Luxembourg beekeepers adopt sustainable methods to combat Varroa mites
Varroa mites have posed significant challenges for bees and beekeepers in Luxembourg since their first detection 40 years ago.
For the past three decades, Luxembourg's beekeepers have been working to develop honeybee resistance to these mites through a sustainable beekeeping approach. This method focuses on enhancing the natural strength of the bees.
Known scientifically as Varroa destructor, these mites are notorious for destroying bee populations by transmitting viruses that shorten bee lifespans, cause wing deformities, and impair orientation. According to Pol Bourkel, President of the Cantonal Association of Vianden, these viruses can decimate entire bee populations within days.
Bourkel notes that many bee colonies were lost between 2013 and 2014 due to the ineffectiveness of pharmaceuticals. In response, he explored various methods and highlights that today, approximately 75% of beekeepers in Vianden no longer use treatments and their bees continue to thrive.
Beekeepers have developed a specialised breed of bee resistant to Varroa mites, which is now being cross-bred with other bees to propagate this resistance. According to professional beekeeper Paul Jungels, these bees can recognise mites by smell and are also resistant to other diseases. They actively detect and eliminate mites by disrupting their reproductive process within the hive.
This innovative breeding method is open-source, allowing all beekeepers access to the techniques and equipment. Over recent years, many beekeepers have adopted this approach, leading to a significant reduction in Varroa mite infestations and positive results across the industry.
