Stimulating effect of sugar dusting on honey bee grooming behaviour

Abstract

The aim of this research was to investigate whether or not sugar dusting can stimulate the grooming behaviour in Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae), an important defensive mechanism against Varroa destructor Anderson & Trueman (Acari: Varroidae), and to assess the most effective dose and frequency of treatment. The criterion for evaluation of grooming potential was the percentage of damaged mites (PDM) among the total number collected on the bottom boards of the hives. In each sugar‐treated group PDM was significantly higher in comparison both with the negative control (no treatment) and with the values preceding the treatment. The results point to a stimulating effect of sugar on the grooming behaviour at all doses and frequencies tested. Treatment frequency influenced the stimulating effect of sugar: treatments at 3‐ and 7‐day intervals with 30 and 40 g resulted in significantly higher PDMs than the least frequent treatment (every 14 days); dusting with 20 g influenced PDM only when repeated at 3‐day intervals. Because treatments at 3‐day intervals are time‐consuming, those with 40 or 30 g repeated every 7 days may be recommended. In the positive control (hives treated with amitraz), average PDM was significantly lower than in the negative control and all sugar‐treated groups. Possible causes of the stimulating effect of sugar dusting on bee grooming behaviour are discussed.

Naturally selected honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies resistant to Varroa destructor do not groom more intensively

“…Dusting bees with powdered sugar is a common method to dislodge mites from bees (Dietemann et al, 2013) in order to measure varroa infestation levels or to use the dislodged mites in (laboratory) experiments. Dusting stimulates bees to groom (Land & Seeley, 2004), which might (partly) cause enhanced mite removal after dusting (Stevanovic, Stanimirovic, Lakic, Djelic, & Radovic, 2012). Therefore, the dust removal efficacy might be useful as an indicator of grooming behavior towards varroa mites, which has never been used before.…”

Efficacy of plant-derived formulation “Argus Ras” in Varroa destructor control

“…In organic beekeeping, there are special requirements regarding pest control and only few Varroa control methods and substances are considered acceptable. Beside biotechnological measures believed to be able to reduce Varroa infestation levels to some extent, methods such as sugar dusting and appliance of natural substances (essential oils and organic acids) are acceptable in organic beekeeping [21]. Argus Ras is an entirely plant-derived product and as such is suitable for both organic and conventional beekeeping.…”

Grooming Behavior in American Cockroach is Affected by Novelty and Odor

“…Sugar dusting increased grooming activity decreased bee infestation with Varroa mites [9], so application of odors would provide supplemental or alternative treatment.…”