Varroa Mite Control - Alternative Methods

The speaker discusses alternative methods of mite control, specifically focusing on options other than chemical controls. These alternatives include soft chemicals from natural sources or synthetic chemicals used in a specific form to limit the reproduction of mites. The goal is to manage bees and diminish the reproductive rate of mites through integrated pest management.

The screen bottom board allows mites to fall through onto a tray, preventing them from reproducing. This can decrease mite levels by 15% and serves the dual purpose of monitoring mite levels in the hive.

Drone brood removal is a method used to control mites in bee colonies. By installing a drone frame, the bees fill it with their drone brood, and the mites preferentially move into drones due to their better reproductive rate. After monitoring for queen-laid eggs, the frame is removed approximately 20 days later and frozen to kill all bees.

Removing drone comb from the hive is essential for controlling mite infestations. There are three main methods: scraping off the comb, using a shallow or medium frame in a deep brood chamber, and putting worker foundation to encourage drone comb building.

To control mite infestation, hive management methods include dividing hives to weaken them and reduce reproductive potential. Using queen cells in divided hives can also limit mites' reproductive capacity. Requeening introduces a break in the brood cycle and allows for the introduction of more resistant stock.

Cultural controls offer the advantage of being usable throughout the beekeeping season, regardless of timing or temperature. This helps in delaying resistance development and provides more time for mite treatments, potentially saving bees after fall honey harvest.

Beekeepers need to consider the time and equipment required for drone brood removal, which may be more feasible for backyard beekeepers than large-scale operations. Removing drone brood allows for mite monitoring and complements but does not replace other treatments necessary to keep bees healthy.