Honey bee loss can be greatly reduced by administering treatments for the Varroa mite during crucial timeframes, a recent study has found.
Recent research indicates that honey bee mortality can be greatly decreased by administering treatments for the parasitic Varroa mite at critical times.
The Varroa destructor mites feed on bee larvae and can lead to the collapse of colonies if not managed properly during essential treatment periods.
However, the study revealed that over one-third of beekeepers surveyed in England and Wales do not follow the recommended treatment schedules, including the specific times for applications.
Importantly, it was determined that beekeepers who did not follow the correct timing for Varroa mite treatments faced greater colony losses, an issue that was observed across various medications.
Dr. Thomas O’Shea-Wheller, the study’s lead author from the University of Exeter, stated, “Our main finding suggests that a significant factor contributing to honeybee mortality could, in principle, be relatively simple to address.”
He added, “Discussions often focus on newer diseases and threats to honey bee populations, yet this issue has been right in front of us all along.”
The research team utilized the National Bee Unit’s BeeBase—a comprehensive register of beekeepers in England and Wales—to analyze data from 4,339 beekeepers across 37 different counties, covering a total of 18,700 colonies from the years 2016 to 2020.
They examined the types of Varroa treatments used by beekeepers, how these treatments were applied, and the resulting impact on colony survival rates and honey production.
The study found that not only the type of Varroa treatment affected colony loss, but also how well beekeepers adhered to the advised treatment protocols.
“Even though many beekeepers regularly treat for Varroa, a significant number are failing to target crucial treatment intervals, leading to higher-than-expected losses,” Dr. O’Shea-Wheller noted.
He elaborated on the importance of timing for Varroa treatments, stating, “Mite populations increase exponentially throughout the season. To effectively control them, treatments must be applied at the right moments.
“If treatments are applied too soon or too late, they won’t adequately suppress the mite population, allowing growth to continue unchecked. Not adhering to recommended treatment timings is likely the leading cause of poor outcomes and increased colony mortality,” he emphasized.
Additionally, Dr. O’Shea-Wheller cautioned that neglecting established Varroa treatment guidelines may lead to mites developing greater resistance.
“For years, Varroa has been a primary driver of honey bee mortality, and it appears we are engaged in a kind of arms race as the mites gain resistance to treatments. Similar to antibiotics, it is crucial to follow Varroa treatment instructions precisely, as improper timing, overdosing, or underdosing can all heighten the risk of resistance developing in mites.”
