Dave Cawley asked if bee mites have any predators or parasites that
   could be used against them.
 
   As far as I know, there are no records of straightforward predators of
   bee mites. To stretch the point, however, one tactic I've seen is to use
   a wire mesh bottom board (3 mm holes = 8 mesh per inch). Any controls
   that are applied (even sublethal ones) would be more effective, since
   the mites which fall down (perhaps to recover and return to the cluster)
   fall through the mesh and are more vulnerable to general predators
   (ants, predaceous mites etc). If the bottom board is attractive for
   other reasons (they provide good ventilation even when the colony is
   confined for moving) it may be something that some beekeepers could
   adopt.
 
   Kerry Clark, Apiculture Specialist
   B.C. Ministry of Agriculture
   1201 103 Ave
   Dawson Creek B.C.
        V1G 4J2  CANADA          Tel (604) 784-2225     fax (604) 784-2299
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