Colony Health and Varroa Mite Mitigation
Varroa mite infestation is considered one of the greatest threats to honey bee health.
Every single honey bee colony in Vermont is susceptible to infestations of Varroa mites.
If left untreated or insufficiently managed, honey bee colonies will succumb to the varroa and the diseases they spread. The impact of varroa can be observed as a decline in honey production, pollination services, and colony health. The economic impact on beekeeping operations can be significant.
Colonies infested with varroa can adversely affect neighboring colonies through drifting, robbing, and absconding activity of bees.
All beekeepers need to remain vigilant in managing their varroa infestation levels and be prepared to take action to maintain levels below the recommended treatment thresholds.
Credit: Honey Bee Health Coalition
Vermont beekeepers are required to annually report any diseases found in their colonies as well as have a Varroa Mite and Pest mitigation plan for their apiaries (see 6 V.S.A. § 3023).
Need help writing a mite mitigation plan? We recommend using the Honey Bee Health Coalition's VARROA MANAGEMENT website.
Effective Mite Mitigation Plans include the following information:
- Mite sampling frequency and method(s)
- Management or treatment threshold levels in number of mites detected per 100 bees
- Treatment or management methods
More useful resources:
- Northeastern IPM for Varroa Mites Brochure- English
- Northeastern IPM for Varroa Mites Brochure- Spanish
- Northeastern IPM for Varroa Mites Brochure- French
- Varroa Mite Mitigation Sampling Sheet
- Varroa Mite Mitigation Plan Worksheet
- Methods to Control Varroa Mites: An Integrated Pest Management Approach
EPA-registered Pesticide Products Approved for Use Against Varroa Mites in Bee Hives
Api-Bioxal update:
Effective March 21, 2023 the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets has removed the Extended Release Oxalic Acid FIFRA 2(ee) interpretation notice from our website. This was done as a result of a determination by the US EPA on March 21, 2023 that this interpretation was not allowed under the provisions of FIFRA. As a result of this determination, the application of oxalic acid using glycerin treated cellulose pads is no longer considered allowable under the provisions of FIFRA 2(ee). A copy of the letter is available here:
EPA Letter - Extended Release Oxalic Acid FIFRA 2(ee) interpretation (PDF)
All persons who apply pesticides must comply with all label provisions including directions for use, personal protective equipment, disposal instructions and environmental protection statements.