Most people think of bees as strong, hardworking little creatures. And they are.
But one of the biggest threats to their survival is something almost too small to notice.
Varroa mites are tiny parasites that live inside beehives and feed on bees. They can weaken a colony, spread disease and, if left unmanaged, contribute to an entire hive collapsing.
For beekeepers around the world, varroa management is now a vital and ongoing part of caring for honey bees. At Waitahanui Apiaries, we take this responsibility seriously. Our approach is careful, regular and aligned with the way we believe honey should be produced: with respect for the bees, the hive and the natural purity of the honey.
How we help protect our bees
To help control varroa, we use an oxalic acid staple treatment inside the hive.
These are cardboard strips soaked in food-grade glycerine and oxalic acid. The staples are carefully placed inside the hive, where they help reduce varroa mite numbers as the bees move naturally around them.
Oxalic acid may sound unfamiliar, but it occurs naturally in beehives and is also found in many everyday foods, including spinach and rhubarb.
When applied correctly, oxalic acid is safe for bees and is an effective tool for managing varroa mites.
Healthy bees start with good varroa control.
Why we choose this method
For us, using oxalic acid staples fits well with our natural and sustainable approach to beekeeping.
Synthetic miticide treatments are commonly used across the beekeeping industry to control varroa mites. However, industry testing has shown that traces of some synthetic treatments can sometimes be found in hive products such as wax and honey.
Oxalic acid is a naturally occurring organic acid that is already present in small amounts in many plants and foods. By using oxalic acid staples as part of our varroa management programme, we can manage mite levels effectively while reducing our reliance on synthetic treatments.
It allows us to care for our bees while staying true to the beekeeping practices we believe in.
Our goal is simple: healthy bees, healthy hives and high-quality honey.
How this fits with our organic certification
Waitahanui Apiaries is certified organic through BioGro New Zealand.
As certified organic beekeepers, all of our hive treatments and management practices must meet strict standards that focus on bee health, product traceability and honey purity.
Using oxalic acid staples is an important part of our certified organic beekeeping programme. It helps us manage varroa mites while reducing reliance on synthetic treatments and lowering the risk of residues in hive products.
This ongoing care helps us maintain strong, healthy colonies while producing honey that reflects the quality and integrity expected of BioGro-certified organic honey.
Varroa management is not a one-off job
Managing varroa is not something beekeepers can do once and forget about.
Every beekeeper around the world has the ongoing job of monitoring and managing varroa mites in their hives. Treatments need to be checked, maintained and adjusted regularly throughout the year to help keep colonies healthy and strong.
At Waitahanui Apiaries, our hives are monitored regularly, often monthly, depending on the season, hive conditions and colony health.
This regular attention helps us identify issues early and support resilient, productive bee colonies.
Why varroa matters
Varroa mites weaken bees in ways that are not always visible from outside the hive.
They feed on the bee’s fat body tissue, which plays an important role in immunity, nutrition and overall health. As mites feed, bees can become weaker and more vulnerable to viruses and disease.
Varroa mites can also spread harmful viruses through the hive, including Deformed Wing Virus. This can affect developing bees and, if varroa is left unmanaged, may contribute to the collapse of an entire colony.
A healthy hive does not happen by accident. It takes observation, care and the right management at the right time.
At Waitahanui Apiaries, every treatment decision is made with the same goal in mind: healthy bees, strong colonies and certified organic honey you can trust.