Part 11: Managing Parasitic Mites

Varroa mites are some of the most challenging pests to control. They may be small, but these parasites have significantly impacted the beekeeping industry. They physically weaken honey bees and affect their immune systems while spreading dangerous pathogens between honey bees and bee colonies. Understanding the life cycle of these mites is key to knowing how to control them. Learn about their relationship to your honey bees and about various management methods. Another pest, called the tracheal mite, is also discussed. 0:00 – Impact of varroa mites 8:07 - Life cycle of varroa 11:47 – Varroa mite treatments 12:19 – “Hard” chemical miticides 14:46 – Problems associated with miticides 16:26 – “Soft” chemical treatments 16:53 – Hops beta acids 18:37 – Formic acid 21:53 – Oxalic acid 27:25 – Essential plant oils 29:50 – Non-chemical mite control 30:04 – Powdered sugar dusting 31:58 – Screen bottom boards 32:28 – Mite-resistant bee genetics 36:17 – Drone brood trapping 40:18 – Which mite control method is best? 44:20 – Are mite treatments necessary? 45:11 – Seasonal bee-mite population dynamics 48:36 – The mite-virus complex 49:36 – Honey bee tracheal mites For more information on Bee Keeping, visit: https://www.uaex.uada.edu/bees For a printable handout, visit: https://uaex.uada.edu/bee-class#handouts #Arkansas #Extension #HoneyBee