Seasonal differences in Varroa destructor population growth in western honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies

Varroa destructor is a major threat for apiculture worldwide. A successful approach to control this parasite must include the application of effective treatments at correct time. To understand effect that treatment timing has on populations different seasons, we conducted an experiment using dataset comprising two separate field trials over multiple years, both containing four apiary sites composed 20 honey bee colonies across area representative north central Florida environments. Before start season, were treated with acaricides simultaneously bring ∼0.25 mites/100 bees. Following treatment, monitored mite monthly via alcohol washes. Our results show temporal efficacy varies seasons. We observed it takes about 4–5 months after in winter and spring return standard economical threshold (3 bees). Nevertheless, there steeper increase (<3 exceed economic threshold) treating summer fall. The level infestation leads colony collapse rate decline also varied by season. our knowledge, first study evaluating seasonal effects population growth model Florida, USA. serve as foundation models, aiding beekeepers future part holistic devastating parasite.