Chelifers may control varroa

摘要

Varroa destructor is the most serious arthropod pest of honey bees (Meikle et al. 2012), destroying bee colonies not only in New Zealand, but also worldwide (Donovan & Paul 2006). Apiarists currently rely heavily on synthetic acaricides (Meikle et al.2012), but increasing resistance of varroa to these chemicals suggests their long-term use is unsustainable (Meikle et al. 2012). The development of non-chemical techniques to control varroa populations within hives could provide a valuable and sustainable alternative to current management practices.