Tools for Varroa Management Guide

Every honey bee colony in the continental United States and Canada is susceptible to infestations of Varroa destructor mites (varroa). Varroa infestation is one of the greatest threats to honey bee health, honey production, and pollination services. Untreated colonies or colonies with poorly managed mite populations can fail, causing economic losses to beekeepers and ultimately impacting agricultural food production through the loss of pollination services. Colonies infested with varroa spread mites and diseases to other colonies and apiaries through drifting, robbing, and absconding. Management actions such as introducing nucleus colonies (nucs), brood frames, packaged bees, swarms, external splits, or full-size colonies to apiaries can further contribute to the spread of varroa.

All beekeepers should remain vigilant in monitoring for varroa levels and be prepared to take timely action to reduce mite populations. Effective varroa control will reduce colony losses and avoid spread of infectious diseases among colonies.

This Guide will explain practical, effective methods that beekeepers can use to measure varroa infestations in their colonies and select appropriate control methods. The Honey Bee Health Coalition offers this Guide free of charge and asks that you please reference the Coalition if distributing.