Apicoltura: controllo della Varroa destructor

The beekeeping sector is under threat from pesticides, climate change, and the invasive Varroa destructor mite, which causes high bee mortality, weakens colonies, and transmits lethal viruses. Effective control is essential to prevent colony collapse. In organic apiculture, permitted treatments include organic acids—oxalic, formic, lactic, and acetic acid—and essential oils like thymol, eucalyptus, camphor, and menthol, applied before product release with full documentation. A recommended strategy involves a liquid treatment with oxalic and formic acids plus thymol at summer’s end, avoiding brood blockage to maintain honey production through September. A single oxalic acid application in winter, when brood rearing stops, ensures effective control. This method supports honey production during key bloom periods. Photos illustrate oxalic acid preparation and application. Information provided by FIRAB—Italian Foundation for Research in Biological and Biodynamic Agriculture.