Varroa Mites: The Honeybee's Worst Enemy Beekeepers use a 'sugar shake' to monitor varroa mites in their hives. Varroa mites are responsible for the death of up to half the managed honeybee hives in the United States due to hazards like pesticide exposure and lack of flowers. These mites attack crucial organs, weaken bees, transmit viruses causing deformed wings, and reproduce rapidly within beehives.
Defending Against Varroa Mite Infestation Researchers are selectively breeding honeybees that can sniff out varroa mites and interrupt their reproduction. They also breed 'mite-biters,' which kill mites by chewing off their legs. Beekeepers treat infested hives with pesticide strips but face challenges as the mites are becoming resistant.