Control Methods against Varroa Mites

This review delineates the methods used to control Varroa mites and their effectiveness. Varroa mites are the most destructive parasites of honey bees worldwide that cause a weak colony population, resulting in significant economic losses. Varroa infestation in honey bee colonies increases the sensitivity of bees to other pathogens including viruses and bacteria. This requires appropriate measures against Varroa mites. The most widely applied Varroa control method is the application of chemicals by beekeepers. Due to the development of acaricide-resistance in Varroa mites and chemical residues in honeybee products, the application of chemicals does not provide complete control against Varroa. Alternative products and methods have been developed in recent years in order to avoid the mentioned issues. Alternative strategies include the use of natural products such as essential oils, organic acids, and biotechnical methods such as mite-trapping. Moreover, the combinations of different control methods in an integrated pest management program have been applied by different researchers that are effective against Varroa mites. Consequently, economic losses can be reduced by effective treatment, avoiding excessive chemical use and residue problems in bee products