CONTROL OF VARROA DESTRUCTOR WITH DIFFERENT COMBINATIONS OF ESSENTIAL OILS

Abstract

The parasitic mite, Varroa destructor is a major agent responsible for the decline of honey bee colonies Apis mellifera worldwide. In recent years, various essential oils, alone or in combination, have been used against varroosis. The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of some of the essential oils used in beekeeping (peppermint, pine and cedar) for the control of V. destructor. The experiments included 11 apiaries located in three regions of the country. Nine (9) different combinations of the listed essential oils were prepared and tested. During the treatment, were monitored the effectiveness against the mite, tolerance and safety in the treated colonies. After evaluating the results obtained, we settled on the combination of essential oils (CEO)-9 / SetOil. This combination can be used as a method in integrated pest management and also when introducing/receiving a new queen bee by unifying the smell in the bee colony.