Varroa Mite and Neonicotinoid Pesticides

Varroa mite is one of the biggest threats to honey bee colonies. A key natural defence for honey bees against Varroa is for the bees to become “hygienic” – this means, the bees are able to groom and remove the mites from larvae and their bodies. In fact, there are currently efforts to breed “Hygienic bees” that are more likely to engage in this crucial grooming behaviour. It is conceivable that neonicotinoid pesticides impair the ability of honey bees to deal effectively with Varroa mite. Watch how the honey bee deals with the Varroa mite once it has been removed.
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