The parasitic mite, Varroa destructor is the most widespread pest of the western honey bee, Apis mellifera. This mite reproduces in honey bee brood cells, so it parasitizes both immature and adult bees. The mite spreads pathogens throughout a colony'spopulation through its feeding behavior and is considered one of the leading causes of death in colonies of honey bees. While the beekeeping industry has turned primarily to the use of acaricides to control V. destructor, there is strong interest in developing methods of control that do not rely on chemical treatments. I evaluated two combinations of mechanical and cultural controls that have potential to lower Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) population levels and the damaging effects of related viralimpacts. I hypothesized that such mechanical and cultural controls, when combined, may sustain the lives of colonies without the use of chemical treatments. I found that the combination of mechanical and cultural controls used in this trial controlled Varroa mites as effectively as a popular acaricide (Mite Away Quick Strips). By adopting these treatment-free mite management techniques, beekeepers can reduce, or potentially avoid, the need to apply acaricides to control Varroa mites.
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