Use of a technique of heating the hive with hot air also has been described as effective in desiccating mites and reducing their numbers. It is hoped that honey bees more resistant to Varroa mites can be developed and distributed via queen rearing to the bee industry. USDA studies of a Russian bee stock hold great promise. It has been demonstrated that some mites are less virulent than others and it has been suggested that this difference can be exploited genetically. This difference needs to be exploited to help reduce mite populations.
Some bees remove bee mites more rapidly than other bees.
Such a stock has been selected in Arizona but unfortunately the bees are africanized and too defensive to consider for use outside the areas where the Africanized population now exists. The miticide Apistan still provides control for the majority of the bee population with mites but continued use, misuse and excessive use will speed development of resistant mites. Techniques, most likely in combination, may reduce potential losses and help extend use of current miticides. This spot treatment will help extend usefulness of chemicals for a longer time period. John C. Nye, Dean and Director.