- “...Varroa destructor will not be stopped by any active human manipulation. This is a wise arachnid. It inbreeds every generation. A generation is short- each bee brood cycle. Varroa breeds, mutates, and adapts much faster than the bees. High breeding rates give them a genetic answer to any treatment or manipulation (as do the bees themselves). Even formic acid, a very effective "organic" treatment, IS NOT WORKING by itself in many southern apiaires. Not all the mites are killed. The survivors exhibit behaviors they pass to their offspring. So sugar dusting and screen bottom boards promote varroa mites that hang on better. Drone brood removal favors feisty varroa that successfully reproduce on worker brood. However, a parasite that repeatedly kills its host will die with its host. Leaving a group of hives "alone" will allow the development of less aggressive mites and stronger bees.” Sam Comfort, Anarchy Apiaries
sep 30 2013 ∞
sep 30 2013 +