DOI: 10.32900/2312-8402-2025-135-93-106
Keywords: Varroa mite, bees, acaricides, behavioral reactions
Apis meliffera (honey bee) is one of the economically valuable species, representatives of the Class Insecta. The biggest threat to the bee Apis mellifera remains the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor, which causes many health problems, the consequences of which can lead to the collapse of families. The influence of the parasite on swimming may be due to the susceptibility of honeybees to infectious diseases due to their relative proximity and high frequency of social interactions within their family. However, other factors, including environmental conditions related to the parasite’s life cycle, as well as the life expectancy and intensity of mite development, can increase its negative impact. Scientists ‘ observations include increased acaricide resistance in the Varroa population and lower treatment thresholds, suggesting that ticks or pathogens they can transmit to bees are becoming increasingly virulent. Weak families with a high prevalence of infestations contribute to the dispersal of ticks and the transmission of diseases in stronger and healthier nests. Harmful effects of parasitization V. destructor and the effects of acaricides on bee colonies have prompted beekeepers to look for sustainable approaches to tick control. To achieve this goal, individual beekeepers sought to breed V. destructor-resistant honeybees using different selection criteria.
The social behavior of insects has led beekeepers to address their intra-specific and interspecific relationships, focusing on internal behavior to reduce the spread of mites. on honeybees. The efforts of many scientists to find means and measures that will help reduce the extent of infestations and control ticks at a safe level for bees were discussed.
Current scientific directions for studying the social behavior of insects and the use of individual signs of bee behavior in the fight against this parasite are outlined.
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