Ontario Varroa Mite Monitoring Campaign: 2022 Update and Graphs

Thank you to all the beekeepers (both commercial and hobbyist) who followed the steps, sampled their varroa mites and provided us with the data.

This provides information on the varroa mite levels beekeepers are experiencing in their colonies this season.

Some early takeaway messages from the data:

In many cases the varroa levels appear to be lower, or well under control
This is demonstrated by the levels below the established thresholds for treatment
This appears to be good news
However, keep in mind:
- This data may not be entirely representative of varroa levels for all of Ontario
  - Varroa levels can vary greatly by beeyard and colony
- There are some high levels of varroa occurring with the dataset (see maximum values)
- The most important data is the data from your own colonies.
  - While this summary may be a useful comparison it is not a replacement for the data on your own varroa mite sampling
- Varroa levels increases exponentially, with the growth greatly accelerating in late summer and into fall
- Treatments are important to keep these levels under control
  - These treatments have their limitations and varroa mites can spread to your bees from other nearby beeyards through robbing taking place in fall

Continue to sample for varroa and monitor you varroa mite levels in you colonies.

Data

Alcohol Wash

Sticky Board