Varroa mite, Varroa destructor, is a parasitic mite that infests honey bee colonies, weakens bees, transmits viruses and, without active management, causes colony collapse.
In trade practice
Beekeepers monitor varroa infestation levels through regular mite counts and apply approved acaricide treatments or biotechnical methods such as brood removal at appropriate times in the colony cycle. The choice and timing of treatments is critical for honey quality: chemical treatments applied incorrectly or too close to harvest can leave residues in honey and wax that may be detected in routine residue screening. EU import controls require honey to comply with the maximum residue limits set in applicable EU regulations. Organic producers are restricted to treatments permitted under organic standards, which limits available options.
In a specification
A honey purchase specification may require the supplier to declare all varroa treatments applied during the production season, including active substance, application date and withdrawal period observed, as part of the product information file.