varroa monitoring

How to Perform a Mite Wash in Your Beehive

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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

What Is the Varroa Mite and Why It Matters

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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