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Varroa: how do professional beekeepers manage this parasite?

by Normand Mrd

The Varroa destructor is a mite that primarily attacks honey bees, causing serious health problems in hives around the world. For professional beekeepers, managing this parasite is crucial to maintain the health of their colonies and the productivity of their hives. In this article, we will explore the methods and strategies that professionals employ to effectively combat Varroa.

Regular Monitoring

The first step in Varroa management is constant monitoring. Professional beekeepers regularly inspect their hives to assess the Varroa population. They use techniques such as counting mites that have fallen on special trays inserted under the hives or analyzing samples of bees collected to estimate the level of infestation.

Mechanical Techniques

To reduce the number of Varroas without resorting to chemical products, some beekeepers use mechanical techniques. For example, the method of "brood interruption" involves removing the queen for a period of 24 to 28 days to break the Varroa reproductive cycle, which depends on closed brood cells to reproduce.

Chemical Treatments

When the infestation reaches a critical threshold, the use of chemical treatments becomes necessary. Beekeepers opt for authorized acaricides that can be applied in different forms, such as impregnated strips, gels, or sprays. It is crucial to strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid drug resistance and residues in honey.

Biological Approaches

In addition to or as an alternative to chemical treatments, biological methods are gaining popularity. The use of Varroa-resistant bee strains is a promising approach. These strains, developed through rigorous selection programs, show a better ability to survive Varroa infestation.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) combines several methods to create a sustainable Varroa management plan. This includes treatment rotation, the use of different control methods (mechanical, chemical, and biological), and collaboration between beekeepers to monitor and control Varroa populations at a regional scale.

Stop Varroa Treatment

The Stop Varroa Treatment has become the treatment of choice for the majority of professional beekeepers. This treatment consists of a controlled application of substances that interfere with the Varroa reproductive cycle, without harming the bees. Easy to apply and highly effective, this treatment allows for a significant reduction of the Varroa population in the hive.

Advantage of Stop Varroa Treatment

  • Eradicates Varroa in 24 hours.
  • Suitable for organic beekeeping. Our treatment is safe for your bees.
  • The only treatment that guarantees a 100% success rate. Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back.
  • Simple application directly on both sides of the frame using a sprayer.
  • Can be applied all year round, in all weather and temperature conditions.
  • Economical: 1 liter can treat 20 hives.
  • Long-lasting: the treatment ensures protection against Varroa for a year.

Usage Protocol:

  • Shake the treatment solution and make sure there is no sediment at the bottom of the bottle.
  • Put on your beekeeping suit and open the hive.
  • Lift the frames one by one and spray the bees with the solution from both sides. The treatment will be more effective if there is a uniform distribution of the treatment solution.
  • Do not worry about the bees outside the hive when applying the treatment. They will also be treated because the solution attracts bees and spreads among them by rubbing.
  • After 24 hours, you can open the hive to see the impact of the treatment. The treatment will protect your hives from Varroa for a whole year. After a year, we recommend reapplying the treatment solution as a preventive measure, even if your hive is not affected by Varroa.
  • You can store the treatment for a period of five years.

Conclusion

The fight against Varroa is complex and requires a multi-faceted approach. Professional beekeepers must stay informed of the latest research and be ready to adapt their practices according to the evolution of circumstances. With rigorous and innovative management, it is possible to minimize the impact of this formidable parasite and protect the health of bees and the productivity of hives.

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