Varroa Management Guide Update with Dewey Caron (380)

Dr. Dewey Caron, a retired entomologist and longtime beekeeping educator, reveals the groundbreaking ninth edition of the Honey Bee Health Coalition’s Varroa Management Guide—now with a dramatically lowered treatment threshold of 1% phoretic mites in washed adult bees, down from outdated standards of 8-12%. This shift reflects a critical understanding that Varroa mites themselves aren’t the primary killer; it’s the viruses they transmit—especially Deformed Wing Virus—that devastate colonies. Caron explains that the new guide, updated through a volunteer-driven, science-backed process, is not just a reference but a living tool, now being adapted into podcast-friendly, listenable segments for beekeepers on the move. He also shares insights from his Pacific Northwest beekeeper survey, which shows newer beekeepers (under three years) are now the majority of respondents—and that survival rates for nucs and packages vary dramatically by year, underscoring the need for adaptive, data-informed management. Caron’s new monthly 'Shorts Again' series will deliver concise, science-rich beekeeping insights, blending research with real-world practice.