Innovations in Varroa mite management

Abstract

Varroa mites, the main pest of honey bees, are notoriously difficult to control. We present a novel approach to mite management emphasising the role of immigration. We argue that how mite numbers increase within the colony determines the most effective varroa management techniques. That is, varroa infestations go through phases, where their rate of increase is either driven by varroa reproduction (Chronic phase) or is strongly influenced by immigration into the hive (Acute phase). Identifying chronic and acute phases will enable current varroa control methods to be better targeted. For example, control methods reducing reproduction rates will be most effective during the chronic phase. Identifying when immigration is important to varroa in-hive population increases (acute phase) may enable existing bee management techniques, for example, those that limit the access of some bees into hives, to be co-opted into varroa management. This change in perspective emphasises that in-hive varroa control will be improved by understanding the subtleties of how and when varroa enter hives; it will also identify other gaps in our knowledge of varroa’s behavioural ecology that could lead to new varroa control methods. Therefore, this novel approach to mite management will enable Integrated Pest Management to be better tailored to this pest.