Pest Control

Biotechnical Varroa Control Methods

The treatment of Varroa mites has become increasingly difficult due to its ability to become resistant to miticides. Biotechnical varroa control methods do not have this drawback, and therefore, will become more important in the toolbox of the apiarists. With the support of the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC and the Bee BC program, the Comox Valley Bee Club has developed information on the 4 main biotechnical Varroa control methods:

1. Drone Brood Removal Method (Split Drone Frame)

2. Varroa Trap Method (Metal Frame Cage, Self Made Frame Cage)

3. Artificial Brood Break Method (Queen Cage, Oxalic Acid/Trap Comb)

4. Complete Brood Removal Method (Replace brood combs with empty combs, Oxalic Acid/Trap Comb)

B.C. Ministry of Agriculture

Ministry of Agriculture website

If your bees have perished it’s a good idea to get them tested. This is a free service that can help you figure out why your bees died which might tell you what to do or not to do again and also if your equipment is safe for repopulating. Contact me if you would like me to do a Nosema test for you .

We prefer to receive a bee sample of at least 50 adult bees. To ship, dry the sample first in a paper bag, place in the freezer for a few days and then mail in a container where any excess space is filled with paper towels, toilet paper or any other moisture-absorbing material.

Ship this to

Paul van Westendorp
Provincial Apiculturist
BCMA
1767 Angus Campbell Rd
Abbotsford BC V3G 2M3

For more information about honey bee health please refer to the Ministry of Agriculture’s Disease and Pests Beekeeping Bulletins.