Varroa-Pest

Varroa-Pest

THE VARROA MITE - (Varroa jacobsoni)

...is an eight-legged, blood-sucking parasite and one of the worst problems to affect honey bees - now nearly worldwide.

Varroa mites feed on the blood of adult bees as well as on developing bees in their cells.

Affected bees often have deformed wings and abdomens.

Varroa mites are thought to transmit at least a half-dozen bee viruses greatly adding to the complexity of the problem.

Treatment to date has mostly relied on chemicals which seems to have created resistance and can get into the honey if not used strictly as directed.

The light on the horizon is work being done in a number of countries breeding bees that have the ability to sharply reduce the varroa infestations in a hive through "varroa sensitive hygiene" behaviour.

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