Reducing the destruction to bee colonies caused by Varroa destructor mites is a priority for beekeepers worldwide, but research reveals that improper timing of various treatments could cause more harm than good.
Source: Earth.com, February 10, 2025. Link. A common mistake among beekeepers is applying treatment too early or too late in the season. If treatment occurs too soon, it may not fully eliminate the mites, allowing them to rebound before the season ends. If applied too late, the mites will have already caused significant damage to the colony.
Also see: Varroa mites and their effect on honeybees, DVM 360, January 28, 2025. Link. Jörg Mayer, DVM, MS, DABVP, DECZM, DACZM, discusses parasite awareness and control in a DVM360 video interview [2:14]
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