Ontario Beekeepers Association, Technology Transfer Program

Beekeepers can use the Pettis test to determine whether the Varroa mites in their colonies have developed resistance to a chemical treatment. Once resistance has developed, the chemical will no longer be effective against Varroa mites. It's important that beekeepers use chemical treatments responsibly, in order to prevent resistant Varroa mites. Be sure to read and follow the label every…

This is the recording of the fourth and final virtual lecture in our "Understanding Varroa Mites" series! Title: Pest and Disease Resistant Behaviours in Honey Bees Description: A good IPM toolkit contains more than a single solution to pest and disease issues. In addition to chemical controls, cultural management techniques can also play a huge role in controlling incidence rates…

This is the recording of the third virtual lecture in our "Understanding Varroa Mites" series! A TRANSCRIPT OF THE Q&A PERIOD OF THIS LECTURE IS AVAILABLE HERE: https://www.ontariobee.com/sites/ontariobee.com/files/Understanding%20Varroa%20Mite%20Treatments%20Lecture%20-%20Q%20and%20A.docx.pdf Title: Varroa Mite Treatments: Procedures, Timing, Modes of Action Description: While they may not be the only tool a beekeeper has available to them, chemical treatments remain an important part of any…

This is the recording of the second virtual lecture in our "Understanding Varroa Mites" series! Title: Varroa Mite Population Dynamics and Monitoring: Know thy Enemy Description: Beekeeping in Canada changed dramatically with the introduction of Varroa destructor. Although we have learned a lot about the damage these mites cause, beekeepers are not always able to keep Varroa below damaging levels.…

This is the recording of the first virtual lecture in our "Understanding Varroa Mites" series! Title: Understanding the Impacts of Varroa Mite Parasitism Description: In order to fight Varroa mites, it's important to understand them. Beekeepers know that Varroa mites can devastate colonies. However, the mechanisms of this destruction can seem a little murky. This talk will provide a nuanced…