108°F) and must be maintained for a specific period, often between 2 to 3 hours.

Targeting Varroa Mites: Varroa mites are less tolerant of heat than bees. Therefore, controlled exposure to high temperatures can kill them without significantly harming the bee colony.

Method

Heating Devices: Special devices are used to heat the hive. They can be powered electrically or by other means and are designed to distribute heat evenly throughout the hive.

Monitoring: It is crucial to monitor the temperature accurately to avoid overheating the hive, which could damage the colony or brood.

Varroa Traps:

A Varroa trap is a device designed to capture Varroa mites without harming bees. It typically consists of a tray covered with a grid, placed under the hive. Mites fall through the grid and are trapped in the tray, while bees cannot access it.

Biological Method:

Biological methods to combat varroa mites in bee hives involve using living organisms or natural techniques to control the infestation of these parasitic mites. Here are some commonly used biological methods:

Predatory Mites:

Predatory mites, such as the phoretic mite, can be used to control varroa mite populations. These mites feed on varroa mites in the hive. However, the effectiveness of this method may be limited as predatory mites need to be introduced into the hive and can also cause issues if they multiply excessively.

Essential Oils and Plant Extracts:

Some essential oils and plant extracts, such as eucalyptus oil or thymol, can be used to disrupt the reproduction cycle of varroa mites.

However, their effectiveness may vary, and they must be used with caution to avoid harming bees.

Stop Varroa Treatment:

The Stop Varroa treatment is organic and easy to use. It guarantees a success rate of 100 % and eradicates varroa within 24 hours. To order Stop Varroa, I highly recommend visiting the official website of Stop Varroa.