Varroa mites (*Varroa destructor*) are ectoparasitic mites that infest honey bees (Apis mellifera) and other bees of the family Apidae, including bumblebees, stingless bees, and orchid bees. They are only about 1/25 of an inch long, but they can cause serious problems for bee colonies.

How do Varroa mites hurt honey bees?

Varroa mites feed on the hemolymph (blood) of honey bees and weaken them. They also transmit viruses that can further damage bees and even cause colonies to collapse.

Where do Varroa mites come from?

Varroa mites likely evolved from a species that parasitizes the Asian honey bee (_Apis cerana_). Asian honey bees appear to be resistant to Varroa mites. However, Varroa destructor has a number of traits that allow it to reproduce and spread more quickly on _A. mellifera_ than on _A. cerana_ making Varroa destructor a far more dangerous pest for European honey bees.

It is believed that Varroa mites were introduced to Europe in the 1960s on infested Asian honey bees that were imported to Italy. Since then, Varroa mites have spread to nearly every part of the world where honey bees are found.

How do I know if my honey bees are infested with Varroa mites?

There are a few signs that your honey bees may be infested with Varroa mites. These include:

* Bee populations decline rapidly during the winter.

* Bees appear weakened and disoriented, and may have difficulty flying.

* Bees have deformed wings or bodies.

* Bee brood (eggs, larvae, and pupae) is spotted or patchy, and may not hatch or develop properly.

* Varroa mites or their eggs can be seen on bees, particularly between their abdominal segments.

How can I control Varroa mites?

There are a few ways to control Varroa mites, including:

* Chemical treatments: There are several chemical treatments available that can kill Varroa mites. However, these treatments can also be harmful to bees and the environment, and some mites are developing resistance to acaricides.

* Biological control: Some species of beetles, wasps, and parasitic mites prey on Varroa mites. These predators can help to control Varroa mite populations when they do not rely on chemical treatments to combat the mites.

* Cultural control: Cultural control methods include preventing Varroa mites from entering a beehive, and making it easier for bees to remove mites. Some of these methods include using screened bottom boards, sticky boards, and drone brood traps. Beekeepers can also split their hives to lower mite populations and help their colonies become more resilient to pests.

Varroa mites are a serious threat to honey bees, but there are a number of ways to control them. By working together, beekeepers can help to protect honey bees and ensure the future of beekeeping.