Honey bees can suffer from a variety of diseases and parasites. It's the responsibility of beekeepers to help keep their bees disease and pest free, including from the varroa mite. The varroa mite is a relatively recent arrival to Ireland, with the first recorded sightings around 1998.
The varroa mite is a parasitic mite which lives and feeds on adult honey bees, as well as the bees' larvae and pupae. As you can imagine this weakens the bees and shortens their life spans. Heavy infestations of varroa mites can result in the spread of viruses, as well as the eventual collapse and death of the colony.
Dr Mary Coffey, who works with the Bee Diagnostic Service, Teagasc, Oak Park, Carlow will be giving a talk for County Wexford Beekeepers' Association on Thursday, 26th of September at 7.30 pm. The talk will be at the Teagasc Centre, Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy.
Dr Coffey will be discussing the various options for treating for the varroa mite, in particular, Apiguard and oxalic acid. All are welcome to attend what is sure to be an interesting and informative talk.
We hope to see you there!