Parasitic mites that affect the breathing tube (tracheae) of adult honey bees, cause colony loss. Difficult to diagnose, there are a few symptoms that are visible.
- Tracheal mites feed on the bee’s blood and are only diagnosed through microscopic dissection to reveal scars in the tracheae.
- Infestations of the tracheal mite are worse in winter when bees are clustering.
- K-wing is a visible symptom where the wing muscles are damaged causing the hind wing to push forward into the shape of a K.
- Bees can be observed crawling around, unable to fly.
- Treatment for impacted bees includes formic acid, menthol and/or grease patties.
- We use formic acid to treat varroa mites.
- Some add wintergreen or lemongrass essential oils to feed in springtime.
- A long-term solution is hygienic breeding. Replacing the queen is an option.