Beekeepers meet to discuss mites

The varroa mite saps the bee's energy

Around 40 beekeepers gathered in Herefordshire on Sunday to learn new methods of controlling the problem of the varroa mite.

The pest lives on the bees draining them of their energy and spreading viruses.

In recent years, the mite has become resistant to pesticides.

At Sunday's meeting, beekeepers met to discuss alternative ways if tackling the problem, including dusting the bees with icing sugar.

Colonies collapse

The mite first arrived on the south coast of England from Europe 10 years ago.

It can cause death and deformity among the insects until only ageing and unproductive bees are left and entire colonies collapse.

Colin Pavey from the Herefordshire Beekeepers' Association, organised Sunday's meeting at Brokhampton near Ross-on-Wye.

He said: "We take the frames of bees out of the hive and shake icing sugar on them.

"The mites then slip off the bees and the bees, in cleaning themselves, flick the mites off their back."

He added: "It is a very simple method which is used to potentially protect against the mites."