​About Varroa

​The single largest culprit of colony losses in the USA is the parasitic mite Varroa destructor, an introduced pest native to the Asian honey bee. Although it seems small to our eyes, Varroa is a very large parasite relative to its host size. Varroa mites pierce and feed on bees, vectoring deadly viruses and bacteria in the process, making bees sick and shortening their lives. European honey bees are very vulnerable to this pest, left unchecked, Varroa mites will kill most honey bee colonies. 

Varroa Best Management Practices

 The Honey Bee Health Coalition  has developed an excellent guide for Varroa management, which describes the options available for beekeepers, advantages and considerations, timing of use, with 'how-to' videos for each tool.   Click Here to be directed to the guide and videos.  Click Here for the new HBHC Varroa Management Decision Tool.
View Project Apis m's Colony Management eLearning Module below,
or download the powerpoint presentation 
Watch:  Project Apis m.'s
Varroa Best Management Practices 

View PAm Directed Varroa and Varroa Control Research

BMP Quicklinks