Case Study: Verroa Bee Mite

The verroa bee mite is threatening the honeybee populations of New Zealand, Scotland, and parts of the United States. Transported through illegal smuggling of live bees and beehives, the mite is far outside its native Asian range and the New Zealand press has blamed the United States for its introduction. The mite infects honeybees and interferes with honey production. Decreased honeybee populations have caused concern for beekeepers as well as nature enthusiasts, as the bees’ pollination is necessary for the survival of many wildflower species.

Infestations have become so widespread in New Zealand that the government has decided not to try to eradicate the mite but will instead introduce a management regime to deal with its effects. Eradication was given only a 10 percent chance of success and would require the destruction of hives. Under the new management regime, beekeepers will be forced to alter their management of hives, using pesticides to control the mite. There will likely be a shortage of insect pollinators in the medium term until the mite problem has been brought under control. The total cost to New Zealand is estimated at $400 to $900 million, and the infestation has prompted a higher level of biosecurity and surveillance within the country.

The EPA recently registered a new reduced-risk miticide that aids in the suppression of verroa mites. The mites themselves are difficult to detect, however, and beekeepers must check their hives with specialized screens, which means that the mites are often discovered too late or go undetected. In Scotland, beekeepers are facing restrictions on the movement of live bees and hives in an effort to control infestations.

Miticides are somewhat successful in controlling mite populations, but serious concerns have been raised about the effects of these chemicals on honey. Research is now being conducted on the use of "essential oils," which are mixed with sugar solutions and fed to honeybee colonies. Oils such as spearmint and wintergreen oil seem to establish clear zones and prevent mite infestations. Use of these natural deterrents has no effect on honey.

Related Links:
-- ^{http://people.netcom.co.uk/m.turner/verroa.html
-- http://www.gsenet.org/library/02agr/hnybeemt.txt
-- http://www.theherald.co.uk/business/archive/7-9-1998-22-32-12.html}