How to cure a bumblebee of ticks? - briefly
Gently extract each tick with fine‑point tweezers, avoiding damage to the bee, then rinse the insect in a dilute (≈0.5%) insecticidal soap solution to eliminate remaining parasites. Supply sugar water and place the bumblebee in a warm, well‑ventilated container for recovery.
How to cure a bumblebee of ticks? - in detail
Treating a bumblebee that has become host to tick parasites requires a careful, step‑by‑step approach to avoid harming the insect while eliminating the ectoparasites.
First, isolate the affected bee in a ventilated container with a soft substrate (e.g., damp paper towel) to reduce stress. Observe the bee for signs of heavy infestation, such as reduced mobility, visible engorged ticks, or abnormal grooming behavior.
Next, select an appropriate acaricide. For pollinators, low‑toxicity options are essential. Recommended products include:
- Aqueous neem oil solution (1 % v/v). Neem contains azadirachtin, which disrupts tick feeding without lethal effects on bees when diluted correctly.
- Spinosad suspension (0.2 % w/v). Effective against mites and ticks; approved for use on honey‑bees, making it suitable for bumblebees as well.
- Mild hydrogen peroxide rinse (3 % solution, diluted 1:10). Acts as a physical deterrent, loosening tick attachment.
Apply the chosen solution with a fine‑tipped brush or micro‑sprayer, targeting the tick attachment sites on the thorax, abdomen, and legs. Limit exposure to 1–2 seconds per area to prevent respiratory blockage. After treatment, gently wipe excess liquid with a soft, damp cloth to avoid pooling.
Following the initial application, monitor the bee for 24 hours. If ticks remain attached, repeat the treatment after a 12‑hour interval, ensuring the total number of applications does not exceed three to prevent chemical overload.
Finally, provide supportive care:
- Offer a sugar‑water feeder (30 % sucrose) to supply energy.
- Supply fresh pollen or a protein supplement to aid recovery.
- Maintain ambient temperature between 18–24 °C and humidity around 60 % to promote healing.
Document the entire process, noting the number of ticks removed, the acaricide used, and the bee’s post‑treatment behavior. This record assists in refining protocols for future cases and contributes to broader pollinator health research.