Panel: Current & Future Outlook on Varroa Mite Control
The parasitic mite, Varroa destructor, has held the title as the #1 contributor of honey bee health decline for years. Beekeepers struggle to manage Varroa mite levels in their colonies; some must apply treatment applications four times yearly to maintain healthy colonies. Elevated honey bee mortality rates drive the beekeeping industry and scientific community to find sustainable solutions to control Varroa mites. Here we present a panel discussion on the current and future outlook of Varroa mite control. Ellen Topitzhofer will moderate an industry- and science-based group of panelists: Todd Balsiger, Matt Hansen, Jan Lohman, and Dr. Ramesh Sagili. Topics include control strategies, amitraz resistance, Varroa resistant bee stock, and up-and-coming miticide treatments.
Matt Hansen is a second-generation commercial beekeeper and co-owner of Foothills Honey Company in Colton, Oregon, along with his brother Joe and parents, George and Sue. He lives in Mulino, Oregon, with his wife Meagan and sons William and Tommy.