Anticipate the presence of Varroa and effectively protect our bees

The varroa destructor, a parasitic mite originating from Asia, is a real scourge for honey bees. Its proliferation can decimate a colony in a few months, causing significant damage to beekeeping and the environment. Fortunately, there are ways to anticipate its presence and protect our bees.

Understanding the enemy: who is Varroa?

Varroa destructor is a formidable parasite that attacks both domestic and wild honey bees. Originating from Asia, it is now present on all continents where beekeeping is practiced. Feeding on the blood of adult bees and larvae, Varroa weakens infected individuals, leading to a decrease in the colony's population, a decrease in honey production, and an increased vulnerability to diseases.

Anticipating to protect: preventive measures

The best strategy to protect our bees from Varroa is to adopt effective preventive measures. Here are some key actions to consider:

Regularly monitor colonies:

Careful observation of bees is the first line of defense against Varroa. Regularly inspect your hives to detect signs of infestation:

• Presence of Varroa on bees: Examine adult bees and larvae to identify parasites.
• Varroa feces: Varroa leaves brownish traces on the cappings of cells.
• Colony weakening: An infested Varroa colony may present a decrease in population, a decrease in honey production, and abnormal behavior of bees.

Use preventive and curative treatments

Preventive treatments:

• Hygiene: Maintaining good hygiene in the apiary is crucial to limit the spread of Varroa. Regularly clean and disinfect hives and frames.
• Melliferous plants: Encourage the planting of diverse and parasite-resistant melliferous plants to strengthen the honey bees' immune system.
• Selection of resistant colonies: Raise bee colonies that demonstrate natural resistance to Varroa.

Curative treatments:

• Chemical treatments: Various acaricidal products are available on the market. It is important to follow instructions carefully and respect prescribed dosages to avoid weakening the bees.
• Biological treatments: Natural solutions such as oxalic acid or thyme essential oil can be used to combat Varroa. These treatments are generally less toxic to bees than chemical products.
• Cultural techniques: Regular renewal of brood frames and the use of Varroa traps can contribute to reducing the parasite population in the colony.

Important points to remember:

• Vary treatments: Do not always use the same treatment to avoid the development of resistance in Varroa.
• Respect waiting periods: Ensure that you respect waiting periods between treatments and honey harvesting to guarantee the safety of apicultural products.
• Monitor the evolution of parasitism: Regularly monitor the infestation of your colonies to adapt your treatment strategy.
• Get informed and trained: Seek information from experienced beekeepers and reliable sources to choose the most suitable treatments for your situation.
• Use Stop Varroa treatment: The Stop Varroa treatment is the only one to eliminate 100% of Varroa. It can also be used in organic beekeeping. Stop Varroa is safe for bees and does not poison your honey.

Practice responsible colony management

Responsible colony management can also help prevent Varroa infestation. Beekeepers should ensure that hives are clean and well-maintained, regularly replace worn-out frames, and divide strong colonies to avoid overpopulation. Additionally, it is important not to share beekeeping equipment between colonies to prevent the spread of the parasite.

Encourage biodiversity in the environment

Biodiversity in the environment can play an important role in the fight against Varroa. Beekeepers can encourage the presence of other bee species and pollinating insects, which can help reduce the pressure of Varroa on domestic honey bee colonies. Additionally, planting melliferous flowers and using environmentally friendly cultivation methods can contribute to creating a habitat conducive to honey bee health.

Conclusion

By following these tips, beekeepers can anticipate the presence of Varroa and effectively protect their bees from this devastating parasite. Regular monitoring of colonies, the use of appropriate treatments, responsible colony management, and the encouragement of biodiversity in the environment are all ways to ensure the health and productivity of honey bee colonies. By working together, we can ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for our precious bees.