Bee louse

Braula, commonly known as the bee louse, belongs to the order Diptera and the family Braulidae. It is a tiny, wingless insect that acts as an obligate ectoparasite of honey bees, primarily targeting the queen bee.

This parasite is found within honey bee colonies. Adult lice congregate on the thorax and abdomen of the queen, frequently stealing food directly from her mouthparts during the trophallaxis process between bees.

The life cycle is closely linked to the hive's wax production. Females lay eggs on the inner surface of honeycomb wax cappings. Upon hatching, larvae burrow through the wax, consuming honey, pollen, and wax, leaving behind visible, winding tunnels.

The economic impact is primarily seen in the stress caused to the queen, leading to a reduction in egg-laying capacity and overall colony health. Heavy infestations can lead to queen failure, and the larvae damage the aesthetic quality of honey combs.

To control and mitigate the presence of the bee louse, beekeepers should utilize the following methods:

• Application of specialized chemical treatments or fumigants approved for apiculture.
• Placement of thymol or essential oil-based deterrents within the hive.
• Regular culling of old, damaged brood combs where the larvae tend to pupate.
• Monitoring the queen's behavior and health during routine inspections.