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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Poplarville, Mississippi » Southern Horticultural Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #351816
Title: Diagnosis and integrated control of Varroa mites (Varroa destructor) infesting honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies – a review

Author
item GREGORC, ALES - Mississippi State University
item Sampson, Blair

Submitted to: Diversity
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/12/2019
Publication Date: 12/16/2019
Citation: Gregorc, A., Sampson, B.J. 2019. Diagnosis and integrated control of Varroa mites (Varroa destructor) infesting honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies – a review. Journal of Apicultural Research. 11. https://doi.org/10.3390/d11120243.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/d11120243

Interpretive Summary: Determining Varroa infestation levels in honey bee colonies and the proper method and time to perform a diagnosis are important for efficient mite control. Performing a powdered sugar shake using confectioners sugar or counting mites that drop from a colony onto a hive bottom board are two reliable methods for evaluating the efficacy of chemical mite treatments. This review discusses that use organic acids and essential oils, mite monitoring, and brood interruption for integrated varroa mite control in organic beekeeping.

Technical Abstract: Determining Varroa mite infestation levels in honey bee colonies and the proper method and time to perform a diagnosis are important for efficient mite control. Performing a powdered sugar shake or counting mites that drop from a colony onto a hive bottom board are two reliable methods for evaluating the efficacy of an acaricide treatment. This overview summarizes studies that use organic acids and essential oils, mite monitoring, and brood interruption for integrated varroa control in organic beekeeping operations.