Evaluation of Some Natural Essential Oils and Formic Acid as A Mixture for Controlling Varroa Mite Varroa destructor (Anderson & Trueman) in Honey Bee Colonies

Abstract

Three different application methods were used for controlling varroa mites in honey bee colonies. A wood stick strips were soaked in a mixture of some essential oils and formic acid 65% and applied in honey bee colonies. Results showed that all experimental materials caused a significant reduction of varroa mite infestations when compared with control ones. The colonies get on a treated wood stick
strips on the top of brood combs caused a highest reduction of varroa mites (91.3 & 84.7%) and (91.9 & 83.3%) on the brood & adult workers during October and November, respectively. the mean number of fallen varroa mites increased gradually after the first treatment compare to control in all treated colonies during October and November. During October, after the first treatment the highest mean number of fallen varroa mites were counted in case of held the wood stick strips between the brood comb (11.3). While, in November, after the first treatment a highest mean number of fallen varroa was recorded in colonies treated on the hive bottom board (11). According to the effect of tested materials on varroa mite injuries by grooming behaviour of bee workers, results revealed that there were some significant differences in the mean number of injuries varroa between either application methods or control. In October and November the highest deformed numbers of varroa were observed in Gnathosoma and legs of varroa mites during all experimental treatments.