First discovered in the United States in 1987, the mites were detected in North Carolina three years later. The mites are now fould throughout the state and most of the country. Economic Importance In North Carolina, severe losses have been encountered resulting in the loss of entire apiaries. Infested colonies will usually die if left untreated, and colony loss may occur within a few months after infestation. In addition to the economic losses incurred by beekeepers, fruit and vegetable growers who depend upon bees to pollinate their crops could suffer shortages.
Many observers also feel that there has been a reduction in wild bee colonies.
This reddish-brown mite is about the size of a pin head and is easily visible against a light background. Mated female mites move into brood cells with older bee larvae. Drone brood are preferred, but worker brood are also infested. Mites will feed on the larval food or puncture the larval body and feed on the bee's blood. The first egg usually hatches into a male and stays within the cell.