Mite Control in Honeybees with Essential Oils East Antrim Beekeepers Michael Young Institute of Northern Ireland Beekeepers www.inibeekeepers.com

The “Black Death” of Honeybees

Essential Oils Are strongly scented oils that are created through the distillation of plant materials. Most commonly derived from the flowers, leaves or stems of a plant, they may also be derived from fruit or the skin of a fruit. Many of these oils have common uses in aroma theory and alternative medicine Beekeepers however, also may have a used for a select few of these common oils Essential oils can often be found in health food stores or aromatherapy shops, the price may be high, but keep in mind that a little oil will go a long way.

Essential Oils/Grease Patties Essential Oils have Two Modes of Action Toxicity by direct contact When Varroa mites feed on larvae that contain essential oils, their reproduction is interrupted

Impaired Reproduction in feeding syrups containing essential oils When Varroa mites feed on larvae that contain essential oils, their reproduction is interrupted If the oil is strong enough, the females are unable to lay eggs If the oils are in lower concentration, eggs are layed, but development of immature mites is delayed Young mites do not reach maturity before the bees emerge from the cell; consequently, the immature mites die.

The syrup and essential oil is ingested by nurse bees and enters the communal food in the crop and passes into the milk glands. When the nurse bees feed larvae, the essential oils are in the bee milk and communal food and are ingested by the larvae. Thus, when female varroa mites feed on treated larvae or larval food at the bottom of the cell, they ingest the essential oils which adversely affect their reproduction.

Trophalaxis

Dosages Used in Experimental Treatments Syrup: 25 drops (1 cc) of wintergreen or spearmint is One pint of honey (or two cups of sugar (about one pound or 453.6 grams) Quart gallon (0.95 liter); hot water is added to fill the jar.

Commonly Used Oils Banana Though it has been unconfirmed, reports state that banana oil seems to closely mimic the alarm pheromone of honeybees Lemon Grass Works conveniently as well as the pheromone created by the honeybee’s nasanov gland Peppermint Oil is used as a general-purpose pheromone masking scent

Paper Towel Formula 220 grams of paper towels 300 ml linseed oil (corn oil ) 1 ½ ounce of wintergreen oil. Note: The synergistic effect of adding wintergreen oil to the active ingredient linseed oil has a devastating effect on parasitic mites in honey bees during broodless times.

Feeding

Grease Patties/Treatment 4 Pounds of Granulated Sugar 3 Ounces of corn/vegetable oil 1 ½ Pounds Shortening 1 Pound of Honey 1 ½ Ounce of Wintergreen Oil (45ml)..

This Treatment controls Tracheal Mites Year Around and Varroa Mites During Broodless Periods

Emulsifyable Concentrate! Feeding stimulant during late winter/early spring and dearth's or nucs

Conclusions Have delayed onset of economic threshold Drone Foundation Use bottom screens Essential oils Grease patties Spray/feed

Thank you any Questions!