Semiochemical-Based Management Tactics for Varroa Mite

Beekeeping (honey, wax and pollination) is an industry valued at more than $10 billion annually in North America. In 2001, honey production from over 2.5 million colonies totaled 186 million pounds with a total value of $124 million. Parasitic mites are decimating both managed and feral populations of honeybees worldwide. Varroa mites are resistant to several synthetic acaricides and acaricide residues are potentially problematic in honey and wax products. Successful development of a push/pull mite control system using attractant and repellent semiochemicals will provide an effective alternative to pesticide based control measures for Varroa. Protecting honey bee stocks requires integrated and multi-pronged tactics. These tools will be crucial in the development of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach for colony management. As varroa is distributed globally, we anticipate an attractive export market in Europe, Latin America and Africa