The greatest enemy of the bee might not be a parasite, but the beekeeper himself
It’s a truth few are willing to admit: the most dangerous ally of Varroa destructor is often… the beekeeper. In striving for stronger colonies, higher honey yields, and more splits, many beekeepers adopt practices that unintentionally weaken bee immunity and create perfect conditions for parasite proliferation. The varroa exploits every gap in these methods.
Warm hives – breeding grounds for mites
One common mistake, especially in temperate climates, is keeping hives too warm in spring. Some beekeepers insulate or even heat their colonies to stimulate development. In doing so, they prolong the period of sealed brood, which is exactly when the varroa reproduces. The longer the sealed brood is present, the more time the mite has to multiply.
Spring feeding – a feast for varroa
Early-season feeding to stimulate egg laying is a widespread practice. However, it also stimulates rapid varroa reproduction, as the parasite breeds only inside sealed brood – the very thing that spring feeding encourages.
Anti-swarming techniques – against nature, but in favor of varroa
Swarming, though often seen as a nuisance or economic loss, is a natural defense mechanism against varroa. When a colony swarms, it leaves part of the sealed brood behind, thereby reducing parasite numbers. Anti-swarming practices (queen confinement, frame manipulation, frequent hive openings) interrupt this natural balance and may backfire.
Drone combs – welcome mats for parasites
Some beekeepers increase drone brood for mating or selection purposes. But varroa mites prefer drone brood up to ten times more than worker brood. Every additional drone frame effectively becomes an incubator for mites.
Overcrowded apiaries – ideal for parasite spread
High hive densities in one location make it easier for mites to spread between colonies, especially during robbing events or collapses. Even well-treated hives can be reinfested in days if surrounded by unmanaged ones.
Lack of pollen diversity – immunity under threat
Modern agricultural landscapes, dominated by monocultures, provide limited and nutritionally poor pollen sources. This weakens bee immunity and makes them more vulnerable to the viruses carried by varroa. Moving hives to sunflower fields may look productive, but diverse nutrition is essential for colony health.
Real change comes with a change in practice
Chemical treatments are still important, but the beekeeping strategy is the real key:
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Respect natural colony rhythms
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Avoid overstimulating brood
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Promote controlled splitting
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Use biotechnical methods (hyperthermia, queen isolation, drone brood removal)
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Reduce apiary density and monitor nearby colonies’ health
Bees must survive… us
Every beekeeper has their method, but parasites make no distinctions. Varroa thrives on our mistakes. So the question remains: Are we helping the bees, or unintentionally helping their enemy?
SOURCE: Beekeeping IV – Varroatolerance „Beekeeping and its Role in Countryside Ecology and Rural Development“
