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Depiction:
Dribble treatment with oxalic acid is an established method in Switzerland for winter varroa control. Broodless colonies (or colonies with only open brood), correct preparation of the solution, and strict protective measures are essential, as oxalic acid is strongly irritating and harmful to health. The summary below is based exclusively on the official practical guide (BGD/SSA) and refers to the complete instructions/package leaflet.
Vaporisation/sublimation of oxalic acid is a winter treatment recommended in Switzerland against varroa, provided that colonies are broodless or contain only open brood. Vaporisation is carried out using a dedicated sublimator/vaporiser device; correct application is essential for both efficacy and safety. The following summary is based exclusively on the official Practical Guide 1.3.3 (V 2511) of the SSA / BGD.
The creation of nucleus colonies, alongside drone brood removal, is a central biotechnical measure to slow the development of varroa. Practical Guide 1.4 compares the methods described by the Swiss Bee Health Service (1.4.2–1.4.7) and supports decision-making. The basis is the official Practical Guide 1.4 “Overview of Methods for Nucleus Colony Formation” (V 2511).
Targeted drone brood removal is a practical measure for reducing the varroa population. It uses the different brood characteristics of drones to remove mites from the brood nest and interrupt their reproductive cycle. The following summary is based on the official Practical Guide 1.4.1 of the Swiss Bee Health Service.
The artificial swarm is a beekeeping method for establishing new colonies in which bees are deliberately taken from existing colonies and reassembled. It serves, among other purposes, colony multiplication, rehabilitation of affected colonies, and reduction of varroa. The following information is based on the official Practical Guide 1.4.2 of the Swiss Bee Health Service.
A queen or artificial swarm is a method for establishing a new colony with a defined queen. It is deliberately created to build strong, vigorous colonies, form nucleus colonies, or carry out rehabilitation measures. The summary below is based on the official Practical Guide 1.4.3 of the Swiss Bee Health Service.
The brood nucleus colony is an established beekeeping method for creating new colonies based on brood combs from existing colonies. It serves colony multiplication, swarm prevention, and can contribute to reducing varroa pressure. The following information is based on the official Practical Guide 1.4.4 of the Swiss Bee Health Service.
The creation of collective brood nuclei serves colony multiplication, supplementary feeding, or the rehabilitation of weakened stocks. This section summarises the key points of the official Practical Guide 1.4.4.1 and refers to the complete original source.
The establishment of a flying nucleus colony (a nucleus formed at midday from a collective brood nucleus with an additional rearing unit) serves to deliberately supply young colonies with forager bees during the day and to promote their development. The following summary is based exclusively on the official Practical Guide 1.4.5 (BGD/SSA) and refers to the original source.
The natural swarm is the natural form of colony reproduction and occurs primarily in spring and early summer. It represents both an opportunity for colony multiplication and a challenge for apiary management. The following information is based on the official Practical Guide 1.4.6 of the Swiss Bee Health Service.
Colony multiplication based on swarming impulse makes targeted use of the natural reproductive drive of honey bee colonies for the formation of nucleus colonies. When correctly applied, this method allows simple multiplication and the use of existing queen cells, but it requires careful observation and timely intervention. The following information is based on the official Practical Guide 1.4.7 of the Swiss Bee Health Service (BGD).
Measuring the natural mite fall is a simple method for assessing varroa infestation without treatment intervention. It provides orientation on the infestation level and supports decision-making regarding further measures. The following information is based on the official Practical Guide 1.5.1 of the Swiss Bee Health Service.
The powdered sugar method is a non-destructive diagnostic technique for estimating varroa mite infestation in honey bees. It provides an estimate of the mite load by dislodging mites from the bees’ bodies using powdered sugar, allowing them to be counted. The following summary is based on the official Practical Guide 1.5.2 of the Swiss Bee Health Service.
The wash method (also referred to as the “wash tower”/“washing procedure”) is used to wet bees with a liquid in order to dislodge and quantify Varroa mites from brood chambers and from the bodies of the bees. It is used for diagnostic purposes and does not replace treatment. The following summary is based on the official Practical Guide 1.5.3 of the Swiss Bee Health Service.
A brood interruption is a deliberate suspension of brood production in honey bee colonies, used as a measure in Varroa management (e.g. for Varroa reduction or preparation for treatments). The following summary is based on the official Practical Guide 1.6.1 of the Swiss Bee Health Service.
Das Bannwabenverfahren ist eine biotechnische Methode zur Varroabekämpfung, bei der die Eiablage der Königin gezielt auf bestimmte Brutwaben gelenkt wird. Dadurch kann die Brut und damit ein grosser Teil der Varroamilben kontrolliert entfernt werden. Die folgenden Hinweise basieren auf dem offiziellen Merkblatt 1.6.2 des Schweizerischen Bienengesundheitsdienstes.
Hyperthermia is a biotechnical method for reducing Varroa infestation in which brood is deliberately heated to kill mites. It exploits the differing temperature sensitivity of honey bee brood and Varroa mites. The following notes are based on the official Practical Guide 1.6.3 of the Swiss Bee Health Service.
Total brood removal is a biotechnical measure for reducing Varroa infestation without the direct use of varroacides. The procedure deliberately intervenes in the brood cycle and requires stable, high-performing colonies. The following notes are based exclusively on the official Practical Guide 1.6.4 of the Swiss Bee Health Service.
Varroa treatment in mating nuclei places specific demands, as these units usually consist of small bee populations with a particular function. An adapted approach is required to ensure treatment effectiveness while avoiding risks to queens and brood. The following notes are based on the official Practical Guide 1.6.5 of the Swiss Bee Health Service.
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Infestation-oriented Varroa treatment (July to September) deviates, according to official Practical Guide 1.6.6, from the Varroa concept 1.1 and is intended for beekeepers who wish to treat only when necessary. It requires monthly, careful assessment of natural mite fall and individual evaluation of each colony. The following summary is based exclusively on the official Practical Guide (BGD/SSA).
Emergency treatment in hive bodies refers to exceptional measures that may be applied in the event of an acute threat to a honey bee colony. It is not intended for routine colony management, but for short-term intervention in critical situations. The following notes are based on the official Practical Guide 1.7.1 of the Swiss Bee Health Service.