Focus On: Varroa Destructor

These two, 1-hour evening presentations (and accompanying Q&A sessions) will cover the history of the relationship between the parasitic mite Varroa destructor and the western honey bee Apis mellifera. We will discuss the basic biology of varroa mites, and the ways they can spread between colonies. Only then, once we understand our enemy, will we examine methods to monitor mite populations and kill mites in your bee colonies.

An important emphasis of the workshop will be the importance of having (and following!) a year-round mite management plan to keep your bees safe from this pernicious and devastating parasite.