How to Perform a Mite Wash in Your Beehive

Clear plastic mite wash container with yellow lid for Varroa mite testing in beehives

Varroa mites have been the single greatest threat to modern beekeeping since their arrival in the United States in the 1980s. These tiny, blood-feeding parasites have devastated colonies across the country. In recent years, winter colony losses have hovered between 30 and 40 percent nationally, and in some regions, the numbers are worse. Some surveys … Read more

How to Use Oxalic Acid Pads to Treat Varroa Mites

An effective, sustained-release method that doesn’t require opening the hive repeatedly. If you’re looking for a low-intervention way to manage varroa mites, oxalic acid pads may be the most convenient option. These pads deliver a continuous, controlled release of oxalic acid inside the hive—targeting mites over several weeks without disturbing the bees. This technique, developed … Read more