You can’t diagnose Varroa mites just by looking at a hive, but there are some pretty common warning signs that something might be going on. Things like deformed wings, uncapped brood, seeing mites on bees, or bees just acting a little “off” are all good cues that it’s time to stop and do a proper mite check.
By: Blake Shook It’s always disappointing to lose a hive. However, all beekeepers lose hives, and often many hives. Understanding why they died and how you can prevent it next time is one of the most important elements of learning...
Topics Beekeepers Can't Agree On! By: Lynne Jones As detailed in previous articles in this month’s issue - Varroa mites are a serious problem, and we are all faced with the responsibility to control them. Control methods range from...
By: Blake Shook While testing is the ideal method for determining your Varroa mite levels, there are some visual clues of a Varroa infestation. Keep in mind, if you are seeing visual clues, it often means your hive has an...
Varroa control comes down to chemical or natural treatments, but both work best when paired with mechanical methods like brood breaks. The key is consistent monitoring and treating based on your hive’s conditions and your specific beekeeping philosophy to keep mite levels low and colonies strong.
