This bee-Learning Short Course will explore the practice of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) within the context of controlling Varroa in your colonies. The honey bee pest Varroa destructor is one of the leading contributors to colony death around the world. History has shown that overuse of one chemical control can lead to mites that are resistant to these products, making them ineffective controls. Adopting IPM practices can lead to the reduced use of chemical controls through application of a variety of pest control options. Such options incorporate the biology of host species (honey bees) and the biology of the pest species (Varroa) to reduce pest-inflicted damage. IPM strategies may include cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical control options as needed to control pests.

This short course includes the following lessons:

1. Principle Stressors of Honey Bee Colonies
2. Varroa Biology
3. What Is IPM?
4. Determining Thresholds
5. Identify and Monitor
6. Varroa Monitoring
7. Prevention
8. Control
9. Varroa Control
10. Can IPM Be Effective for Beekeeping?

Important Information

• Software requirements: For the best user experiece use Chrome when accessing this course. Some features in this course are not be compatible with other internet browsers. 
• Lessons in this course overlap with lessons in the Advanced and Master Beekeeper online courses, part of the UF/IFAS Master Beekeeper Program.
• bee-Learning Short Courses are completely self-paced, although must be completed within 60 days of registering.
• You will receive a certificate of completion for this course via email after you have passed the final assessment and completed the course exit survey.
• No refunds will be granted for this course after the course has been accessed.