A New Bee Crisis Could Make Your Food Scarce and Expensive:
Scientists are racing to stop a tiny mite that could devastate the pollinators and agriculture
scientificamerican.com/article/a-new-bee-crisis-could-make-your-food-scarce-and-expensive/
Photo: scientificamerican.com · view article
Emerging Mite Threat Endangers Bees and CropsFirst seen in Europe in 2024, tropilaelaps mites could devastate North American bee populations within months.
Key FactsApr 15, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: scientificamerican.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: scientificamerican.com
- Tropilaelaps mites have rapidly expanded their range, recently confirmed in Europe and expected soon in the Americas.
- These parasites infest developing bee brood, causing colony collapse that threatens pollination of over 130 crops worth $15 billion annually.
- Effective control requires integrated methods including formic acid treatments, heat applications, and brood interruption to prevent resistance.
- Despite limited current knowledge, researchers are urgently investigating solutions to prepare for the mite’s inevitable arrival.
It's worse than varroa, and I don't think we'll ever be prepared fully.— John Miller, beekeeper, on the threat posed by the tropilaelaps mite.
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