As we all know by now, Varroa mites are the biggest enemy of bees.
Their infestation rate inside a hive is so rapid that, if left untreated, these mites can multiply to the point where the bees have no choice but to abandon their home or they are doomed.
Understanding the dangers of mite infestations and acting quickly is crucial to the health and survival of your hive.
The Exponential Growth of Mites
Here’s why their growth is so dangerous:
Rapid Reproduction: Each female mite can lay several eggs, and with the short development time of honeybee brood, mites can reproduce exponentially.
This means that a few mites can turn into thousands within just a few weeks.
Weakening the Colony: As mite populations grow, they weaken the hive by feeding on the bees’ fat bodies, which play a key role in immune function, energy storage, and detoxification.
Weakened bees are more susceptible to viruses and diseases, which can quickly spread through the colony.
Stress on Brood and Adults: Mites particularly target the brood, the future workforce of the hive.
The more mites there are, the fewer healthy bees will emerge.
Adult bees also suffer as mites attach to their bodies, further compromising the hive’s ability to function.
Hive Abandonment: When mite infestations reach a tipping point, the stress on the colony becomes so great that the bees are forced to abandon the hive even if the outside conditions are unfavorable.
Unfortunately, colonies that abandon their hives due to mites rarely survive, as the stress of finding a new home combined with the weakened state of the bees often proves too much.
The Importance of Early Detection
Because mites reproduce so quickly, early detection and treatment are essential if you plan to keep a healthy apiary.
Regular hive inspections should include checking for mites, especially during late summer and early autumn when mite populations tend to peak.
The sooner you catch an infestation, the easier it is to manage and prevent its exponential growth.
Given the fact that all hives around the world tend to have some form of mite infestation, it’s always a better option to assume that your hives are also infested.
