How to remove mites from a bumblebee? - briefly
Gently submerge the bee in warm water with a drop of mild dish soap, agitate briefly, then rinse and dry with a soft brush to dislodge the parasites. Repeat the process if needed and maintain a clean hive environment to hinder re‑infestation.
How to remove mites from a bumblebee? - in detail
Mite infestations weaken bumblebee workers, reduce foraging efficiency, and can collapse a colony. Effective eradication requires early detection, isolation of affected individuals, and targeted treatment.
First, inspect bees under a stereomicroscope or with a hand lens. Look for small, oval parasites attached to the abdomen or legs. Record infestation levels; a threshold of more than 5 mites per 10 workers typically warrants intervention.
Second, separate contaminated bees from healthy nest members. Transfer affected individuals to a temporary containment chamber equipped with ventilation and a sugar‑water feeder. This prevents further spread while treatment proceeds.
Third, apply one of the following control measures:
- Acaricide dusting – Use a low‑toxicity powder such as oxalic acid or formic acid dust. Lightly coat the bees, allowing the compound to penetrate the mite’s cuticle. Observe a 10‑minute exposure period before returning bees to the colony.
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂) treatment – Place bees in a sealed container, introduce CO₂ to reach 30 % concentration, and maintain for 5 minutes. The gas immobilizes mites, which detach upon re‑oxygenation.
- Thermal shock – Expose bees to a short bout of 42 °C for 2 minutes. Temperatures above this threshold are lethal to most Varroa‑like mites but tolerated briefly by bumblebees. Cool the bees gradually to avoid stress.
- Biological control – Introduce predatory mite species (e.g., Stratiolaelaps scimitus) into the nest. These agents consume parasite eggs and larvae, providing ongoing suppression.
Fourth, enhance hive hygiene. Remove debris, replace old wax combs, and limit moisture, as damp conditions favor mite reproduction. Regularly clean nesting boxes with a mild bleach solution (1 % sodium hypochlorite) and rinse thoroughly.
Fifth, implement a quarantine protocol for any new colonies or captured queens. Keep them isolated for at least 14 days, monitoring for mites before integration with established stocks.
Finally, document each intervention, noting mite counts before and after treatment. Continuous records enable assessment of efficacy and adjustment of protocols as needed.