What should be done if bees have ticks? - briefly
Inspect the colony, remove infested workers, and apply a registered acaricide according to label directions. Conduct regular hive inspections and maintain strict sanitation to prevent recurrence.
What should be done if bees have ticks? - in detail
Bees infested with ticks require immediate assessment and targeted intervention to protect colony health and prevent disease transmission.
First, confirm the presence of ticks by inspecting frames, brood cells, and foraging bees. Use a magnifying lens to differentiate ticks from other ectoparasites; ticks are larger, have a hard dorsal shield, and attach to the bee’s abdomen.
Second, isolate the affected hive. Transfer frames with brood and honey to a clean, tick‑free apiary or a quarantine box. Seal entrances to limit forager movement while maintaining ventilation to avoid overheating.
Third, apply an appropriate acaricide. Choose a product registered for use in apiculture, such as oxalic acid vaporization, formic acid strips, or thymol‑based treatments, following label dosage and timing. Rotate chemicals annually to reduce resistance development.
Fourth, implement mechanical control measures:
- Remove debris and dead bees from the hive interior.
- Clean and disinfect equipment with a diluted bleach solution (1 % sodium hypochlorite) before reuse.
- Replace wax foundations that may harbor tick eggs.
Fifth, enhance colony resilience through nutrition and genetics. Provide supplemental protein (pollen patties) and carbohydrate (sugar syrup) to support immune function. Consider introducing queens from lines known for resistance to ectoparasites.
Sixth, monitor the hive continuously. Conduct weekly visual checks for new tick activity and record findings. If re‑infestation occurs, repeat the acaricide protocol after a minimum 14‑day interval to break the tick life cycle.
Finally, document all actions, including dates, products used, and observations. This record assists in evaluating treatment efficacy and informs future management decisions across apiaries.