Varroa and Its Impact on Bees

A worker bee lives about 6 weeks during the active season, and up to 3 months if it is born before winter. This is assuming it has consumed a balanced diet (varied pollens), has not suffered from diseases or parasites, and has been raised and lives in a toxic-free environment. Any of these factors, if significant, can jeopardize the lifespan of bees. Varroa feeds on the fats of the bee. This depletes their body reserves, hinders the formation of certain hormones, decreases royal jelly production, etc. These disorders negatively affect the proper functioning of the colony.