The PerfectBee Guide to....

Varroa Mites

The Varroa is small...but mighty! It is a major threat to bees and it is important that beekeepers understand the threat. Though Varroa has the potential to completely wipe out a colony, both our bees and beekeepers ourselves have many options in combatting this ongoing threat.

1. What is the Varroa mite and why is it such a threat?

A cunning and highly effective threat to bees
The Varroa mite has been a huge threat to bees for decades and it is essential the beekeeper understand why.
What is the Varroa Mite?How and when did Varroa mites become a threat?In which countries is Varroa a threat?Can Varroa travel between hives?

2. How can a beekeeper assess the level of Varroa a colony?

Seeing a Varroa mite on a bee is only half the story
Though Varroa can be seen directly, the more appropriate issue is understanding the scope of the threat in the hive.
Is a Varroa-free colony a realistic goal?How can I observe Varroa mites directly?How can I assess the level of threat to my hives?

3. How can I combat the threat of Varroa, proactively or otherwise?

Can I completely remove all traces of Varroa?
The short answer is no! But a more viable goal is not to iradicate Varroa but to keep it under control.
Can my bees take care of Varroa themselves?Is it essential to treat for Varroa mites?What beekeeping best practices help reduce the threat of Varroa?What proactive treatments exist for Varroa?What should I do if Varroa counts are too high?