In this Beekeeping Today Podcast Short, Dr. Dewey Caron returns with his monthly audio postcard—this time focused on August mite management and a remarkable discovery about honey bee learning. Dewey reminds beekeepers that August is a critical month to monitor and treat for varroa mites before their populations explode. He shares updates on new and emerging treatments, including Norroa (a dsRNA-based biopesticide), Mite Bee Gone (L-glutamic acid strips), and Apivar 2.0, as well as best practices for applying oxalic acid extended release strips like VarroxSan.
Dewey shifts from mites to mind-blowing research on bee communication. Drawing on the work of Dr. James Nieh, he explains how the waggle dance—used by bees to communicate foraging locations—is learned through social exposure, similar to how birds and humans acquire language. This study, featured in Science, marks the first demonstration of social learning in insect spatial communication.
This episode blends practical mite management insights with inspiring science, all in under 20 minutes. Stay proactive. Plan your treatments. And appreciate the depth of honey bee intelligence.
Links & Resources:
Overviews of mite control:
Veto Pharma (makers fo Apivar 2.0 and Apiguard and Varroa Easy Check sampling device) has 2 informative, nicely illustrated flyers:
MiteBeeGone: https://mitebeegone.com/
Additional Resouces
Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping.
______________
Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com
Copyright © 2025 by Growing Planet Media, LLC
En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.