Can Honeybee Deaths from Varroa Mites Be Reduced?

Honeybees are critical to pollination, food production, and environmental balance. Although mixed reports exist about honeybee populations, it is undeniable that varroa mites can quickly kill colonies, leaving devastation in their wake. In addition to varroa mites, other threats against honeybees are the loss of habitats for them to live naturally, the use of toxic pesticides, and the extreme weather we are experiencing with climate change. Although multiple threats against honeybees exist, varroa mites are the most dangerous. Teams are working to mitigate the varroa mite infestations and find ways to treat mites that may give honeybee populations some relief in the future.

Timing is Everything

Varroa mites attach themselves to larvae, weakening the colony and leading to its demise. Since the beginning of beekeeping, beekeepers have fought against varroa mites using different treatments and methods, but they continue to plague honeybees. Although varroa mite treatments exist, if these methods are not done at the right time, they can cause more harm to the colony. Varroa mite treatments come with a schedule recommended to yield the most significant results. Some beekeepers do not heed the schedule, making their treatments less effective and reducing survival rates. Studies show that following the schedule of treatment can significantly increase the chances of a colony’s survival against pesky Varroa mites.

Although the treatment itself is important and will vary, the timing has been identified as the most significant factor in getting rid of them. When treatments are given too early or too late, losses are greater, and it does not matter what treatment is used.

Stopping Varroa Mite Reproduction

In the height of beekeeping season, varroa mites reproduce quickly, which makes managing them more challenging. The patterns of reproduction allow beekeepers to treat mites effectively, but the timing is everything. When treatments are administered to stop the reproduction of the mites, it can break the cycle and prevent them from multiplying and overtaking colonies. Sharing the knowledge and data from studying varroa mite treatments and their effectiveness at specific times can save honeybee colonies. Applying treatments earlier or later than suggested will result in varroa mites surviving and allowing them to make a comeback again in the same season.

Reducing Bee Deaths

Stubborn and persistent varroa mites feed on honeybee’s body fluids, which weaken them, and they are unable to ward off other infections. The colony will ultimately collapse if varroa mite populations grow without intercession from beekeepers. Keeping mites in check and treating them at the correct timing will greatly reduce honeybee deaths and exterminate varroa mites from colonies. More studies reveal that miss-timed treatments of varroa mites result in a greater number of colony deaths than necessary. Unfortunately, if one beekeeper doesn't successfully treat mites, they can quickly move from one location to another and have devastating effects on an entire region. Mites travel to neighboring apiaries, so working collaboratively on timely mite treatments can save many honeybee colonies.

Consistency Prevents Treatment Resistance

As the beekeeper pool expands, the likelihood of inconsistent treatments increases. The inconsistent treatment and missed timing help varroa mites build resistance to treatments. If you think of varroa mite treatments as similar to anti-biotics, using them outside of the guidelines can not only be ineffective but help the body build up resistance to treatment. The severity of varroa mites and their adverse effects on honeybee colonies make this topic critical to address. Finding a way to unite beekeepers to provide timely treatments will significantly reduce honeybee deaths.