Sena McLaughlin

Environment or Beekeeping Practices: What affects survival rate in honey bee colonies with Varroa mite infestations?

Varroa mites, a widespread and harmful parasite, have been linked to Honey Bee health in colonies. This study looks at how environmental conditions and beekeeping management practices may affect the presence of Varroa mites in colonies as well as survival rates by analyzing responses to a questionnaire sent to amateur beekeepers. This survey was sent to beekeepers throughout the Northeastern United States, only responses from New York used in this study. Around 60 responses from different beekeepers were collected, and 34 were analyzed for a trend in Varroa mite infestation rates. Responses were categorized by the survival rates beekeepers reported. Possible correlations were found between survival rate and years of experience of beekeepers, and survival rate and the use of nutrition supplements in hives.