What should I do if Varroa counts are too high?

Immediate aggressive management is your next step. Don’t give up yet!

Treat the Hive
Depending on the time of year, choose a soft or hard chemical treatment. Keep in mind that each treatment is contingent on the temperature, where the bees are in the yearly life cycle, the amount of brood in the colony, or if honey supers are in use. Each manufacturer will have these details and further instructions on their packaging or website.

Continue Bee Husbandry
In combination of treatments, take steps to remove drone brood, use essential oils, use screen boards, and or do a “brood-break”.

Protect the Apiary
If it’s clear the Varroa mites have fully infested the colony, and it’s already on a decline, or winter is upon you, you would do well in removing the colony from the bee yard or euthanizing it. This is a devastating realization, especially for the new beek. But for the safety of the other colonies and to discontinue the spread of varroa, this may be the only option.