Hi all
We are new to the verroa story here in South Africa, but we are finding a few intresting things out.
Well lets say it has not been scientifically proved yet. Hives with verroa seem to be unaffected by it IF it has got Chelifers or Bee Scorpoins (Ellingsenius fulleri), a pseudoscorpion. They are harmless to the bees but prey on mites. I have seen these Bee Scorpoins attacking the Braula mite. So we are hoping and checking to se what is going to happen. I have left a few hives untreated but there is a good population of Bee Scorpions.
One of the other things is that the infestation of the lesser Hive Bettle is less if the Bee Scorpion is present.
Aparantly the only other place where the Bee Scorpion is found is in Asia, where Verroa originated from.
If any one has any info on the Bee Scorpion please could they please give me an e-mail.
Regards
Mark
From not so dark Africa.