How can bees be treated for mites with smoke? - briefly
A brief puff of cool smoke forces Varroa mites to detach from adult bees and drop onto the floor of the hive. After smoking, the colony should be inspected and, if required, supplemented with additional chemical or mechanical controls to complete the treatment.
How can bees be treated for mites with smoke? - in detail
Smoke can be employed as part of an integrated strategy against Varroa and other mite species that afflict honeybee colonies. The method relies on the physiological response of adult workers, which temporarily cease brood care and increase ventilation, reducing mite attachment and transfer.
The procedure consists of several steps:
- Prepare a smoker with dry, aromatic material (e.g., pine needles, burlap, or paper) that produces cool, dense smoke. Avoid fuels that generate excessive heat, which can stress the colony.
- Ignite the material until a steady stream of smoke emerges. Allow the fire to settle before approaching the hive to prevent sudden temperature spikes.
- Open the hive gently, exposing the frames. Direct a short burst of smoke toward the entrance and the interior space, aiming for a light haze that fills the brood chamber without saturating the comb.
- Observe the bees’ reaction; a brief clustering followed by resumed activity indicates effective stimulation. If the colony appears agitated, pause and let the smoke dissipate before continuing.
- Apply a second, brief puff after a few minutes to maintain the calming effect while inspecting for mites. During the inspection, use a powdered sugar roll or a mite‑drop method to assess infestation levels.
- Close the hive promptly, ensuring the entrance is sealed to retain the residual smoke, which continues to suppress mite movement for several hours.
Key considerations:
- Smoke does not eradicate mites; it merely reduces their ability to attach to hosts during treatment windows. Repeated applications, synchronized with brood cycles, are necessary for meaningful population control.
- Combine smoke with mechanical or chemical measures (e.g., screened bottom boards, oxalic acid dribbles) to target mites that remain hidden in capped brood.
- Monitor colony health after each treatment. Excessive smoke exposure can impair foraging behavior and queen laying performance.
- Conduct treatments during mild weather; high ambient temperatures amplify the stress caused by smoke, while low temperatures diminish its efficacy.
By following these guidelines, beekeepers can incorporate smoke into a comprehensive mite‑management program, leveraging its short‑term immobilizing effect while minimizing adverse impacts on the colony.