Ultrasonic Combating of Varroa Destructor and Acarine Mites in Bee Families Apis Mellifera
Surowiec M Myczkowska O
ABSTRACT
The aim of the presented study was to determine the number of adult Varroa Destructor females as well as a mite offspring in the parasite drop caused by the sonic emitter. The power density of the emitter's acoustic waves does not exceed 1 milliwatt per square centimetre and frequency covers the range of 22 – 24 kHz, powered by 12-14 V, direct current. The emitter is located under the bee hive and ensures full safety for bees at every stage of their development and the subtle ultrasonic massage is manifested by an increased activity of adult bees. An important feature of the sonic might fall is the presence of young, light brown daughters - about 40%. Additionally, bees were stimulated to VSH and grooming behaviour. In one of the surveyed bee colonies, the largest sonic fall of Acarine mites occurred so far - approximately 430 pieces per day. The Acarine mite is unidentified till now. The fall of the Acarine mites, visible only under a microscope, subsided at the end of November.
