How Varroa Mites Are Affecting The Honey Bees:

Varroa mites, which are a red-brown exterior parasitic mite, are negatively impacting honey bee colonies. Requiring a honey bee to be a host, they survive and reproduce solely because of living off a honey bee. 

Even though they can feed and live on the adult honey bees, their main hosts consist of larvae and pupae in a developing brood. They feed and reproduce on them, causing malformation in the upcoming generations of honey bees; weakening them and transmitting multiple viruses. 

The infestation of the Varroa mites happens over time, and in the early stages there aren’t many symptoms shown. However, as the mite population increases within a honey bee colony they become more noticeable. Within 3-4 years time, there could be signs of a scattered brood, crawling bees, impaired flight ability, less bees returning after foraging, a reduced lifespan, and the worker bees weighing less. 

Following, alongside of just the symptoms shown in the bee itself, there are symptoms shown within the colony, known as parasitic mite syndrome, too. These include an abnormal brood pattern and sunken/chewed larvae at the bottom/side of the cell. The reduction in their populations can wind up leading to a colony breakdown. 

However, the honey bees are producing honey that is here for us to enjoy. By clicking the link below, you can shop for local, Staten Island honey and other amazing products. 

https://bzbwholesale.com