Many pests, pathogens and parasites are spread among managed colonies and from managed colonies to wild bees. It is crucial to catch problems early, assess treatment effectiveness, and avoid unnecessary treatment. The following practices are recommended to help prevent the spread of bee pests, pathogens and parasites:
- Monitor for Varroa mites once a month during the active bee season and apply a miticide (chemical Varroa mite treatment) when Varroa mite infestation is at or above 1% in the spring and 2% the rest of the year (this is equivalent to one mite per 100 bees in the spring and two mites per 100 bees in the summer and fall). Following mite management, monitor mite levels again to check for treatment efficacy.
- Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to create an individualized IPM plan to control Varroa mites. Learn about IPM with this EPA webinar: Protecting Honey Bees: Integrated Pest Management for Varroa Mites.
- Learn clinical symptoms of diseases and signs of pests and parasites.
- Always read the label of any mite control treatment. Know which legal treatment options are most effective during the treatment period.
- Replace old brood combs every three to five years to reduce potential pathogen load and pesticide buildup in the wax.
- Use resistant honey bee stock to help reduce your Varroa levels and disease resistance.
Helpful Honey Bee Hive Pest Control Links
Pest and Disease Control Treatment Options
Using Amiflex® for Varroa Mites on Honey Bees
Find a Veterinarian for Your Bees
Honey Bee Diagnostic Labs Directory - Apiary Inspectors of America (AIA)
USDA Bee Lab Services
Honey Bee Health Coalition - Tools for Varroa Management
Honey Bee Health Coalition - Varroa Management Decision Tool
Record sheet for Management and Treatment of Bees
<<Back to main Apiary page