Control of the Varroa mite in honeybee colonies by integrating chemotherapy with conventional requeening practice

A new method for controlling the mite Varroa jacobsoni Oudemans in honeybee (Apis mellifera) colonies, which integrates chemotherapy with normal requeening practice, is described. By creating a 3-day gap in the presence of sealed brood all mites are simultaneously exposed to chemical treatment. Control using two fumigations with Taktic (amitraz 12.5%) approached 100%. The method has the advantages of efficiency, low cost, reduced chance of developing mite resistance to acaricide, and low health hazards for both consumer and beekeeper. Only 5-10 days of egg-laying are lost during confinement of the queen.