5 Essential tips to fight Varroa and save your bee colonies

by Normand Mrd February 23, 2024

Varroa mite infestation, caused by Varroa Destructor, is one of the most serious threats to bee colonies worldwide. This external parasite attacks bees, weakening the colonies and making them vulnerable to other diseases. If you are a beekeeper, it is essential to take steps to combat this parasite and save your colonies. Here are 5 tips to help you:

Regular monitoring and early diagnosis: The first crucial step in combating varroa is regular monitoring. This involves regular inspection of hives to detect the presence of varroas. You can use methods like the screening tray, which is placed under the hive to collect fallen mites, or perform a direct count on the bees using alcohol or the powdered sugar method. These techniques help to assess the level of infestation in the colony.
Early detection is crucial. The earlier you identify the infestation, the easier it is to manage and minimize damage to the colony. Indeed, an undetected infestation can quickly become uncontrollable.
Biological treatment with organic acids: Organic acids, such as oxalic acid or formic acid, are effective biological treatments against varroa. They are applied as a spray or drops on the hive frames. These treatments are relatively safe for bees but must be used cautiously to avoid harming them.
Integrated pest management: Integrated pest management combines several methods to control varroa, thereby reducing dependence on a single type of treatment. This includes practices such as rotating frames, removing male brood cells (where varroa likes to reproduce), and using varroa-resistant bee breeds.
Selective chemical treatment: In some cases, chemical treatments may be necessary to control a severe infestation. Products like Amitraz or Fluvalinate are used, but it is essential to apply them carefully to avoid varroa resistance and honey contamination.
Hive environment management: Maintaining a healthy environment around the hive can help prevent varroa infestations. This includes managing the humidity and temperature of the hive, maintaining good ventilation, and keeping away from sources of pollution or pesticides.

After sharing five essential tips to combat varroa, I would like to introduce a sixth method that is gaining popularity among beekeepers: the use of Stop Varroa Treatment.

Stop Varroa Treatment

Stop Varroa Treatment is the only one to eliminate 100% of varroas. It can also be used in organic beekeeping. Stop Varroa is safe for bees and does not poison your honey.

This biological treatment, easy to use, ensures remarkable effectiveness with a 100% success rate. To apply it, simply lift each hive frame and spray both sides with the product. This method completely eliminates the varroa population within 24 hours, thus ensuring a healthy and protected hive.

Usage Protocol:

Shake the treatment solution and make sure there is no sediment at the bottom of the bottle.
Put on your beekeeper suit and open the hive.
Lift the frames one by one and spray the bees with the solution on both sides. The treatment will be more effective if there is a uniform distribution of the treatment solution.
Do not worry about the bees outside the hive when applying the treatment. They will also be treated as the solution attracts bees and spreads among them through contact.
After 24 hours, you can open the hive to see the impact of the treatment. The treatment will protect your hives from varroas for an entire year. After a year, we advise you to reapply the treatment solution as a preventive measure, even if your hive is not impacted by varroas.
You can store the treatment for a period of five years.

Conclusion: Combating varroa is a constant challenge for beekeepers, but with the right strategies, it is possible to maintain healthy bee colonies. The key is a combination of monitoring, appropriate biological and chemical treatments, and good hive management practices. By adopting these tips, you can help save your bee colonies and support the health of these precious pollinators.