Review of Bee Health

Ramsey conducts research on a tiny parasitic mite, Varroa destructor, which is the single biggest contributor to the decline in health of honey populations worldwide. Originating in Asia, the invasive Varroa mite is wreaking havoc on honey bee colonies, both by feeding on adult and immature bees, and by serving as a vector for five debilitating viruses.

For nearly 50 years, researchers have believed that the mite fed on the hemolymph (the “blood”) of the honey bee. Ramsey’s extensive research on the feeding habits and nutrition of the Varroa mite provides strong evidence that this model is wrong, and that current methods of controlling the parasite are not only ineffective, but actually may contribute to the parasites developing resistance to pesticides as well.