Preliminary trials on the efficacy of propolis in the control of the Varroa destructor (Mesostigmata Vrroidae) ectoparasite of the honey bee Apis mellifera intermissa (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Honey bee colonies, in particular Apis mellifera intermissa, are affected by a Varroa destructor mite which threatens them with extinction. Several chemical treatments are used but the parasite has become resistant to them. To this end, in recent years, substances of plant origin have been used as a natural alternative means of combating this parasite. In the present work, the acaricidal effect of propolis (which is a product of the hive) is evaluated in the laboratory. The results obtained show that the extract of propolis with 70% ethanol (EEP) is highly toxic against varroa. In fact, 40% to 100% mortality is obtained respectively after 30 minutes to 120 minutes of exposure of the varroa mite to this extract. On the other hand, spraying mites with 100 mg of powdered propolis shows a 20% to 100% mortality after 12 to 24 hours of exposure. In addition, exposure of bees to EEP or propolis powder does not cause any mortality.