Original paper

A large-scale study of Varroa destructor treatment adherence in apiculture

O’Shea-Wheller, Thomas A.; Hall, Asia; Stainton, Kirsty; Tomkies, Victoria; Budge, Giles E.; Wilkins, Selwyn; Jones, Ben

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Entomologia Generalis Volume 45 Number 1 (2025), p. 127 - 136

published: Feb 26, 2025
published online: Feb 3, 2025
manuscript accepted: Dec 10, 2024
manuscript revision received: Oct 26, 2024
manuscript revision requested: Jun 3, 2024
manuscript received: May 28, 2024

DOI: 10.1127/entomologia/2024/2758

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Abstract

Adherence to treatment regimens is a key predictor of prognostic outcomes in clinical and veterinary medicine. Despite this, a paucity of data exists regarding adherence practices in apiculture, a setting in which the use of preventative and therapeutic medications is widespread. This is especially pertinent when considering management of the ectoparasite Varroa destructor, which remains the primary health concern faced by beekeepers globally. In order to be effective, Varroa treatments must be applied to colonies during defined periods, corresponding to key etiological junctures in the mite’s lifecycle. Failure to adhere to treatment guidelines can thus adversely influence treatment efficacy, however the scope of this issue is poorly understood. Here, utilising data collected from a national annual survey of beekeepers in England and Wales, we explore the relative impact of Varroa treatment adherence upon colony health outcomes. Results demonstrate that lower overwinter colony losses are predicted by correct treatment temporality, but not by product application alone, supporting the epidemiological significance of application timing. Notably, our data also indicate that over one third of beekeepers engaged in at least some level of non-adherence, highlighting the ubiquity of the issue. These findings suggest that Varroa treatment non-adherence is a substantial driver of large-scale colony mortality, and indicate that further work is needed to elucidate its underlying causes.

Keywords


Apis mellifera
•
Varroa destructor
• honey bee losses • parasite • integrated pest management •
Varroa control