[Pollinator] Sugared bees are safe from mite

[Hunnypot]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/north_yorkshire/6506413.stm

Icing sugar remedy is bees knees

Beekeepers in North Yorkshire are protecting bees from a deadly mite -
by dusting them with icing sugar.

Experts say it is one of the best ways to get rid of the varroa mite,
which is becoming immune to other treatments.

The Harrogate and Ripon Beekeepers' Association said that if the mite
was not controlled it could wipe out many honey producers in the area.

Bees coated with icing sugar clean themselves and, in the process, flick
the mites off their backs.

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

'Death and deformity'

The mite, which first arrived on the south coast of England from Europe
10 years ago, has become resistant to pesticides in recent years.

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

Judith Hart, from the Harrogate and Ripon Beekeepers' Association, 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.

"If the varroa mite is allowed to thrive then whole colonies can  
collapse."

-- 
Emily Smit