Can varroa-resistant honey bees solve our Varroa problem

Can varroa-resistant honey bees solve our Varroa problem? Research and practice from Hawaii to Switzerland indicate that honey bees can learn to coexist with the Varroa mite. Understanding, observing, and promoting these natural mechanisms can lay the foundation for varroa-resistant bee colonies. The parasitic Varroa mite reached Switzerland in 1984, leading most beekeepers to rely on chemical acaricides to control mite populations in their hives. This trend has been similar across much of the Northern Hemisphere, establishing a standard practice. Beekeepers claiming to manage their colonies without Varroa treatments were often labeled as "bad" or "irresponsible," a sentiment prevalent in Europe and the USA. Consequently, many untreated beekeepers preferred to remain discreet in their practices. The Varroa mite continues to pose a significant challenge in beekeeping, yet there are numerous success stories globally of beekeepers who forgo treatments (Photo: Pixabay, xiSerge).