Varroa destructor mites remain the single greatest biological threat to honey bee colonies today. These parasitic mites don’t just weaken individual bees by feeding on their fat bodies—they also transmit a suite of harmful viruses, including Deformed Wing Virus and Acute Bee Paralysis Virus, which can devastate colonies in weeks. No matter your climate, colony size, or level of experience, managing varroa is essential for healthy beekeeping.
This Beekeeping Today Podcast Shorts series offers a focused, 20-minute-or-less look at each major varroa treatment option available to U.S. beekeepers. Hosted by Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman with expert guidance from Dr. David Peck of Betterbee, each episode explores a single treatment, breaking down the product name, chemical classification, application methods, mode of action, pros, cons, and practical field considerations. Whether you’re looking to fine-tune your Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan or trying to understand a new product before using it, this series will become your go-to resource for informed and effective mite control. Start with Episode 1 for an overview of varroa biology, lifecycle, and testing, then jump into the treatment that fits your season and strategy.
BTP Shorts - Varroa Treatment Options: Introduction - Understanding Varroa and the Need for Treatment
In this kickoff episode of the BTP Shorts: Varroa Treatment Series, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman team up with Dr. David Peck of Betterbee to lay the foundation for what every beekeeper needs to know: why varroa mites are such a serious threat to honey bee colonies. David walks listeners through the varroa mite’s lifecycle, how they reproduce under brood caps, and why visual inspection alone isn’t enough to monitor infestations. The trio also covers key testing methods, including alcohol wash and sticky boards, and discusses how even low mite levels can spread devastating viruses. This short sets the stage for the rest of the series, giving listeners the context needed to make informed, seasonally timed treatment decisions.