AUGUSTA (AP) — A state bee expert says conditions are perfect for another honeybee die-off in Maine.
A mild winter and unseasonably warm early spring have created conditions reminiscent of 2010, when an explosion in the mite populations killed off many colonies.
State apiarist and bee inspector Tony Jadczak says Varroa is one of the external parasitic mites that attacks European honeybees.
He tells the Kennebec Journal most hives were strong in 2010 in the late spring and summer. In mid- to late July, hive inspections indicated that many colonies were at or approaching levels at which they needed treatment.
Those levels were reached at least a month earlier than normal.
When the mite count exceeds recommended levels, it’s time to treat with soft chemicals, mainly organic acids from plant oils.
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