The varroa mite also called Varroa destructor is an external parasitic mite infesting honey bee colonies. After puncturing the bees’ cuticle, these mite feed on their hosts’ fat body, they can weaken colonies, feed on larvae and ruin honey harvests.
Varroa mites are spread around the globe and can be found in the majority of hives worldwide. If beekeepers do not take action in time, mites can decimate a bee colony within a few months. This is why beekeepers have to monitor their hives regularly and implement strategies to lower the varroa mite infestation as much as possible, to prevent damage.