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Varroa destructor (view source)

Revision as of 14:12, 14 July 2010

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The ''Varroa destructor mite'' is an external mite of honey bees. It causes varroatosis, a '''Notifiable disease in the UK'''.

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*'''Notifiable disease in the UK'''

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==Identification==

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*Oval

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The mite is oval in shape and 1-1.5mm in length. It is reddish-brown in colour and has 8 legs.

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*1-1.5mm in length

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==Life cycle==

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*Eggs are laid in the hive and develop with the brood cells

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The mite has a 10 day life cycle. Eggs are laid in the hive and develop with the brood cells into mites.

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==Pathogenesis==

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~~'''Pathogenesis'''~~

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The mites are blood-sucking, feeding on the bees and leaving open wounds. This weakens adult bees and damages growing larval bees, resulting in deformities.

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*Blood-sucking

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*Weakens adult bees

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==Control==

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*Damages growing larval bees resulting in ~~deformities~~

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Acaricidal strips can be hung between combs. Mites should be monitored and treated if widespread.

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Colonies in an apiary should be destroyed if there is an isolated outbreak.

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~~'''Control'''~~

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*Acaricidal strips hung between combs

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*Destroy colonies in apiary (if isolated outbreak)

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*Monitor mite numbers and treat if widespread

[[Category:Miscellaneous_Mites]]

[[Category:To_Do_-_AimeeHicks]]

Aimee.e.hicks

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