Search results: varroa (295)
Varroa resistance
28.12.2026
It has become clear that honey bees can develop several strategies to reduce infestation by Varroa. This has been demonstrated both in untreated wild colonies and in selected colonies (such as bees exhibiting the VSH behaviour of the USDA in Bâton-Rouge). Resistance strategies can be classified into two types: those associated with the brood and those associated with the period during which Varroa is present on adult bees.
1. Brood-associated strategy – VSH The removal of infested brood, known as VSH behaviour (for Varroa sensitive hygiene), is a very effective...Details
Development and Population Dynamics of Bees and Varroa Mites Throughout the Year
31.12.2026
Throughout the year, the bee colony is constantly changing: it grows, reaches its peak, and then gradually prepares for winter. At the same time, Varroa destructor follows its own dynamic, often less visible but crucial to the health of the hive. Understanding these two processes helps us better understand what is happening in the apiary and why certain times of the year are particularly critical. This article provides a clear overview of the possible trajectories throughout the season.
this last phase that determines the colony's capacity to survive the following winter. Varroa destructor is directly embedded in this dynamic....Details
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Brood interruption: control of Varroa mites
29.12.2026
The developmental cycles of Varroa destructor and the honey bee are closely linked. Since the emergence of the varroa mite in Europe in the early 1980s, numerous chemical treatments have been recommended and applied to control varroosis. Residues of synthetic chemicals and persistent compounds have accumulated in beeswax over the years, contributing to the selection of varroa populations with increased resistance. It is therefore possible to manage varroa populations by intervening in the bee’s developmental cycle. Caging the queen to obtain a brood-free colony is an example of an interesting biotechnical method for controlling varroosis.
1. Summary of a European Study Most colony losses due to Varroa occur in autumn or winter, as a result of high varroa infestation levels and...Details
The saliva of the Varroa mite and its effects on the honey bee
28.12.2026
In 2019, it came as a surprise to learn that the Varroa mite does not feed on the bees’ haemolymph but pierces their cuticle in order to ingest the so-called fat body (► see article).
Research is progressing very rapidly, and today it is known that the saliva of the adult Varroa mite allows it to keep the opening it has pierced through the membrane of the nymph or the imago wide open, in order to liquefy and then suck up the fat body. A salivary enzyme (chitinase) appears to reduce the bee’s immune defences and to play an important role in the survival of the Varroa mite … it is therefore natural to envisage blocking this enzyme as a future strategy in the fight against this deadly parasite …
As is well known, the female Varroa mite feeds during its reproductive phase on the internal fluids of bees undergoing nymphosis. To do so, it...Details
Varroa does not feed on blood
28.12.2026
Varroa is known to suck the haemolymph of bees. Well known, but apparently (largely) incorrect.
Researchers in the United States were intrigued by the magnitude of varroa’s impact on bee health in relation to the relatively small amount of haemolymph it extracts. Since insect haemolymph is comparatively poorer in nutrients than mammalian blood, they questioned how the parasite could develop on such a resource.
in the saliva would allow pre-digestion of the tissues before absorption. The composition of varroa excreta shows that its diet is particularly...Details
Lithium chloride: an active substance against varroa?
28.12.2026
The Institute of Apicultural Research at the University of Hohenheim has discovered an active substance against varroa: lithium chloride.
This is very good news, although the active substance—before being placed on the market as a medicinal product for bees—must of course undergo further testing to determine the optimal dosage and to rule out side effects for bees and users as well as the risk of residues. It will therefore still take some time before varroa control can be optimised.
have recently published a study on the effectiveness of lithium in the treatment against Varroa destructor. It appears that incorporating lithium...Details
Varroa mite infestation affects thermoregulation in honey bee colonies
28.12.2026
Impact of varroa infestation on thermoregulation in honey bee colonies: new findings indicate that varroa mites reduce bees’ ability to effectively regulate their body temperature, making them more vulnerable to cold temperatures.
relationship between the abiotic stress factor “cold exposure” and the biotic stress factor “varroa infestation” – both identified as...Details
The fascinating secrets of waste analysis
31.12.2026
Too often, the drawer is used solely to detect the presence, more or less abundant, of natural debris from dead varroa mites. Yet the drawer is a mirror of the life of the colony just above it… If the beekeeper takes the time to examine it regularly, the observed elements, waste, fragments, and other residues provide valuable information about colony dynamics and health. Examination of the drawer must always be correlated with the beekeeping calendar: the interpretation of a drawer inspected in summer will be very different from that of the same drawer opened at Christmas.
to confirm that all is well inside the hive… We are therefore left with examination of the varroa monitoring board. This removable device,...Details
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Practical Guide: 1.6.6 Infestation-oriented Varroa treatment
05.06.2026
Infestation-oriented Varroa treatment (July to September) deviates, according to official Practical Guide 1.6.6, from the Varroa concept 1.1 and is intended for beekeepers who wish to treat only when necessary. It requires monthly, careful assessment of natural mite fall and individual evaluation of each colony. The following summary is based exclusively on the official Practical Guide (BGD/SSA).
Practical Guide (BGD / SSA) – Summary Practical Guide: 1.6.6 Infestation-oriented Varroa treatment (V 2601) Objective: Reduction in...Details
Varroa, king of cuticular mimicry
28.12.2026
The adaptive strategies of imitation make mimicry a model of a complex coevolutionary mechanism involving a first species acting as a model (e.g. Apis cerana) and a second, imitating species (e.g. Varroa destructor), very often parasitic. Varroa destructor, a parasitic mite of bees, has the ability to mimic the chemical composition of its host’s cuticle; moreover, it is also capable of modifying this composition according to the species it parasitizes.
laboratory of INRA, in collaboration with American and Chinese colleagues, have demonstrated that Varroa destructor, a parasitic mite of bees...Details
Bees that are “resistant” to Varroa destructor
28.12.2026
Researchers have observed that on the island of Gotland in Sweden, honey bee colonies that were abandoned and left untreated for ten years led to the emergence and selection of spontaneously varroa-resistant strains. Subsequently, several other naturally resistant colonies were discovered in other parts of the world. This article presents the state of the literature on the three phenomena influencing resistance behaviours of the honey bee in response to the varroa mite.
Compliance with recommended Varroa treatments improves winter survival This field study assesses how adherence to recommended Varroa destructor...Details
Varroa control: summer brood interruption
28.12.2026
The ITSAP (http://blog-itsap.fr/) participated in a European trial on the brood interruption technique in varroa control, which aimed to quantify efficacy, the impact on colony development, and the practicality of different approaches, whether combined or not with the use of oxalic acid. Here is a summary of the results and discussion of the scientific article (Büchler et al.) published this year in the Journal of Apicultural Research.
of egg laying and removal of brood during the season aim to disrupt the reproductive cycle of varroa or to remove part of its population while...Details
VSH or SMR: the traits of resistance to Varroa finally explained
28.12.2026
Varroa destructor is currently considered the greatest threat to the survival of the honey bee (Rosenkranz et al. 2010). In addition to causing direct damage to bees through repeated consumption of their fat bodies and suppression of their immune system (Ramsey et al. 2019; Yang and Cox-Foster 2007), varroa mites also indirectly affect bees by transmitting several pathogens, notably the deformed wing virus (Boecking and Genersch 2008).
In response to the pressures caused by Varroa, several acaricidal treatments (i.e. synthetic or organic products used to kill mites) have been developed...Details
Characteristics of varroa vision
02.01.2026
Like other arthropods, the vision of the varroa mite is similar to that of the honey bee with regard to the colour spectrum (ultraviolet).
The vision of the varroa mite is similar to that of humans with regard to the perception of the colour red.
Is completely absent.
The achromatopsic vision of the varroa mite allows it to distinguish only between black and white.
View answer Correct answer: no. 3 Although completely blind, the varroa mite has developed remarkable abilities to parasitize first...Details
Practical Guide: 1. Control of varroa
30.06.2026
Our bee populations are not able to defend themselves against varroa on their own. They therefore rely on you, beekeepers, to help them. To this end, the varroa management concept developed by the Swiss Bee Health Service (SBHS) can be a valuable aid. All aide-memoires available at: www.ApiService.ch
Official Practical Guide – Summary Practical Guide 1.1 : Varroa Treatment Concept Basic principle: The varroa concept is based on year-round...Details
Integrated varroa control throughout the seasons
28.12.2026
As will be clear, effective control of varroa relies on anticipation rather than on reaction alone. The objective is to keep infestation levels low throughout the season in order to preserve the colony and prevent a high parasitic and viral load. Particular emphasis is placed on protecting the winter bees so as to ensure that the colony can restart under the best possible conditions. Above all, the strategy must be adapted to the season in progress. Each year is unique, and climatic variations require increasing adaptability in order to keep varroa under control.
live on average 200 days or more (compared with one to two months for summer bees). Integrated Varroa control throughout the season – key...Details
Varroa explained by Dr. Joseph Létondal
28.12.2026
Varroa destructor, a killing machine!
The many scientific articles available to beekeepers provide valuable insight into the physiology of honey bees, drones and, of course, Varroa destructor. What is crucial, however, is to understand the dynamic relationships between these different actors within the colony over time—that is, the combined pathophysiology of these three populations throughout the season.
The curves presented in his diagrams highlight the temporal mismatches between brood dynamics, varroa population growth and colony collapse. They...Details
The recommended treatment regimen against Varroa increases colony survival
28.12.2026
Adherence to recommended treatment regimens against Varroa destructor improves the winter survival of honey bee colonies. Key findings:
Compliance of beekeepers with recommended control measures against the mite Varroa destructor was assessed.
Mite infestation levels and honey bee colony mortality were measured to evaluate the impact of compliance.
Non-compliance resulted in higher mite infestation rates and increased colony mortality.
A colony had up to a 25-fold higher risk of death when it was not treated as recommended.
Communicating the impact of deviations from recommendations improves compliance.
Abstract The ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor negatively affects the health and survival of honey bee colonies, thereby requiring beekeepers...Details
Apiary management: Operating concept
29.12.2026
Planning the beekeeping season makes it possible to prepare optimally for upcoming activities with our bees. Thanks to the operating concept developed by apiservice, this is easy to implement for all beekeepers. It is an indispensable tool for effective apiary management. The operating concept can be personalised and allows for a clear visualisation of beekeeping activities and the planning of the appropriate work.
► Personal operating concept
elatior) Health inspection Destroy weak colonies by sulphuring Varroa monitoring: emergency treatment if necessary...Details
Varroa destructor
28.12.2026
The parasite capable of chemically mimicking two bee species
Researchers from the Institute for Research on Insect Biology (CNRS/Université François Rabelais de Tours) and the “Bees and Environment” laboratory of Inra, in collaboration with American and Chinese colleagues(1), have shown that Varroa destructor, a parasitic mite of bees that is able to imitate the chemical composition of the cuticle(2) of its host, can also modify this composition depending on the species it parasitises. This remarkable adaptive capacity could explain how this parasite of the Asian honey bee was able to colonise the European honey bee during the 20th century, thereby contributing to the decline of the species. These findings were published on 3 June 2015 in the journal Biology Letters.
The mite Varroa destructor is an ectoparasite(3) of the honey bee that causes numerous health problems in colonies. It enters brood cells containing...Details
Altruistic suicide against Varroa
28.12.2026
The parasitic mite is decimating beehives. Biologist Paul Page has shown that an Asian forager has found a countermeasure through a system of “altruistic suicide.” A model that its European cousin could follow?
It runs, it runs, the varroa. It even flies. This mite, from the same family as ticks, actually moves on adult worker bees, clinging to their necks...Details
Das empfohlene Behandlungsschema gegen Varroa erhöht die Überlebensrate der Bienenvölker
Die Einhaltung der empfohlenen Behandlungsschemata gegen Varroa destructor verbessert die Überlebensrate von Honigbienenvölkern während des Winters. Zentrale Ergebnisse: Die Übereinstimmung der Imkerinnen und Imker mit den empfohlenen Maßnahmen zur Bekämpfung der Milbe Varroa destructor wurde überprüft. Der Befallsgrad sowie die Mortalität der Honigbienenvölker wurden gemessen, um den Einfluss der Einhaltung der Empfehlungen zu bewerten. Nichteinhaltung führte zu höheren Milbenbefallsraten und zu erhöhter Völkermortalität. Ein Volk hatte ein bis zu 25-fach erhöhtes Sterberisiko, wenn es nicht gemäß den Empfehlungen behandelt wurde. Die Kommunikation der Auswirkungen von Abweichungen von den Empfehlungen verbessert die Therapietreue. Details
Practical Guide: 1.6.5 Varroa treatment in mating nuclei
06.06.2026
Varroa treatment in mating nuclei places specific demands, as these units usually consist of small bee populations with a particular function. An adapted approach is required to ensure treatment effectiveness while avoiding risks to queens and brood. The following notes are based on the official Practical Guide 1.6.5 of the Swiss Bee Health Service.
Official Practical Guide – Summary Practical Guide: 1.6.5 Varroa treatment in mating nuclei Principle: Mating nuclei and queen-rearing...Details
Practical Guide: 1.7.2. Emergency treatment against Varroa mites (Swiss hives)
03.06.2026
Emergency varroa treatment in Swiss hives is a measure intended for colonies that are too heavily infested, in order to sanitize them within one day. Official Practical Guide 1.7.2 of the SSA / BGD describes a technique corresponding to the artificial swarm with queen method, with rehousing of the colony on frames with foundation. The document links the intervention to the natural mite drop, to treatment on a colony without capped brood, and to the complete renewal of all frames.
Official Practical Guide (BGD / SSA) – Summary Practical Guide: 1.7.2 Emergency varroa treatment (Swiss hives) (V 2402) Objective:...Details
Varroa: Brood interruption
28.12.2026
Biotechnical control methods are increasingly being promoted in the fight against varroosis. Among these, techniques that induce significant interruptions in brood development are often discussed. However, such methods are still rarely used by beekeepers, except on an experimental basis. This article analyses the relevance of brood interruption and the different techniques derived from it.
Brood interruption as a tool against Varroa – principles and practical application Brood interruption is a biotechnical method for controlling...Details
How do varroa mites harm honey bee colonies?
02.01.2026
By transmitting viruses
By increasing the bees’ susceptibility to diseases
By destroying the colonies’ food reserves
By reducing the lifespan of worker bees
By decreasing the quality of the food produced by nurse bees
By causing varroosis, which gradually weakens the colonies
View answer Correct answers: 1–2–4–5–6 The action of the varroa mite has numerous consequences for honey bees. Injury: To feed...Details
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June at the apiary
24.11.2026
In June, the apiary remains highly active, but the logic of the season is already beginning to shift. Between nectar flows, lack of space, swarming, colony splitting, transhumance, and Varroa monitoring, the beekeeper must both manage still very strong colonies and prepare for the rest of the summer. This article outlines the main issues and tasks for the month of June in a way that is suited to the realities of beekeeping in Switzerland.
problems. The first favours swarming; the second dulls health vigilance — particularly regarding varroa, whose population grows rapidly precisely...Details
Do Varroa mites communicate with each other?
02.01.2026
No, they live solitarily both on bees and in the brood.
Yes, by high-frequency vibrations they detect their conspecifics.
Yes, through the release of pheromones.
Yes, through changes in the coloration of their cuticle, with immature stages being whitish and adults reddish-brown.
View the answer Correct answer: 3 Varroa destructor is not only capable of mimicking the chemical composition of its host’s cuticle...Details
Drone brood frame
28.12.2026
Some acaricides used in alternative control strategies against Varroa, such as formic acid or essential oils, do not always provide sufficient efficacy. As complementary measures, we recommend the removal of drone brood or the establishment of young colonies in spring. These interventions aim to slow the development of Varroa populations and thereby reduce infestation pressure. They have the advantage of being applicable during the main beekeeping season, whereas the use of chemotherapy would entail significant risks of contaminating honey harvests.
Removal of capped drone brood: an effective biotechnical method to reduce Varroa infestation The removal of capped drone brood exploits the...Details
Practical Guide: 1.6.4 Total brood removal
07.06.2026
Total brood removal is a biotechnical measure for reducing Varroa infestation without the direct use of varroacides. The procedure deliberately intervenes in the brood cycle and requires stable, high-performing colonies. The following notes are based exclusively on the official Practical Guide 1.6.4 of the Swiss Bee Health Service.
consists of removing all brood frames from a production colony in order to significantly reduce Varroa infestation. Objective: Biotechnical...Details
Ants in the apiary: a mere nuisance, a diagnostic bias, or a real problem?
30.12.2026
In Switzerland, ants are commonly found in or on beehives, but they are not generally considered a major pest of healthy colonies. This does not mean they are insignificant: they can exploit available resources, disrupt already weakened colonies, skew interpretations of natural varroa mite mortality, and play a role in the ecology of pathogens around the apiary.
bias ants can introduce when interpreting the natural mite drop: by removing fallen mites from the varroa floor insert, they can lead to an underestimation...Details
2.8 Varroosis
22.05.2026
Varroa mites are the main parasitic disease affecting honey bees and, without rigorous control measures, pose a major threat to the survival of colonies. They are caused by the Varroa mite and weaken both the brood and adult bees. The following information is based on the official checklist 2.8 of the Swiss Bee Health Service.
Guide: 2.8 Varroosis Description: Varroosis is a parasitic disease caused by the Varroa mite, which reproduces in the brood and attaches...Details
Practical Guide: 1.6.1 Brood interruption
11.06.2026
A brood interruption is a deliberate suspension of brood production in honey bee colonies, used as a measure in Varroa management (e.g. for Varroa reduction or preparation for treatments). The following summary is based on the official Practical Guide 1.6.1 of the Swiss Bee Health Service. Brood interruption Purpose: A controlled interruption of brood rearing is used to remove Varroa mites from the brood nest (they move onto...Details
Practical Guide: 1.6.2 Trapping comb method
09.06.2026
Das Bannwabenverfahren ist eine biotechnische Methode zur Varroabekämpfung, bei der die Eiablage der Königin gezielt auf bestimmte Brutwaben gelenkt wird. Dadurch kann die Brut und damit ein grosser Teil der Varroamilben kontrolliert entfernt werden. Die folgenden Hinweise basieren auf dem offiziellen Merkblatt 1.6.2 des Schweizerischen Bienengesundheitsdienstes.
confined for a limited period to one or more defined brood frames. Objective: Reduction of the Varroa infestation level through targeted removal...Details
How long can the varroa mite survive without feeding?
02.01.2026
1. Less than 48 hours
2. Up to 5 days
3. About 2 weeks
4. Up to 1 year
the answer Correct answer no. 2: In the absence of any feeding opportunity, the varroa mite dies after about 5 days. Unlike adult or fertilised...Details
July at the apiary
23.11.2026
July is a pivotal month at the apiary. Between harvesting, the first summer treatment, establishing new colonies, and gradually preparing for winter, beekeepers must already be thinking well beyond this season’s honey. This month therefore calls for calm, well-organized decisions that are directly tied to the health of the colonies for fall and winter.
logic to a decision logic: setting the harvest date, preparing the honey house, monitoring varroa infestation, applying the first summer treatment,...Details
Practical Guide: 1.2 Overview of summer treatment methods
29.06.2026
Le traitement estival contre le varroa constitue un élément essentiel du concept de lutte contre le varroa. Il vise à réduire efficacement l’infestation après la récolte du miel afin de protéger l’élevage des abeilles d’hiver. L’aide-mémoire donne une vue d’ensemble des méthodes autorisées et de leurs conditions d’application. Les informations suivantes sont basées sur l’aide-mémoire officiel 1.2 du Service sanitaire apicole suisse.
1.2 Overview of Summer Treatment Methods Objective: Overview of the approved methods for varroa treatment in summer. Principle: ...Details
Practical Guide: 1.4.1 Drone Brood Removal
19.06.2026
Targeted drone brood removal is a practical measure for reducing the varroa population. It uses the different brood characteristics of drones to remove mites from the brood nest and interrupt their reproductive cycle. The following summary is based on the official Practical Guide 1.4.1 of the Swiss Bee Health Service. Guide (BGD / SSA) – Summary Practical Guide: 1.4.1 Drone Brood Removal Mode of action: Varroa mites preferentially infest male brood...Details
Practical Guide: 1.6.3 Hyperthermia
08.06.2026
Hyperthermia is a biotechnical method for reducing Varroa infestation in which brood is deliberately heated to kill mites. It exploits the differing temperature sensitivity of honey bee brood and Varroa mites. The following notes are based on the official Practical Guide 1.6.3 of the Swiss Bee Health Service. hyperthermia, capped brood is exposed for a defined period to an elevated temperature that damages Varroa mites but not the brood. Objective:...Details
Removal of drone brood
29.12.2026
The economic benefit for beekeeping operations of removing drone brood as a complementary measure
to control varroa
Since the first article, we have received a large number of requests for clarification regarding the practical implementation
in the hive, followed by many very positive comments on the effects of this “mechanical treatment,” which poses no risk to bees or the queen. After recalling the context of the study and the way it was conducted, we now present the complete results over a two-year period.
Drone brood removal as a Varroa control strategy – biological and economic benefits This study evaluates the systematic removal of drone brood...Details
Observations at the hive entrance
31.12.2026
A bee colony requires tranquillity throughout the beekeeping season, and probably even more so during the winter months. If an overly curious beekeeper opens the hive indiscriminately, the constantly disturbed colony becomes stressed. The behaviour of this superorganism changes: energy consumption increases, the reserves of its valuable fat body are depleted, immune defences against varroa and the viruses it transmits are inhibited, the development of the worker population and brood slows down, and the colony ultimately collapses into a vicious downward spiral (► Infernal cascade: Chronicle of a foretold death).
on foundation frames (► Practical Guide Emergency treatment 1.7.1. and 1.7.2. at www.abeilles.ch/varroa). In cases of heavy infestation, destroying...Details
October at the apiary
20.11.2026
October, the month of winter preparation
Autumn is the period of active preparation for wintering, both on the part of the bees and of the beekeeper, who is concerned about the well-being of the colonies.
A first treatment was carried out after the harvest, in the absence of honey supers, using formic acid or strips. A second treatment was administered at the beginning of September. Varroa drop was counted and does not exceed 1 per day. The objective is to overwinter colonies with fewer than 50 varroa mites per hive.
against cold and moisture. The inner covers are fitted with insulation, and if there is no varroa floor, the hive is slightly tilted forward to...Details
Creation of nuclei and queen rearing
28.12.2026
In nature, bees rear queens in spring during swarming in order to multiply colonies. They also rear queens in other situations, for example when the queen no longer performs satisfactorily after several years of egg-laying, or when the queen is accidentally lost. In these particular cases, queen rearing is not associated with swarming.
parent colony. Mite-free colony thanks to treatment during the broodless period. Reduction of varroa infestation in the parent colony ...Details
Practical Guide: 1.5.2 Powdered Sugar Method
12.06.2026
The powdered sugar method is a non-destructive diagnostic technique for estimating varroa mite infestation in honey bees. It provides an estimate of the mite load by dislodging mites from the bees’ bodies using powdered sugar, allowing them to be counted. The following summary is based on the official Practical Guide 1.5.2 of the Swiss Bee Health Service. Guide: 1.5.2 Powdered Sugar Method Purpose: Non-harmful determination of varroa mite infestation (“monitoring”), not a therapeutic treatment...Details
Practical Guide: 1.5.3 Wash Method
12.06.2026
The wash method (also referred to as the “wash tower”/“washing procedure”) is used to wet bees with a liquid in order to dislodge and quantify Varroa mites from brood chambers and from the bodies of the bees. It is used for diagnostic purposes and does not replace treatment. The following summary is based on the official Practical Guide 1.5.3 of the Swiss Bee Health Service. – Summary Practical Guide: 1.5.3 Wash Method Purpose: Quantitative assessment of the Varroa mite infestation level in bees by controlled...Details
Practical Guide: 1.4. Overview of methods for establishing young colonies
20.06.2026
The creation of nucleus colonies, alongside drone brood removal, is a central biotechnical measure to slow the development of varroa. Practical Guide 1.4 compares the methods described by the Swiss Bee Health Service (1.4.2–1.4.7) and supports decision-making. The basis is the official Practical Guide 1.4 “Overview of Methods for Nucleus Colony Formation” (V 2511).
by the BGD (Practical Guides 1.4.2–1.4.7) and facilitation of decision-making. Basis regarding varroa development: “In spring, up to 80%...Details
10 rules for good beekeeping practice
29.12.2026
There is no single correct beekeeping practice. However, there are rules based on common sense and on the experience of seasoned or professional beekeepers. While the queen is indeed the driving force of the colony, hive cleanliness, control of varroa mites, swarm-prevention strategies, the location of the apiary, and winter preparation are equally important for the healthy development of the colony with a view to achieving a good honey harvest.
“average” queen in a strong colony outperforms an “excellent” queen in a weak colony. 3 Varroa control The beekeeper selects lineages...Details
The Honey Bee Genome
28.12.2026
The honey bee is the fifth insect and the first hymenopteran whose genome has been fully sequenced. The DNA analysis was based on males originating from a single queen obtained from the Bee Weaver apiaries in Texas. Since the project began, approximately 14 million individual reads were required to reconstruct the 236 million base pairs that constitute the nearly complete honey bee genome.
larva. This behaviour is described as highly effective against chalkbrood, American foulbrood, and varroa. The article specifies that this...Details
What wild colonies teach us
28.12.2026
Varroosis promotes drifting, a mechanism explained by the fact that bees from heavily infested colonies lose the specificity of their cuticular chemical profile as well as the accuracy of their orientation. What can we learn from wild colonies?
What wild honey bee colonies teach us about Varroa and colony management This article examines why some wild and feral honey bee colonies can...Details
Threats to our bees
28.12.2026
Bees play an essential role in our ecosystem because of their primary function, pollination. This activity enables plants to reproduce. Alongside wasps and butterflies, bees are among the most efficient pollinating insects. However, they remain a species that is severely threatened by various factors.
The Varroa parasite Varroa destructor is a parasite that affects bees and causes disease. This mite resembles a louse in appearance and attaches...Details
Does selection in beekeeping allow for heritability?
28.12.2026
Matthieu Guichard (Agroscope, Swiss Bee Research Centre, Bern) conducted a long-term study between 2010 and 2018 on approximately 1000 Carnica honey bee colonies and approximately 1000 Mellifera honey bee colonies, aiming to determine the heritability of various traits: honey yield, gentleness, comb adherence, swarming tendency, hygienic behaviour, and Varroa infestation.
and honey yield. Swarming does not appear to be a trait that can be modulated by selection. Varroa infestation also does not seem to be improvable,...Details
Practical Guide: 1.3.2 Dribble Treatment
22.06.2026
Dribble treatment with oxalic acid is an established method in Switzerland for winter varroa control. Broodless colonies (or colonies with only open brood), correct preparation of the solution, and strict protective measures are essential, as oxalic acid is strongly irritating and harmful to health. The summary below is based exclusively on the official practical guide (BGD/SSA) and refers to the complete instructions/package leaflet. gloves and protective goggles; syringe with ml scale (possibly with rubber tube); grid-protected varroa bottom insert (for counting winter treatment...Details
May in the apiary
25.11.2026
May is an intense period in the apiary. Colonies gain strength quickly, honey supers need to be added at the right time, swarming pressure often increases, and sound colony health management remains essential. Depending on the region, altitude, and weather, this month may already allow for a first spring honey harvest.
thus a month of active colony management. Space must be managed, swarming prevented, biotechnical varroa control measures continued, the strength...Details
Practical Guide: 1.2.2 Nassenheider Evaporator
27.06.2026
The Nassenheider evaporator is an approved system for the controlled application of formic acid in varroa control. Correct handling as well as consideration of temperature, dosage, and safety measures are essential for the efficacy and tolerability of the treatment. The following information is based on the official Practical Guide 1.2.2 of the Swiss Bee Health Service. the release of formic acid in honey bee colonies over a defined period. Objective: Reduction of varroa infestation through uniform evaporation...Details
Practical Guide: 1.3.3 Vaporisation/Sublimation of Oxalic Acid
21.06.2026
Vaporisation/sublimation of oxalic acid is a winter treatment recommended in Switzerland against varroa, provided that colonies are broodless or contain only open brood. Vaporisation is carried out using a dedicated sublimator/vaporiser device; correct application is essential for both efficacy and safety. The following summary is based exclusively on the official Practical Guide 1.3.3 (V 2511) of the SSA / BGD. mask (FFP3), stopwatch (for devices without timer), bottom board insert, grid-protected varroa insert, material to seal the entrance, container...Details
Practical Guide: 1.5.1 Measuring Natural Mite Fall
13.06.2026
Measuring the natural mite fall is a simple method for assessing varroa infestation without treatment intervention. It provides orientation on the infestation level and supports decision-making regarding further measures. The following information is based on the official Practical Guide 1.5.1 of the Swiss Bee Health Service. – Summary Practical Guide: 1.5.1 Measuring Natural Mite Fall Objective: Assessment of varroa infestation based on naturally fallen mites...Details
These bees that live freely
28.12.2026
Although they are few in number, wild or feral colonies of A. mellifera mellifera do indeed exist in nature and are resistant to Varroa due to their small size, their tendency to swarm, the low density of the habitat, and probably through natural selection. Studies also show that these strains of black bees are pure, without hybridization. Consequently, researchers argue for the development of a conservation policy for these bee populations, because they constitute a wild taxon that is probably in decline, but also an interesting genetic reservoir from a beekeeping perspective.
similar to managed bees and capable of interbreeding. Contrary to the widespread belief that Varroa destructor has eliminated wild colonies, recent...Details
March in the apiary
28.11.2026
In March, the apiary comes back to life: the queen gradually increases her egg-laying, foragers fly as soon as temperatures allow, and food consumption rises to support brood development. This is a pivotal period in which the beekeeper must observe each colony calmly, as a lack of resources or an undetected disease can compromise recovery after winter.
beekeeping equipment Rehousing for hygiene purposes Wax contamination 6) Varroa monitoring and disease prevention ...Details
Practical Guide: 1.2.5 Formic acid strips (Formicpro®)
24.06.2026
Treatment with formic acid strips (Formicpro®) is an approved method for controlling the varroa mite during the brood-rearing phase of the honey bee colony. It enables controlled release of the active substance over a defined period. The following information is based on the official Practical Guide 1.2.5 of the Swiss Bee Health Service.
(Formicpro®) Principle: Formicpro® are strips impregnated with formic acid, used for varroa control in brood-rearing colonies. Objective:...Details
Practical Guide: 1.2.3 FAM Dispenser
26.06.2026
The FAM dispenser is an approved device for the treatment of honey bee colonies with formic acid and is primarily used for varroa control. Correct application is essential, as formic acid is highly corrosive and improper handling poses risks to both humans and bees. The following information is based on the official Practical Guide 1.2.3 of the Swiss Bee Health Service.
The FAM dispenser enables the controlled evaporation of formic acid to reduce varroa infestation in brood-rearing colonies. Field of application:...Details
Everything about swarming
31.12.2026
Nature ensures colony multiplication through natural swarming, but the beekeeper desires colonies that develop well and become strong without swarming. A colony in the swarming impulse no longer engages in comb-building activity and collects little nectar. Swarms are frequently lost, particularly for the beekeeper located far from their apiary. Moreover, a parent colony that has swarmed requires special attention and care. What can the beekeeper do?
by human-induced poisoning, for example through non-compliant use of agricultural pesticides or varroacides. The beekeeper...Details
Beehive insulation put to the test of collective thermoregulation in honeybees
30.12.2026
The insulation of beehives during winter has long been the subject of debate within the beekeeping community. While some studies emphasize its beneficial effects on reducing energy consumption and improving colony survival (St. Clair et al., 2022; Alburaki & Corona, 2021), others highlight its limitations and potential side effects, particularly when it disrupts the natural thermoregulation mechanisms of the superorganism (Mitchell, 2023; Minaud et al., 2024).
et al. (2021) point out that seasonal temperature increases reinforce the proliferation of Varroa destructor, further complicating thermal management...Details
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Beekeeping and the law in Switzerland – What beekeepers really need to know
30.12.2026
Beekeeping in Switzerland is not regulated by a single law, but is subject to several areas of law, in particular animal disease law and—in the case of honey sales—food law, as well as other regulations such as animal welfare or building and environmental law. This article presents the core obligations under federal law in a practical and legally precise manner and clarifies questions regarding registration, documentation, disease outbreaks, and sales. A concluding checklist enables systematic self-assessment of legal compliance.
foundation of beekeeping – irrespective of whether honey is marketed or not. 2. Varroa – A special case in law ...Details
Practical Guide: 1.2.1 Liebig dispenser
28.06.2026
Summer treatment is a central component of varroa control in Switzerland. The Liebig dispenser is a widely used method for the application of formic acid (Formivar) and requires correct handling to ensure both efficacy and tolerability. The summary below is based exclusively on the official practical guide (BGD/SSA) and refers to the complete instructions.
1.2.5 Formic acid strips (Formicpro®) Apiary management: operational concept The recommended varroa treatment concept increases colony survival...Details
Practical Guide: 1.3.1 Spray Treatment
23.06.2026
Spray treatment is a biotechnical method for varroa control, primarily applied to broodless or nearly broodless honey bee colonies. It is based on the direct wetting of the bees with an approved solution and requires precise and careful handling. The following information is based on the official Practical Guide 1.3.1 of the Swiss Bee Health Service. Guide: 1.3.1 Spray Treatment Principle: Spray treatment serves the direct control of the varroa mite by spraying the bees sitting on the combs...Details
Practical Guide: 1.4.2 Artificial Swarm
18.06.2026
The artificial swarm is a beekeeping method for establishing new colonies in which bees are deliberately taken from existing colonies and reassembled. It serves, among other purposes, colony multiplication, rehabilitation of affected colonies, and reduction of varroa. The following information is based on the official Practical Guide 1.4.2 of the Swiss Bee Health Service.
of new colonies. Interruption of the brood cycle to reduce varroa pressure. Rehabilitation of colonies with health problems. Prerequisites...Details
The 10 mistakes to avoid in beekeeping
29.12.2026
Numerous articles available on the internet provide valuable advice on how to manage our bee colonies. It can sometimes be useful to return to more basic notions, grounded in common sense. The “ten mistakes to avoid” are intended as a way to spark the curiosity of beginner beekeepers or to encourage reflection among more experienced colleagues.
Fortunately, there are not only ten mistakes to avoid… otherwise beekeeping would be tedious or even wearisome!
intervention is not carried out on time, it may become useless. For example, if an urgent Varroa treatment is delayed, the colony may fail to...Details
Bee stressors and honeybee immunity
31.12.2026
This review article analyses honeybee colony losses from an immunological perspective, focusing on how diverse environmental and ecological stressors affect immune competence. It synthesizes current knowledge on the innate and social immune mechanisms of Apis mellifera and examines how pathogens, parasites, pesticides and nutritional stress interact. Particular attention is given to synergistic effects between stressors and their implications for colony collapse disorder. The review also discusses nutritional, natural-product and technological strategies proposed to support honeybee health, while highlighting the need for integrated and evidence-based management approaches.
to individual immunity, social immunity mechanisms—such as hygienic behaviour, grooming against Varroa destructor, social fever against fungal...Details
A drone-laying colony …
02.01.2026
Accepts the introduction of a mated queen
Accepts the introduction of a virgin queen
Accepts the introduction of a queen cell whose pupa is about to emerge
Can rear a queen cell from fresh open brood
Allows an acceleration of varroa reproduction
males (emergence on day 24 instead of day 21 for workers) allows the reproduction rate of the varroa mite to triple! See also: ► The...Details
Practical Guide: 1.4.4 Brood Nucleus Colony
17.06.2026
The brood nucleus colony is an established beekeeping method for creating new colonies based on brood combs from existing colonies. It serves colony multiplication, swarm prevention, and can contribute to reducing varroa pressure. The following information is based on the official Practical Guide 1.4.4 of the Swiss Bee Health Service. Official Practical Guide – Summary Practical Guide: 1.4.4 Brood Nucleus Colony Principle: A brood nucleus colony is formed from...Details
No sex, no problem
28.12.2026
One might assume that asexual reproduction leads to an evolutionary dead end, with the accumulation of deleterious mutations ultimately resulting in species extinction. Recent studies show that this is not the case, and the drone provides a well-studied example. The particular case of reproduction in Varroa destructor is illuminating: these mites exhibit fewer deleterious mutations than other sexually reproducing insects …
Examples of asexual reproduction in certain animals include: the hammerhead shark, the leopard shark, the sawfish, the sea anemone, the Komodo dragon, the gecko, the aphid, the scale insect …
While the vast majority of species use some form of sex to reproduce, several organisms have evolved toward reproduction without sex. For what reasons...Details
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All about the drone
29.12.2026
The drone is the male of the honeybee. Its caste depends on the type of egg, the larval diet, and the type of cell. It develops from an unfertilized egg laid in a drone cell. It is the largest insect in the colony, recognizable by its stocky body, hairy thorax, very large eyes, and noisy flight. Its primary role is to transmit its mother’s genetic material during fertilization.
productivity, reducing swarming impulse and aggressiveness, enhancing resistance to diseases or varroa, increasing precocity, and improving suitability...Details
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Deformed wing disease
28.12.2026
The deformed wing disease virus (DWV) is one of the most widespread viruses in Apis mellifera and one of the least virulent. In the absence of facilitating factors, it causes only a covert infection, that is, an infection without clinical signs.
in Oceania) and the damage it causes to colonies are linked to its close association with the mite Varroa destructor. Its existence remained unsuspected...Details
Wax hygiene: a key factor in colony health
31.12.2026
Beeswax is a biologically relevant compartment within the colony. It can act as a reservoir for pathogens and chemical contaminants and influence brood development and certain colony performance parameters. Structured management of the wax cycle, including regular renewal of brood combs, therefore appears to be a scientifically based lever for reducing the cumulative accumulation of risks.
of infections, even if the relative importance of this route compared with transmission via Varroa destructor or nurse bees remains to be quantified...Details
Swarm prevention
29.12.2026
When a honey bee colony reaches a certain level of development, part of the population may leave the hive to form a new colony. This division is called swarming.
This is the natural reproduction of the colony viewed as a superorganism. It enables reproduction and thus the survival of the species, and has done so for millions of years. However, beekeepers aim for colonies that develop well and become strong without swarming. What methods can be used to prevent swarming?
be used either to create a nucleus colony or to strengthen another colony, thereby also removing varroa mites from the colony. If the colony is...Details
Breeding in a divisible double hive
29.12.2026
Gilbert Duruz is a beekeeper in Switzerland, in the upper Rhône Valley. He is a beekeeping trainer, queen breeder, tester for the Swiss Romand selection programme of the Carnica bee, and president of the Association Suisse Romande des Éleveurs de Reines (ARAE). He presents his breeding and renewal method under continental and mountain conditions.
with the bees on the frames, which are sprayed with lactic acid to limit the proliferation of the varroa mite. No new queen cells are initiated:...Details
Principles of feeding bees
29.12.2026
(By Jean Riondet)
The question of feeding is recurring: in spring to stimulate colonies and to have strong populations at the time of the first nectar flows, then during the season in periods of dearth, and finally to ensure winter stores.
Any decision to feed colonies must be carefully considered, taking the season into account, have a specific purpose, and the ingredients must be well chosen so as to answer the questions properly: when ?, why ?, how ?
feeding a necessity. There is another reason as well: colonies are exposed to predation by Varroa mites combined with neonicotinoids and other...Details
Infernal cascade: Chronicle of an announced death
31.12.2026
The weakening of a bee colony is rarely the result of a single factor: it is most often a gradual process in which several constraints interact and reduce the resilience of the superorganism. This summary presents a conceptual model organized into three main self-amplifying spirals: an infection spiral, a cooling spiral, and a starvation spiral. As long as the population remains sufficient and healthy, the colony can compensate for temporary disturbances, but when resilience declines, regulatory mechanisms become fragile and the dynamics of weakening accelerate. The practical benefit is to help beekeepers recognize weak signals earlier and intervene before several spirals set in simultaneously.
disturbances, and exposure to toxins (vanEngelsdorp et al., 2009). The parasite Varroa destructor plays a central role in this dynamic...Details
Practical Guide (poster): 2 How to recognize diseases
02.06.2026
Regular inspection of colonies makes it possible to identify potential health problems at an early stage and to implement planned and targeted measures. It is essential to check and assess colonies at least in spring (when grape hyacinths are in bloom), in summer (between the summer honey harvest and the first summer treatment), and in October (before overwintering).
a brown mass forming a thread. Varroosis is described in particular by patchy brood, numerous varroa on the bottom inserts, as well as varroa...Details
Insemination with a single male: an overview of the practice
29.12.2026
The expression may come as a surprise and calls for some clarification. “Insemination with a single male” refers to the insemination of a queen using the semen of a single drone, instead of the 12 to 20 males involved in natural mating or conventional instrumental insemination. This article presents this specific technique and its contexts of use. An overview of our current knowledge regarding the benefits and the present limitations of this technique!
including recessive ones (Jungels, 2014). This approach is often oriented toward the search for varroa-resistant bees, as varroa resistance is...Details
Queen Breeding in the Carnica Population: Genetics, Selection and Practice
29.12.2026
by Yves Martignoni and Julien Balet
What do breeding instructors do? What is breeding? Is it something within my reach? These are some of the questions we will attempt to address in this article.
increases the population exponentially, and is ready when the supers are placed. And what about Varroa resistance? Can it be used as a selection...Details
de
Which disease (A8) ?
02.01.2026
Do you recognize this disease? Explain what you see!
and pollen. It has been established that DWV can replicate not only in the bee but also in the Varroa mite. Colonies contaminated with DWV often...Details
de
Which disease(C7) ?
02.01.2026
Do you recognize this disease? Explain what you see!
and pollen. It has been established that DWV can replicate not only in the bee but also in the Varroa mite. Colonies contaminated with DWV generally...Details
April in the apiary
26.11.2026
April marks a decisive phase in the development of colonies. After winter, the population grows rapidly and activity in the apiary intensifies. Space management, observing the first signs of swarming, and health monitoring become priorities. Interventions must remain measured and be based above all on observation of the actual dynamics of the colony and the environment.
drone frame: biotechnical regulation Objective Slow the dynamics of Varroa destructor early in spring through a...Details
Practical Guide: 1.2.4 Apidea Dispenser
25.06.2026
The Apidea dispenser is an approved evaporation system for the application of formic acid in small mating units and nucleus colonies. Due to the high sensitivity of these units, strict adherence to the prescribed procedure is particularly important. The following information is based exclusively on the official Practical Guide 1.2.4 of the Swiss Bee Health Service. controlled release of formic acid in Apidea and similar mating nuclei. Objective: Control of the varroa mite in small mating units while complying...Details
Preserving the life capital of bees
28.12.2026
Our hives are severely affected by winter mortality. This cannot be attributed solely to beekeeping practices—far from it; however, in such a context, the only thing the beekeeper can do is to implement everything possible to ensure that colonies have, from the very beginning of spring, the vitality required for a strong resumption of brood rearing. The time when bees could develop almost on their own is over, and we do not know whether it will ever return. We therefore need to refine our practices in order to give colonies the best possible chances. This means considering the entire economy of the hive, starting as early as the beginning of July.
Preserving the life capital of winter bees: Varroa control, feeding strategy and disturbance management Colony strength in spring depends primarily...Details
Bees and Humans
28.12.2026
(by Jean-Michel Normand)
Is it because it provides honey and wax? Or because its sophisticated organisation strangely echoes human societies? Or perhaps because of a character that is at once fierce and disciplined, making its domestication uncertain, or because of the way it positions itself at the confluence of the plant and animal worlds. Protean and tinged with mystery, the fascination exerted by the bee has endured for millennia, albeit with periods of interruption.
climatic disruptions, and the invasion of exotic predators such as the Asian hornet and the varroa mite Varroa destructor. There is, however,...Details
The drone-laying colony
29.12.2026
It may happen, for example during the first spring inspection, that one encounters a moribund colony with no food reserves, with frames showing scattered brood of the male type … What has happened?
Figure 1: Drone-laying colony: very small population, scattered drone brood, no worker brood, low food reserves, no visible queen, deformed combs, drone cells.
because it can no longer compensate for population losses through the natural death of workers. Varroa will multiply in this sole drone brood...Details
Best practices for inspecting a bee colony
31.12.2026
Principles, method and key control points
Inspecting a hive is neither a trivial action nor an automatic routine. Each opening disrupts the colony’s internal balance: brood temperature, humidity, spatial organisation and chemical communication. Field observations show that after an inspection, a colony may need 24 to 48 hours to fully restore its functional equilibrium.
The modern beekeeper therefore does not inspect out of curiosity, but to address a clearly defined objective. A sound inspection is based on a simple logic: observe → diagnose → decide → close, aiming to obtain the maximum amount of information with the minimum level of intrusion.
wings, excessive bee mortality Unusual odours Hive debris and other residues observed on the varroa insert board provide valuable information...Details
Sacbrood disease
28.12.2026
This contagious disease of the honey bee is caused by SBV, the abbreviation of its English name Sacbrood Bee Virus. It is present worldwide and generally affects capped brood, leading to more or less significant mortality of prepupae, which may result in colony weakening.
This disease is characterised by the typical sac-like appearance of the prepupae killed by the virus. Infected adult bees show no symptoms (they are asymptomatic carriers) but constitute reservoirs of the virus.
one colony to another through drifting and robbing. SBV can also be transmitted to pupae by Varroa destructor. ...Details
Drone rearing
28.12.2026
When a queen breeder practises drone rearing in order to naturally mate his queens, he saturates the area with drones. However, only a proportion of his drones will visit the drone congregation areas, which consist of a representative sample of the colonies surrounding his apiary. The influence exerted by the breeder is not negligible, but mating at a mating apiary will always result in hybrid offspring. These are F1 queens.
instrumental insemination. Successful drone production requires strong, well-fed colonies with low Varroa infestation. Techniques are also presented...Details
August at the apiary
22.11.2026
August is sometimes a lean month for bees in terms of resources. The abundant flowering period is over. The high temperatures of the second half of July and the first half of August have dried out the soils, thereby reducing nectar production.
and the resumption of egg-laying, but they are depleted during wintering when infestation by varroa and Nosema apis is too high. Autumn and winter...Details
February at the apiary
29.11.2026
February is a pivotal month for the colony. Day length increases, and the queen gradually resumes laying. This resumption remains fragile: stores can become critical, temperatures are unstable, and any prolonged opening can chill the brood. The beekeeper acts mainly through observation, anticipation, and preparation, keeping interventions to a minimum.
to the hive and feel for warmth at the crown board (internal activity). Read the varroa insert board: cappings debris (food consumption), wax,...Details
Setting up your apiary
29.12.2026
The location of the apiary is undoubtedly the most important choice. It will determine, of course, the harvest, the amount of time you will spend with your bees, and the various savings you will be able to make.
and scraper: they are used to loosen and separate frames, scrape wax and propolis, and clean varroa monitoring boards. Bee brush: it is used...Details
Successful overwintering
28.12.2026
Winter is undoubtedly the most demanding period for bees. However, nature has provided so-called “winter bees” with characteristics that enable them to withstand the rigours of the cold season. Winter bees have larger fat reserves than summer bees, they possess a more developed hair covering that provides natural insulation, and the contraction of the thoracic muscles generates a significantly greater release of heat than in summer bees. Their constitution, together with their behaviour, allows them to live longer and to cope with the harsh conditions of winter.
of winter bees, adequate and well-positioned food reserves, a healthy and productive queen, low varroa infestation, a hive volume adapted to colony...Details
Practical Guide: 4.3 Overwintering of a colony
09.05.2026
Wintering is a crucial phase in the beekeeping year and largely determines the development of colonies in the following spring. It depends on colonies that are healthy, sufficiently strong, and properly prepared. The information below is based on the official BGD/SSA checklist 4.3 and summarizes the key points for successful wintering.
stress and health risks. Prerequisites: Healthy colonies with low varroa infestation and sufficient strength. A young, productive...Details
Practical Guide: 4.7 Evaluation and selection of colonies
30.04.2026
The evaluation or selection of colonies does not concern breeders alone; it is also important for every beekeeper from the perspective of bee health. As a preventive measure, the ultimate aim is to retain only healthy and strong colonies within an apiary. This selection applies both to productive colonies and to young colonies.
vigorous, productive, and gentle colonies. Improve resistance to diseases and varroa. Adapt colonies to local environmental and nectar flow...Details
The wax moth
29.12.2026
A nightmare for some, an opportunity for others, an incredible hope for visionaries, the wax moth is an insect that intrigues all those interested in its evolution and its perfect adaptation to the hive and its superorganism. There are therefore three ways of viewing the wax moth: the beekeeper fears the damage it causes in hives; the entomologist marvels at the undertaker role played by the insect; researchers, for their part, focus on its highly ecological ability to digest highly polluting plastic. So what is this curious moth?
a large quantity of wax moth frass in the form of small black striated pellets, for example on varroa inserts and on frames, betraying its presence...Details
The sense and nonsense of thermal insulation of beehives
29.12.2026
The articles proposed by experienced beekeepers for the training of younger colleagues remind us that colonies should be carefully insulated for overwintering.
However, a recent German study reports that there is no advantage, in terms of brood initiation or colony development in spring, associated with sophisticated insulation of the colony. The dogma of insulating the winter cluster is thus being challenged. By discovering the precision of the winter cluster’s thermoregulation, the inquisitive beekeeper is prompted to reflect on their beekeeping practices.
the inner cover is a plus to avoid condensation on top of the frames due to cold bridges. The varroa monitoring board is not essential during...Details
Best Practices in Beekeeping (Meta-study)
31.12.2026
This scientific review analyzes 191 field studies published since 1995 in order to identify beekeeping practices and biosecurity measures that have demonstrated a measurable effect on colony health and productivity. In total, 744 “practice records” were extracted and structured according to theme, region, and season of application. The objective is to propose an analytical framework to guide beekeeping decisions based on comparative trials conducted under real-world conditions. The methodically structured review character is central to this synthesis, which highlights both dominant practices and research gaps.
between July and October, corresponding in particular to post-harvest management and increased Varroa pressure. Measures against American foulbrood...Details
Why does a colony replace its queen?
29.12.2026
Read for you
A colony may replace its queen for several reasons: advanced age, insufficient egg-laying, poor fertilization, injury, or general weakness. But a recent study suggests that another factor may sometimes be at play: a severe viral infection in the queen could impair her reproductive function and alter her pheromonal signal, to the point of triggering supersedure.
method for predicting every supersedure event. It does, however, reinforce the view that rigorous varroa control remains central. If the viral...Details
Pheromones, a genuine semiochemical communication
28.12.2026
A pheromone is a chemical substance secreted by an organism which, when perceived or received by another organism of the same species, triggers a specific reaction or an evolutionary biological process (ApiWiki).
will construct the operculum; it therefore acts as a pheromone. At the same time, it signals to varroa mites the imminent closure of the cell...Details
Chronic paralysis
28.12.2026
It is a contagious disease of the honey bee caused by a virus known as CBPV, an abbreviation of its English name Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus (chronic bee paralysis virus).
contact. Lesions of the cuticle, caused by friction during periods of confinement or by injuries (Varroa destructor, pollen traps), facilitate...Details
Practical Guide: Recommended bee products
17.04.2026
The list of recommended bee preparations provides an overview of products that are authorized and recommended for bee health. It serves as a guide for the selection and correct use of preparations in accordance with current regulations. The following information is based on the official document issued by the Swiss Bee Health Service.
list of recommended and authorised preparations in beekeeping. Content: Preparations for varroa control. Products supporting colony health...Details
The beginner’s beekeeping year
28.12.2026
The beekeeping calendar presented below was created by a hobby beekeeper using his own approach. The tasks to be carried out each month depend strongly on the region, altitude, type of hive, type of bees, and many other factors. This calendar was designed to help beginners in our association and our region manage their first hives throughout the year and to provide answers to the questions they may have from month to month.
flow (July), priorities shift from production to preservation. Honey harvesting is completed and Varroa control becomes essential. Effective Varroa...Details
Factsheet: 1.2.3. FAM Dispenser
26.06.2026
This official factsheet describes the use of the FAM dispenser with Formivar 70% and focuses on protective measures, required equipment, key points, and a clearly structured procedure. It specifically emphasizes that formic acid (Formivar) is highly corrosive and must be handled with great care. For details and the complete instructions, the factsheet is considered the authoritative reference.
based on factsheet 1.2.3. (V 2505). Last review: 01/2026. Learn more: Varroa: principles of control Natural Varroa drop: how to interpret...Details
Beeswax – a very valuable resource
28.12.2026
Last year, the publication of specialised articles on the contamination and adulteration of beeswax shook the beekeeping community. Among beekeepers, awareness has grown regarding the importance of the condition of wax: indeed, both the quality of our products and, of course, the health of our colonies depend on it (1).
also help limit the spread of the small hive beetle when it arrives in Switzerland. To control varroa, only approved formic and oxalic acids...Details
Bee Health Guide
28.12.2026
Recognising bee diseases and knowing effective control and prevention methods are sine qua non conditions for ensuring bee health and for good beekeeping practice. Diseases spread not only very rapidly within hives because of physical contact between worker bees and trophallaxis (the exchange of food between bees), but also between hives. Because bees can fly over long distances, rob neighbouring colonies, or drift into them, the risk that a large number of colonies and apiaries will be affected by a disease or an epizootic is significant. When one also considers the movement of hives by beekeepers and the high density of apiaries in Switzerland, the prevention of epizootics and diseases becomes even more important in bees than in other livestock animals, which can be quarantined more easily.
foraging efficiency and long-term productivity. Interactions with biological stressors such as Varroa destructor and viral infections may further...Details
Cryopreservation of drone semen
28.12.2026
Would it not be interesting to preserve the alleles of the most productive or most important queens after their death? It is therefore not surprising that the cryopreservation of drone semen has been the subject of research since the 1970s. The risk of losing natural biodiversity is another motivation for this research.
could become a valuable tool for the selection of rare traits, such as resistance to Varroa. In such cases, cryopreservation could increase the...Details
A highly social immunity
28.12.2026
Like any living organism, the bee is prey to various parasites and pathogenic germs: every colony contains a broad and diverse range of microbes. Yet not every colony becomes ill as a result! This is because, like all living beings, bees have developed various means over the course of evolution to resist them: this is what is known as immunity. Bees, like humans, possess an immune defence system, but with some differences.
on adequate and diverse nutrition, especially pollen. Stress, poor nutrition and parasites such as Varroa weaken defenses and promote opportunistic...Details
Recognising honey bee diseases
28.12.2026
Like any living organism, the honey bee can become ill. The beekeeper must remain vigilant, as a disease can have serious consequences, especially if it is a so-called “notifiable contagious disease” (MRC). A beekeeper who has been practising this activity for many years will immediately detect even the slightest anomaly in the hives. For a beginner, however, it is often very difficult to identify a disease; this is why they must be much more observant, considerably more inquisitive, and always very attentive to what is happening on the landing board.
appropriate apiary location, diversified forage resources, suitable colony density, consistent varroa control, regular comb renewal and strict...Details
When housekeeping behavior is under genetic control
28.12.2026
Those who have already used the excuse that “housekeeping is not in my DNA” to try to avoid this chore may not have been entirely wrong. Indeed, at least in honey bees, certain shortcomings in hive hygiene appear to be linked to the overexpression of genes that impairs the detection of odors released by diseased or dead larvae.
http://www.techno-science.net/?onglet=news&news=14412 See also: VHS or SMR: Varroa Resistance Traits Finally Explained A Very...Details
Brood volume
28.12.2026
What is the approximate brood volume as a function of the queen’s egg-laying capacity? How many brood frames does the queen need in order to lay eggs without space limitation?
also: From Egg to Imago Queen Profile Hive Inspections: Points of Attention Varroa: The Brood Break Brood Break: Varroa Control...Details
Preparing Fondant Feed
28.12.2026
The winter survival of bee colonies is a topic that divides beekeepers because of contradictions, preconceptions, hypotheses and differing viewpoints. The experienced beekeeper relies on experience and closely monitors weather variations from November to March in order to estimate the timing of the resumption of egg laying by the queen and the volume of brood that must be kept warm. The beginner beekeeper, by contrast, is confronted with the questions raised by worried colleagues: should colonies be fed during winter or not?
1. Introduction Most large production colonies, properly fed and treated against varroa (1), do not present overwintering problems. The situation...Details
Asian hornet: a brief overview of its biology …
28.12.2026
The Asian hornet has continued its expansion since its arrival in France 20 years ago.
In 2024, it has reached the borders of Valais, and the Saint-Maurice gorge will most likely not constitute an insurmountable barrier for this highly well-adapted invader.
nectar by foraging the available flora depending on phenology, and sometimes by stealing debris on varroa trays or honey drops under the screened...Details
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Which disease (A1)?
02.01.2026
Do you recognize this disease? Explain what you see!
that have contained brood. Brood frames that have come into contact with chemically synthesized varroacides must be discarded or may be used for...Details
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Which disease (B2) ?
02.01.2026
Do you recognize this disease? Explain what you see!
down brood combs rather than storing them. Brood combs that have come into contact with synthetic varroacides must be discarded or may be used...Details
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Which disease (C1) ?
02.01.2026
Do you recognize this disease? Explain what you see!
that have contained brood. Brood frames that have come into contact with chemically synthesised varroacides must be discarded or may be used for...Details
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Which disease (C3) ?
02.01.2026
Do you recognize this disease? Explain what you see!
that have contained brood. Brood frames that have come into contact with chemically synthesised varroacides must be discarded or may be used for...Details
A colony is inactive in mid-February
01.02.2026
One of your colonies is inactive in mid-February. It had provided you with a good harvest last year. Upon opening the hive, you find that the colony has died; the number of dead bees on the frames and on the hive floor is low, the brood pattern is patchy, and food reserves are still well present.
dead bees with their heads protruding from the cells and tongues extended; perforated cappings; varroa excreta on the cell walls ...Details
Apis mellifera and other Apis species
28.12.2026
The European honey bee, also known as the honey fly (Apis mellifera), is a domesticated honey bee species native to Europe. It is considered semi-domesticated. It is one of the bee species bred on a large scale for honey production.
2000 and 3000 m. It has the very interesting particularity of defending itself well against varroa. ►http://www.pedigreeapis.org/biblio/artcl/E...Details
Understanding Swarming
28.12.2026
For millions of years, honey bees have ensured the persistence of the species through swarming. Swarming is a process in which a colony divides into two populations. The resident queen leaves the hive, accompanied by a large proportion of workers of all ages, to form a swarm that quickly clusters into a tight ball. The swarm leaves behind in the original hive the nest with emerging brood, about one third of the workers, and queen cells ready to hatch. A young queen will replace the old one, and the re-formed colony will begin its development…
and can be used to draw foundation rapidly. Because their health status is unknown, early Varroa treatment is essential. If the swarm is to be overwintered...Details
Colony and Queen Renewal
28.12.2026
Good apicultural practice: The advantage of spring nucleus colonies over summer nuclei is that they allow a first assessment of queen quality prior to overwintering, owing to an additional month of egg-laying activity.
swarm queens replace low-performing queens replace queens lost following anti-varroa treatments establish summer nucleus colonies (using...Details
Summer nuclei using bees from the honey supers
28.12.2026
Good beekeeping practice: At the end of July, the beekeeper removes the honey harvested from the super and prepares the colony for winter (feeding and treatments). The previously large colony that occupied both the brood chamber and the super suddenly becomes cramped once the super is removed, and the old forager bees will disappear in the weeks that follow. A simple method makes it possible to give these bees a second life by creating summer nuclei.
bees, as they are quickly confined in r0. 99.9% acceptance of the new queen. Very low varroa levels in the nucleus. No need for a swarm...Details
F1 queen rearing
28.12.2026
Good beekeeping practice: Every beekeeper should try to rear a few queens in order to maintain and improve the quality of their stock. In this short course, I will attempt to present a queen-rearing technique that incorporates certain tips used by royal jelly producers. This method requires only minimal investment, and no queen is lost.
objective is to maintain or enhance characteristics such as gentleness, productivity, disease and Varroa resistance, and reduced swarming tendency....Details
Amazing facts about bees
31.12.2026
Bees are remarkable animals. Did you know that they have existed for more than 65 million years (around 260 times longer than humans) and that they are the only insects in the world that produce a food consumed by humans without any processing.
for several years. Biodiversity loss, intensive pesticide use, and the presence of the parasite “Varroa,” which carries numerous viruses,...Details
2 Overview of diseases and pests
01.06.2026
Diseases and pests pose a major threat to the health of colonies and require early detection and appropriate management. This overview presents the main diseases and pests affecting honey bees. The following information is based on official fact sheet 2 from the Swiss Bee Health Service.
bees, especially of viral origin. Parasitic diseases such as varroosis. Pests: Varroa, the main parasite of colonies. Other...Details
Practical Guide: 2.2 European foulbrood
30.05.2026
European foulbrood is a bacterial disease of the brood in which the larvae usually die before capping. The official SSA/BGD checklist 2.2 describes typical signs such as patchy brood, yellowish to brown-black larvae, the match test, and a characteristic odor. It also specifies that this is a notifiable epizootic disease and that the apiary inspector must be called immediately.
sufficient stores, preventing robbing, not feeding with honey from outside the apiary, controlling varroa according to the concept, and renewing...Details
November at the apiary
19.11.2026
If it thunders in November, the year will be good
October wind and November rain make a good December
These sayings herald rain in November. It supports the development of root systems in trees and perennial plants. For the colonies, the dormant season has already begun. Confined to their hives, the bees consume their reserves.
time is precious. Pay them tribute by attending the assemblies and conferences they organise. Varroa destructor is indeed destructive to beekeeping...Details
January at the apiary
30.11.2026
January generally corresponds to the core of the overwintering period in Switzerland. The colony lives at a reduced pace in a cluster: it maintains a sufficient internal temperature to protect the queen, and if brood is present (which varies depending on altitude and climate), the central area is heated more intensely. Honey consumption remains moderate but continuous. Typical risks of the month include “silent” starvation (insufficient or inaccessible reserves), humidity, and disturbances. The beekeeper therefore acts mainly through external observation, targeted securing of reserves, hygiene, and preparation of equipment, while avoiding any intervention. The watchword is: “Do not disturb!”
sorties. Listen to the hive (low hum) and feel for slight warmth at the crown board. Read the varroa insert board if available: wax debris/cappings...Details
Ten tips for properly inspecting a beehive
29.12.2026
A hive inspection should be prepared in advance to avoid omissions and to improve efficiency. Any inspection, even a brief one, disturbs the colony, which perceives it as an intrusion; the resulting stress causes the bees to consume between 0.5 and 1 kg of honey. Inspections should therefore only be carried out when necessary. The following tips make inspections more effective:
a card for recording observations See also: Late-winter feeding: what to make of it? Varroa tolerance Practical Guide: 1.2.2 Nassenheider...Details
Contamination of beeswax
28.12.2026
Over the past year, articles dealing with the falsification of wax have frequently been published in the specialist press. The damage includes the collapse of combs, patchy brood patterns on newly built combs, and bees becoming trapped during emergence. The cause of these problems is the addition of stearin, paraffin, or other organic substances. Pesticide residues can also cause damage. As is known from experience with mothballs, there is likewise a risk that undesirable chemical additives in the wax may later appear in the honey.
of amitraz were detected in both samples of wax from China. Amitraz is used worldwide to control varroa. This substance is prohibited in Switzerland...Details
Which water for our bees?
31.12.2026
In the hive, as we have seen, water serves multiple purposes: it is indispensable for both mature and immature individuals and also enables bees to regulate the nest climate during periods of high heat. As water is hardly stored within the hive, it must be brought in from outside as needs arise. This task is carried out by water carriers, specialised foragers that continue their work even under adverse conditions.
Lodged in the Bee's Antennae All About Feeding Pollen Consumption and Colony Development Varroa Mite Infestation Impacts Thermoregulation...Details
Practical Guide: 4.7.2 Eliminating colonies
28.04.2026
When a colony is affected by an incurable disease or is severely weakened, it must be eliminated. This is an important measure within the framework of the control and prevention of epizootics and diseases. In the event of suspected notifiable disease, the apiary inspector must be informed before eliminating the colony.
foulbrood European foulbrood The Asian hornet arrives in Switzerland Factsheet 1.1: Varroa concept ...Details
Practical Guide: 4.8.1 Observation at the Hive Entrance
25.04.2026
Observation at the hive entrance makes it possible to draw numerous conclusions about the health status of a bee colony. Especially in spring, it is important to assess colonies in this way. Anomalies indicate the aspects that require particular attention during the next colony inspection or when an additional examination becomes necessary. Observation at the hive entrance also helps to avoid interventions within the colony under unfavorable weather conditions.
4.8.3 Robbing Factsheet: 2.10 Chronic paralysis virus Factsheet: 1.5.1 Measurement of natural Varroa fall ...Details
Drones – an indispensable luxury …
28.12.2026
To rear drones or not to rear drones – that is the question posed to our bees with the return of the favourable season. Within a colony, males are indeed a luxury: they are far more costly to rear than workers. And the expense does not end at emergence: as adults, drones largely remain dependent on their sisters. In addition, they contribute nothing to foraging activities and very little to hive maintenance. Yet this luxury is necessary: the sole function of males, the transmission of genes, lies at the very heart of the biological meaning of life. Maximising the chances of reproduction while preserving those of survival – it is this subtle balance, to which both the queen and her workers contribute, that we propose to explore today.
deliberately rather than suppressing it entirely, especially in the context of breeding, Varroa control and seasonal resource management. ...Details
The qualities of a good beekeeper
29.12.2026
What qualities are required to be a good beekeeper? They are numerous, as beekeeping draws on a wide range of techniques and fields. Some are present from the outset, while others are acquired over time.
ongoing revision and updating. Firstly, because techniques develop: the brood break to combat varroa is a more recent method. And above all,...Details
Preserving valuable queens
28.12.2026
The queen has a lifespan of 4–5 years. This may seem long. However, it takes 1–2 years to identify a valuable queen and select her for (re)production. To preserve this queen for as long as possible, her egg laying must be managed carefully, as it depends on the number of spermatozoa present in her spermatheca. Various techniques make it possible to modulate egg laying: colony size, the surface of empty cells, the population of young bees, protein resources …
resources. The beekeeper will also ensure, through management practices with respect to varroa and by choosing apiary locations relative...Details
Are Bees Victims of Their Intelligence?
28.12.2026
During foraging, honey bees exhibit remarkable cognitive abilities. However, pesticides and heavy metals disrupt neuronal communication, impair foraging behaviour, and ultimately place the entire colony at risk.
effects on bee brain function and behaviour. This is the case for parasites such as the mite Varroa or the fungus Nosema, which act by modifying...Details
Beekeeping management in synergy with the bee
28.12.2026
Faced with the current context—polluted environments, pesticides, climate change, varroosis, etc.—beekeeping is confronted with multiple challenges. However, this context does not explain everything. In order to act effectively, it appears necessary to address the “health aspect” of bee colonies in a holistic manner. This approach assumes that the biological functioning of bees is similar to that of other living organisms and that all these factors share the characteristic of being influenced by human actions. Such reflection should guide beekeeping interventions in a way that respects the health of the bees.
colonies with continuous brood development show greater resilience to diseases and parasites. Varroa control is acknowledged as necessary but...Details
Late winter feeding: what should we think about it?
28.12.2026
The question comes up every year: should colonies be fed at the end of winter or not? The answer needs to be nuanced. Food reserves have a direct impact on the queen’s egg-laying activity. It is well known that generous reserves and regular nectar inputs clearly stimulate egg laying, and when pollen is abundant, nurse bees operate at full capacity.
Excessive consumption implies a maladaptation of the behaviour of this superorganism, a disease (varroa, nosema), a defective or drone-laying queen...Details
Water collection and storage
28.12.2026
The behavioural regulation of thirst, water collection and water storage in honey bee colonies.
This study examined how a honey bee colony detects and quenches its collective thirst when brood hyperthermia (>36°) is observed.
in English See also: What water for our bees? Practical Guide: 1.6.3 Hyperthermia Varroa mite infestation affects colony thermoregulation...Details
On the contagion of foulbrood
28.12.2026
American foulbrood is a serious and highly contagious brood disease. Incorrectly regarded by beekeepers as a shameful disease, many preconceived ideas about it persist. This is a good opportunity to revisit and clarify the subject.
strength. Strong colonies may tolerate low-level contamination, whereas stress factors such as Varroa infestation, food shortage or weakening...Details
All about feeding
31.12.2026
The effects of malnutrition in bees are well documented. There is an interaction between individual bees and the colony, and individual problems are reflected in the adult population and brood, which are reduced both qualitatively and quantitatively. Antonio Gómez Pajuelo is recognised as one of the world’s experts on bee nutrition. He conducted a survey involving 166 beekeepers.
If nurse bees do not find the proteins necessary for their diet (as well as in the case of heavy Varroa infestation), their hypopharyngeal glands...Details
Practical Guide: 2.10 Chronic paralysis virus
20.05.2026
Bee paralysis is a viral disease that mainly affects adult bees and can lead to behavioral disorders and increased losses. Official memo 2.10 from the Swiss Bee Health Service describes the symptoms, contributing factors, and what to do if you suspect your bees are affected.
factors: High colony density and stress. Unfavorable climatic conditions. Severe Varroa infestation. Recommended action: ...Details
Practical Guide: 4.11 Purchase and sale of bees
19.04.2026
The purchase and sale of bee colonies must be carried out transparently, with knowledge of their health status, origin, and treatment history. The summary below is based exclusively on the official checklist 4.11 of the Swiss Beekeeping Service (BGD/SSA) and refers to the complete documents for further information.
and fair transaction. Seller's obligations: Know the health status of the colony (varroa treatment, absence of contagious diseases). ...Details
Review of Nosema parasites in bees
28.12.2026
Although substantial research has been conducted on the causes of colony collapse disorder in the European honey bee Apis mellifera, there has been increasing evidence over the past two decades that another pandemic affecting both domesticated and native bees is emerging. This pandemic is the result of the spread of fungal pathogens of the genus Nosema.
Rangel J, Gonzalez A, Stoner M, Hatter A, Traver BE. Genetic diversity and prevalence of Varroa destructor, Nosema apis, and N. ceranae in managed...Details
The mechanisms of natural swarming
28.12.2026
Based on the videoconference by Prof. Joseph Hemmerlé on 11.01.2025, School of Agriculture Châteauneuf / Sion
Swarming is a natural phenomenon at the core of honey bee colony dynamics. Through this process, part of the colony, led by the old queen, leaves the hive to establish a new nest. For beekeepers, swarming represents a challenge, but it also constitutes an opportunity for colony renewal. Thanks to the in-depth research and careful observations conducted by Professor Joseph Hemmerlé, it is possible to gain a better understanding of the biological, ethological, and environmental mechanisms underlying this fascinating behaviour.
Watch the video
of a new nest with new combs, leading to a reduction in parasite pressure (disruption of Varroa mite population dynamics) and other infectious pathologies...Details
The sleep of bees (Apis mellifera)
31.12.2026
By Claude Pfefferlé and Serge Imboden
Long regarded as a model of uninterrupted activity, the honey bee nevertheless continues to surprise researchers. Recent studies have revealed that it sleeps, and that this sleep plays an essential role in regulating its memory, physiology, and group cohesion. Understanding how and why bees sleep is to open a window onto the health of the hive—and onto the balance of life itself.
& Busby, 2020). Sleep-deprived colonies show higher viral loads and increased vulnerability to Varroa destructor (DeGrandi-Hoffman et al., 2025)...Details
Queen rearing and bee genetics
31.12.2026
Queen rearing is one of the fundamental pillars of modern beekeeping. The quality of a colony depends largely on its queen. Through her genetic heritage and constant production of pheromones, she influences the vitality, behavior, and performance of the entire colony.
Controlled breeding is not limited to the production of new queens. It is based on a thorough understanding of biological mechanisms—swarming tendency, orphanhood, fertilization—as well as solid genetic foundations and structured selection.
and selection of colonies Does selection in beekeeping enable heritability? VSH or SMR: varroa resistance traits finally explained 6....Details
Becoming a Beekeeper and Breeder (part 1)
29.12.2026
Part 1
This article provides a structured introduction to queen rearing for beekeepers who want to become self-sufficient in their apiary. It presents, in an educational manner, the necessary equipment, rigorous planning of the rearing schedule, and a simple, proven method suitable for an annual series. The aim is to enable everyone to produce their own high-quality F1 queens, while drawing on the selection work carried out by the Breeding Instructors.
Treatment against varroosis In order to avoid the proliferation of varroa in the nucleus boxes and in accordance with the regulations for going...Details
Becoming a Beekeeper and Breeder (Part 2)
29.12.2026
Part 2
This article provides a structured introduction to queen rearing for beekeepers who want to become self-sufficient in their apiary. It presents, in an educational manner, the necessary equipment, rigorous planning of the rearing schedule, and a simple, proven method suitable for an annual series. The aim is to enable everyone to produce their own high-quality F1 queens, while drawing on the selection work carried out by the Breeding Instructors.
queen rearing Drone rearing Practical Guide: 4.6.1 Mini-Plus Practical Guide: 1.6.5 Varroa treatment in queen-rearing nucs How to introduce...Details
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Unusually fresh brood
02.01.2026
Today’s inspection: a small colony, created in July 2020 with a queen that emerged in June 2020 and is marked, appears to be somewhat behind compared to its neighboring colonies (only 3 frames covered). On 2 frames, there are palm-sized, fairly compact patches of worker brood, accompanied by a few scattered drone cells at the periphery. A closer inspection reveals unusually fresh egg-laying. What do you think?
a few days is recommended for confirmation. To learn more: ► Brood volume ► Varroa: brood interruption ...Details
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Which disease (A2)?
02.01.2026
Do you recognize this disease? Explain what you see!
sufficient vitality traits (colony development, hygienic behavior). Regular renewal of combs. Varroa mite control in accordance with regulations...Details
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Which disease (A3)?
02.01.2026
Do you recognize this disease? Explain what you see!
sufficient vitality traits (colony development, hygienic behavior). Regular renewal of combs. Varroa mite control in accordance with regulations...Details
de
Which disease (A4)?
02.01.2026
Do you recognize this disease? Explain what you see!
sufficient vitality traits (colony development, cleaning instinct) Regular renewal of combs Varroa mite control in accordance with regulations...Details
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Which disease (A5)?
02.01.2026
Do you recognize this disease? Explain what you see!
sufficient vitality traits (colony development, hygienic behavior). Regular renewal of combs. Varroa mite control in accordance with regulations...Details
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Which disease (A6)?
02.01.2026
Do you recognize this disease? Explain what you see!
sufficient vitality traits (colony development, hygienic behavior). Regular renewal of combs. Varroa mite control in accordance with regulations...Details
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Which disease (A7)?
02.01.2026
Do you recognize this disease? Explain what you see!
sufficient vitality traits (colony development, hygienic behavior). Regular renewal of combs. Varroa mite control in accordance with regulations...Details
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Which disease (A9) ?
02.01.2026
Do you recognize this disease? Explain what you see!
sufficient vitality traits (colony development, hygienic behavior). Regular renewal of combs. Varroa mite control in accordance with regulations...Details
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Which disease (B1) ?
02.01.2026
Do you recognize this disease? Explain what you see!
sufficient vitality traits (colony development, hygienic behavior). Regular renewal of combs. Varroa mite control in accordance with regulations...Details
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Which disease (B3) ?
02.01.2026
Do you recognize this disease? Explain what you see!
sufficient vitality traits (colony development, hygienic behavior). Regular renewal of combs. Varroa mite control in accordance with regulations...Details
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Which disease (B4) ?
02.01.2026
Do you recognize this disease? Explain what you see!
sufficient vitality traits (colony development, hygienic behavior). Regular renewal of combs. Varroa mite control in accordance with regulations...Details
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Which disease (B5) ?
02.01.2026
Do you recognize this disease? Explain what you see!
sufficient vitality traits (colony development, hygienic behavior). Regular renewal of combs. Varroa mite control in accordance with regulations...Details
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Which disease (B6) ?
02.01.2026
Do you recognize this disease? Explain what you see!
sufficient vitality traits (colony development, hygienic behavior). Regular renewal of combs. Varroa mite control in accordance with regulations...Details
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Which disease (B7) ?
02.01.2026
Do you recognize this disease? Explain what you see!
sufficient vitality traits (colony development, hygienic behavior). Regular renewal of combs. Varroa mite control in accordance with regulations...Details
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Which disease (C2) ?
02.01.2026
Do you recognize this disease? Explain what you see!
vitality traits (colony development, hygienic behaviour). Regular renewal of frames. Varroa mite control in accordance with regulations –...Details
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Which disease (C4) ?
02.01.2026
Do you recognize this disease? Explain what you see!
vitality traits (colony development, hygienic behaviour). Regular renewal of frames. Varroa mite control in accordance with regulations –...Details
de
Which disease (C5) ?
02.01.2026
Do you recognize this disease? Explain what you see!
vitality traits (colony development, hygienic behaviour). Regular renewal of frames. Varroa mite control in accordance with regulations –...Details
de
Which disease (C6) ?
02.01.2026
Do you recognize this disease? Explain what you see!
vitality traits (colony development, hygienic behaviour). Regular renewal of frames. Varroa mite control in accordance with regulations –...Details
Practical Guide: 1.7.1 Emergency treatment in hive bodies
04.06.2026
Emergency treatment in hive bodies refers to exceptional measures that may be applied in the event of an acute threat to a honey bee colony. It is not intended for routine colony management, but for short-term intervention in critical situations. The following notes are based on the official Practical Guide 1.7.1 of the Swiss Bee Health Service. Official Practical Guide – Summary Practical Guide: 1.7.1 Emergency treatment in hive bodies Classification: Emergency treatment...Details
Merkblatt: 2.11 Sackbrut
Die Sackbrut ist eine virale Brutkrankheit der Honigbiene, die vor allem die verdeckelte Brut betrifft. Sie führt typischerweise zum Absterben der Larven, ohne dass ein fauliger Zerfall eintritt. Die folgenden Hinweise basieren auf dem offiziellen Merkblatt 2.11 des Schweizerischen Bienengesundheitsdienstes. Details
Création de nuclei
© Lena Constantin
