The Tiny Parasite Destroying Global Bee Colonies

The Varroa mite is a tiny external parasite that kills entire honey bee colonies by feeding on them. Without human intervention, an infected colony almost always collapses within just three years.

These mites are considered the greatest threat to honey bee health worldwide. Interestingly, scientists once thought these mites were a single species until DNA testing revealed they were distinct in the year 2000. They attach to bees like ticks, weakening them and spreading deadly viruses throughout the hive. Managing this pest is now a constant, difficult battle for beekeepers everywhere.