How to treat tracheal mites in bees? - briefly
Effective control of Acarapis woodi includes applying oxalic acid vapor during broodless periods and using formic acid strips to reach mites inside capped cells. Regular monitoring and fostering strong genetic lines further suppress infestation levels.
How to treat tracheal mites in bees? - in detail
Tracheal mite infestations (Acarapis woodi) compromise the respiratory system of adult honey bees, reducing colony vigor and productivity. Early detection relies on microscopic examination of a sample of 30–50 workers; a prevalence above 5 % warrants intervention.
Effective control combines chemical, biological, and management strategies. Each component must be applied according to label instructions and integrated into the colony’s routine.
- Oxalic acid vaporization – 1 g per hive, applied in a sealed environment for 30 minutes during a brood‑less period (late autumn or early spring). Re‑treat after 7 days to target emerging adults.
- Formic acid pads – 0.5 g per pad, placed inside the brood chamber for 10 days. Maintain internal temperature between 10 °C and 25 °C; monitor for queen loss.
- Thymol strips – 2 g per hive, used for 14 days in warm weather (≥20 °C). Replace strips after 7 days to maintain efficacy.
- Colony splitting – divide a strong colony into two, removing brood from the original hive for 2–3 weeks. The brood‑free segment allows oxalic acid treatment without harming developing larvae.
- Queen replacement – introduce a mite‑free queen to reduce transmission through vertical inheritance. Ensure the new queen originates from a certified disease‑free source.
- Temperature manipulation – expose hives to 42 °C for 30 minutes in a controlled chamber; this temperature is lethal to the mite but tolerable for adult bees. Use only once per season to avoid stress.
- Hygienic stock selection – integrate lines with documented grooming and hygienic behaviors; these traits reduce mite load naturally.
Post‑treatment monitoring is essential. Re‑sample workers 2 weeks after each application; if mite counts remain above the threshold, repeat the selected method after a 14‑day interval. Rotate chemical classes to prevent resistance development. Maintain strong nutrition, adequate ventilation, and regular hive inspections to sustain colony health and deter reinfestation.