Subject: Global Research : Varroa Mites!

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Varroa Mites and Your Bees

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Miticide resistance in Varroa — USDA / ARS (USA, 2025)

Takeaway: Researchers found evidence that Varroa mites from collapsed colonies show resistance to widely used miticides (e.g., amitraz), and mite-borne viruses are linked to recent colony collapses.

Why it matters: Expect growing miticide failure in some regions — rotate treatments, monitor for treatment efficacy, and incorporate integrated pest management (IPM)

What Then & Now: Over a decade ago, we decided not to support any Amitraz/varroa strips for the very reason that it was and is a short-term win for what would and is turning out to be a long term loss!

"In other words, the varroa mite would just adapt over time which it has now and become resistant."

Breeding for Varroa-sensitive Hygiene (VSH)

Takeaway: Experimental lines bred for VSH show reduced mite loads and comparable disease resistance to commercial hygienic lines in trials.

Why it matters: Consider sourcing VSH-selected stock or participating in local breeding programs to reduce reliance on chemical controls.

How do SA bees fair: Typically, South African bees are highly hygienic and adept at handling pests and intruders. This does not mean that they can totally withstand a varroa mite infestation without help!

"We recommend to always increase genetic pool"

As beekeeping continues to develop and grow as an industry in South Africa, it is vital to ensure ongoing genetic diversity. This is partly done by continuing to harness the wild population and treat them as DNA Gold.

Secondly, as beekeepers grow commercially and require more and more colonies and may spiral into sourcing or breeding with the same genetic pool of queen bees this decreases the overall survival capability of the species.

This creates a faulty genetic foundation and likely leads to weaker colonies and poor adaptation through beneficial traits.

Caution when placing bees on Farms!

🚜 Common Chemical Sprays in Citrus Growing

Insecticides
- Neonicotinoids (imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, clothianidin): sometimes used for citrus psyllid control (important in areas with citrus greening/HLB). These are systemic and highly toxic to bees if residues are present in nectar or pollen.
- Organophosphates (chlorpyrifos, dimethoate): older but still used in some regions; very toxic to bees on direct contact.
- Pyrethroids: can repel or kill foraging bees, often applied for thrips or scale insects.
Fungicides
- Products like copper, azoxystrobin, and propiconazole are widely used to control sooty mold, anthracnose, and post-harvest diseases. Many fungicides are not directly lethal to bees, but studies show they can impair larval development, gut microbiota, and detox pathways when combined with insecticides.
Herbicides
- Glyphosate is often used under trees. Generally not acutely toxic to bees, but linked to changes in bee gut microbiota and possibly orientation.

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