Manipulating the spatial distribution of varroa mites in hives of Apis mellifera

The parasitic mite Varroa destructor has been a major pest of the European honey bee, Apis mellifera, in the US since its introduction in 1987.  The synthetic acaricides currently used for control of V. destructor have many drawbacks, including the development of resistance in the mite and the accumulation of harmful residues in hive materials.  A precision pest management program (PPMP) for V. destructor is an efficient and environmentally safe alternative for mite control and reduction of the deleterious effects of acaricides.  A requirement of any PPMP, however, is adequate knowledge of the spatiotemporal distribution of the pest.  Here, we show that the spatial distribution of Varroa mite fall on sticky boards within honey bee hives can be altered by manipulating frames containing drone brood.  Having the ability to manipulate and predict the within-hive locations of high levels of the Varroa mite offers an opportunity for beekeepers to apply the site specific treatments required of precision pest management.