Varroa mite

The Varroa mite (Varroa jacobsoni) is a parasitic arachnid belonging to the family Varroidae. Originally native to eastern honey bees, it has successfully transitioned to the western honey bee (Apis mellifera), becoming the most significant biological threat to global honey bee populations.

This mite acts as an external parasite, feeding primarily on the hemolymph of adult honey bees and developing pupae. By piercing the exoskeleton, the mite not only drains the bee of essential nutrients but also creates entry points for secondary bacterial and viral infections.

The mite’s life cycle is closely synchronized with the honey bee's brood development. A female mite enters a brood cell before it is capped, where she lays her eggs. The offspring mature within the cell, feeding on the developing bee larva, and emerge alongside the adult bee to continue the infestation cycle.

Damage to the colony is severe and cumulative. Infested bees often emerge with malformed wings, weakened immune systems, and shortened lifespans. If left untreated, the mite population can grow exponentially, leading to "parasitic mite syndrome" and the eventual collapse of the entire honey bee colony.

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques.
• Regular monitoring using alcohol wash or sugar shake tests.
• Application of organic acids such as formic or oxalic acid.
• Use of synthetic acaricide strips during non-flow periods.
• Biotechnical controls including drone brood removal and queen caging.