Though a source of constant debate, particularly amongst those practicing natural beekeeping, most beekeepers accept that Varroa mites are too severe and pervasive an issue for an intervention-free, Varroa-free colony to be realistic. In a few decades, when Varroa resistant genes and traits become more dominant and widespread, a Varroa-free colony may be possible.
But, for now, even with treatments, you are only containing the threat. Consistent monitoring is necessary – applying a treatment does not mean you are Varroa-free. Our bees do a fantastic job fighting Varroa themselves. Their goal – and the collective goal with the beekeeper – is not to completely rid the colony of Varroa, which is largely unrealistic.
A Varroa-free colony requires several factors to come into play. But one key reason a Varroa-free colony is not realistic is that, unless you own a massive plot of land, you cannot guarantee what is happening in the hives around you. Feral honeybee colonies and managed colonies will be able to interact with your own colonies. Feral colonies, of course, will not be treated. Similarly, there is no way to know what a nearby beekeepers’ treatment regimen might be. Unless your bees live in the middle of hundreds of acres unfortunately, for now, a Varroa-free colony isn’t realistic.
Thankfully, it is not the extermination of Varroa that is necessary but, instead, keeping their numbers at sufficiently low numbers. Even the very healthiest of colonies may harbor Varroa. Providing their number is under control, they should not create an immediate danger.
If you monitor frequently enough, employing treatments at the exact right times, you can maintain appropriately low mite counts. If we do our part to build strong colonies to be more Varroa resistant, we can lower the impact Varroa mites have and keep their populations to non-threating levels.
