APIMonдия Webinar Discussion
In an effort to combat a new threat to Western honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies, the Apimondia Federation and BeeGuards are jointly hosting a webinar titled "Tropilaelaps mites: an emerging threat to Western honey bee colonies." Scheduled for 20 March 2025, from 13:00 to 16:20 CET, the online event aims to provide an update on the geographic expansion of Tropilaelaps mites in Europe and offer participants the opportunity to interact with experts in the field.
Tropilaelaps mites, originally found in Asia, are parasites of Asian honey bees. However, they are now emerging as a significant challenge for beekeepers in Europe and the Western world. Effective mitigation measures for these pests, as discussed in recent expert sources, focus primarily on chemical and thermal treatments, alongside colony management practices.
Formic acid treatment has proven effective in controlling Tropilaelaps mites, achieving substantial mite reduction. Thermal remediation, such as using heating pads to raise hive temperature, also shows promise, yielding gradual but significant decreases in mite populations. Maintaining strong, healthy colonies is emphasized as a preventative measure, as strong colonies better resist mite infestations and recover more effectively.
Additional best practices include managing and fumigating stored combs and ensuring good airflow around them to minimize mite spread and survival. These integrated approaches—chemical (formic acid), thermal (heating), and good colony management—represent current effective strategies to mitigate Tropilaelaps mite infestations in Western honey bee colonies.
The webinar will also focus on raising awareness on the identification of Tropilaps mites. Scientists and experienced beekeepers will share their knowledge about these parasites and discuss effective methods for their management. The event is aimed at beekeepers and anyone interested in bee health and pest management.
Pest management consumes a considerable amount of time and budget in beekeeping operations, making it crucial for beekeepers to stay informed about emerging threats and effective management strategies. By attending this webinar, participants can gain valuable insights and practical advice to help protect their colonies from Tropilaelaps mites.
Registration for the webinar is now open on the Apimondia website. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from experts and join the fight against this emerging threat to Western honey bee colonies.
- Science plays a crucial role in combating the emergence of Tropilaelaps mites in Western honey bee colonies, with current effective strategies incorporating chemical treatments like formic acid, thermal remedies such as heating pads, and strong colony health-and-wellness practices.
- In the realm of environmental-science, the fight against Tropilaelaps mites is closely intertwined with technology, as the latest strategies for pest management are disseminated through webinars like the one hosted by the Apimondia Federation and BeeGuards, thereby providing beekeepers with the practical advice they need to ensure the health of their colonies, contributing to the overall fitness-and-exercise of the honey bee population.
