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Photo by: Walter Nagamine, entomologist, HDOA
The varroa mite, Varroa destructor, is also known as the hive mite. It was detected this month in abandoned beehives that had been moved to Manoa.
The
Hawaii Department of Agriculture is surveying all islands for possible
infestations and assessing the extent of the problem. HDOA is asking
local beekeepers to refrain from moving bees and beekeeping equipment
within the City and County of Honolulu or interisland.
Until now Hawaii has
been free of the varroa mite, a parasite that bores holes in bees and
drains their blood. The varroa mite may pose a threat to Hawaii's honey
bee industry, especially commercial hives on the Big Island where queen
bees are raised for export worldwide. So far, the Big
Island remains mite free. It is illegal to transport bees to
Hawaii.
Beekeepers who suspect
the varroa mite has attacked their bees are asked to contact HDOA at
973-9530 (Oahu) or the state's toll-free pest hotline at 643-PEST
(7378).
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| Aloha,
As the state Department of Agriculture mobilizes to stop the spread of the parasitic varroa mite, eNews
focuses on efforts to inform the public, local commercial beekeepers
and hobbyists. State entomologists, plant quarantine inspectors and
plant pest specialists are working with commercial beekeepers and
backyard hobbyists to assess the infestation and control its spread.
The varroa mite feeds on honey bee adults, larvae and pupae, causing
bee deformities and beehive destruction.
Mindy Wilkinson
Invasive Species Coordinator |
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Photo by: Darcy Oishi, entomologist, HDOA
News Release April 11, 2007
State of Hawaii
Department of Agriculture
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Publications
Hawaii Health Guide
"Bee mite found on Oahu"
Pacific Business News
"Honey bees quarantined"
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Report Alien Pests
643-PEST (7378) |
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