How do the different seasons affect Varroa reproduction?

Varroa reproduce in the brood of a honey bee colony. The time of year can affect the level of brood in a colony and whether the amount of brood is increasing or decreasing. It is important to know if your colony is expanding or contracting as this will affect the types of treatment you can use and how effective they will be.

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Spring - The colony begins to grow in size after the winter and the queens rate of laying increases. The bees will begin to forage. If the weather is good a spring honey crop can be harvested.

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Summer - During the summer a hive will be at is biggest, with a large population of bees and brood and lots of foraging activity. The queen will be at the peak of her laying and the colony will produce drones and may try to swarm. The main honey crop is harvested.

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Autumn - In autumn the foraging will reduce, the queen will start to lay less and the size of the colony will decrease. Any bees produced now will have to survive until the following spring, so it is important that they are as healthy as possible. Beekeepers ensure colonies will have enough food to get through the winter.

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Winter - Typically over the winter colonies will produce either very little or no brood and the bees will form a cluster to conserve heat in colder weather.