(list source: http:\/\/articles.extension.org\/pages\/71172\/honey-bee-viruses-the-deadly-varroa-mite-associates<\/a> )<\/p>\n While there is a rift in some beekeeping circles and groups about whether varroa mites can be managed with breeding “varroa resistant” or with “hygienic behavior” in bees – the fact remains that if bees are bred to coexist with – or to tolerate<\/span> the varroa mites, then the colonies are subjected to a variety of possible diseases.\u00a0 Folks that are “treatment free” – should still perform varroa mite count tests – and not be disillusioned about the fact that mites are in your hives.<\/p>\n Another option is to use scientifically bred lines of queens that produce workers that do indeed perform hygienic behavior as a method of culling affected brood that has been infected with mite progeny (offspring) )from a reproductive foundress (female founding) mite.\u00a0 Research on this line of selective breeding can be found through Arista Bee Research Labs<\/a> around the world.<\/p>\n A fantastic resource for learning to do mite-counts and various treatment methods is available at : Monitoring methods<\/strong><\/p>\n Varroa mites can be monitored with any of several methods.<\/p>\n Alcohol Wash (or soap\/water wash)<\/p>\n Sugar Roll<\/p>\n My personal take on monitoring methods is this:\u00a0 If you are going to be taking measurements for ANY metrics – you want as accurate of a sampling as possible.\u00a0\u00a0 I do NOT believe that a sugar-roll will give you as accurate results as other methods.\u00a0\u00a0 Yes – that means that some bees will be sacrificed for the greater cause of knowing your mite loads.\u00a0\u00a0 If you’re going to collect data – make sure it’s ACCURATE data.<\/p>\n Treatment Methods<\/strong><\/p>\n Dealing with varroa is a delicate and tricky proposition – when it is considered that we are trying to eliminate a “bug ON a bug”.\u00a0 And the host bug (apis mellifera<\/em> – or honeybee) we want to thrive and be healthy.<\/p>\n A variety of treatment methods can be employed.\u00a0 I’ll also say, though – that some have proven to be ineffective.\u00a0\u00a0 See this video link for a quick overview.<\/p>\n There are many more treatment methods that were found on the internet while researching treatment methods.\u00a0 Some – such as using screened bottom boards – have been dis-proven to be effective by themselves – however MAY be an aide to help another method be more effective.\u00a0 Regardless – it is recommended that you employ at least two methods for varroa control.<\/p>\n Newer methods of applying Oxalic Acid are being experimented with by several researchers, including Randy Oliver of Scientific Beekeeping, and others in Central Texas.<\/p>\n Randy’s OA results are shown here: http:\/\/scientificbeekeeping.com\/oxalic-shop-towel-updates\/<\/a> (Jan 2019) – Experiments with using thermal heat treatments of the hive have proved effective for varroa management.\u00a0 In essence, the hive is heated to 106 deg. F for about 2 hours.\u00a0 This mimics the temperature that is achieved in nature that is associated with hive overcrowding for swarming action.\u00a0 This temperature also is that which the varroa cannot survive.\u00a0 When the hive temperature is raised to 106 deg. F. – the mites attached to the bodies, and those that are in the brood cells are killed – thus breaking the mite’s life cycle – and allowing the colony to move forward with fresh brood that is healthy.<\/p>\n Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n Honeybee Health Coalition:\u00a0 https:\/\/honeybeehealthcoalition.org\/varroa\/<\/a><\/p>\n Arista Bee Research Labs https:\/\/aristabeeresearch.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n Randy Oliver – Scientific Beekeeping – https:\/\/scientificbeekeeping.com\/2022-extended-release-oxalic-oae-update-part-2\/<\/a><\/p>\n Mighty Mite Thermal Industries – https:\/\/www.beehivethermalindustries.com\/how-it-works\/<\/a><\/p>\n Dave Cushman – http:\/\/www.dave-cushman.net\/bee\/varroatreatment.html<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.bohemianutopia.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Varroa_GeneticLiteracy-300x183.png\")
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\nhttps:\/\/honeybeehealthcoalition.org\/varroa\/<\/a> (link will open in new tab or window)\u00a0 This has been updated in June of 2018 – and also includes links to videos showing how to perform mite-counts as well as several treatment methods.<\/p>\n\n
\nand his 2022 end-of-year report is here: https:\/\/scientificbeekeeping.com\/2022-extended-release-oxalic-oae-update-part-2\/<\/a>
\nand importantly:\u00a0 https:\/\/scientificbeekeeping.com\/instructions-for-extended-release-oxalic-acid\/<\/a><\/p>\n