Image Credit: Randy Oliver, ScientificBeekeeping.com The oxalic acid dribble method is a simple, low-cost way to treat honey bee colonies for varroa mites—especially during cooler months or when brood levels are low. It’s widely used across Europe and the U.S., and when applied correctly, it’s a safe and effective tool in your varroa management plan. This article … Read more
Once you’ve confirmed varroa mites are present in your hive, the next step is figuring out how to manage them. There’s no single silver bullet, but there are several treatment options available—each with pros, cons, and considerations. This post will give you a quick overview of a few of the more common varroa mite treatments … Read more
Sticky boards, also sometimes referred to as IPM boards, are one of the simplest and most effective tools for monitoring varroa mite levels in your hive. They’re inexpensive, non-invasive, and can give you valuable insight into whether or not it’s time to treat. What Is a Sticky Board? A sticky board is usually a piece of … Read more
The varroa mite is more than just a parasite. It’s a disease vector that weakens your bees’ immune systems and spreads viral infections throughout the hive. Understanding the most common diseases associated with varroa is a critical part of managing hive health. If you’re seeing colony decline—even if mite levels seem low—it’s important to consider … Read more
The varroa mite (Varroa destructor) is one of the most destructive threats to honey bee colonies in the world. These tiny, parasitic mites attach themselves to both adult bees and developing brood, feeding on their fat bodies and transmitting a variety of deadly viruses. If you’re getting into beekeeping, understanding varroa mites is not optional. … Read more