The tracheal mite is a microscopic endoparasite of adult honey bees. It lives in the tracheae, or breathing tubes, of adult bees. This parasite has become a major factor in excessively high losses of honey bee colonies over the winter period. Good control materials are not available for treating colonies infested with tracheal mites. Menthol is the sole material that has an EPA registration for this parasite.
Treatment involves placing crystalline menthol on top of the frames of the upper-most hive.
If outside temperatures are too cool the menthol takes too long to fume, and if too hot, it happens too quickly. Varroa mite is an ectoparasite of adult honey bees and their young, or brood. The mite can only reproduce on honey bee brood. Infested colonies that are not treated will ultimately die. Fortunately, a very effective chemical control is available.