Stronger Colonies Start with Smarter Varroa Control

Integrated Pest Management for Varroa Mite Control

Varroa mites (Varroa destructor) remain one of the most significant threats to honey bee health. This course provides a practical, evidence-based foundation for understanding, monitoring, and managing varroa in your honey bee colonies. Designed for intermediate beekeepers, this course guides you through the process of incorporating an effective pest management plan to prevent, control, and treat for varroa—building healthier, stronger colonies.

Tuition is a one-time fee of $49

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At the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • ✺

    Describe the biology and impact of Varroa destructor on honey bee colonies.

  • ✺

    Apply Integrated Pest Managment principles to control varroa mite population growth. 

  • ✺

    Implement decision making strategies for the chemical control of varroa mites. 

What’s inside

Module 1

Basic concepts

Module 2

Varroa life cycle

Module 3

Monitoring

Module 4

Resistance

Module 5

Cultural Controls

Module 6

Chemical Controls

Module 7

Evaluating IPM

Glossary

Definitions of words used in the science and practice of beekeeping

Assessment

Knowledge will be assessed through a variety of short quizzes. Upon successful completion of the course, a badge certifying completion will be awarded.  

Reduce Chemicals, Strengthen Colonies, Support the Environment

Implementing an integrated pest management strategy controls varroa effectively while protecting both colony health and the environment. By monitoring regularly, implementing practical management tools, and only using treatments when needed, it reduces chemical use, lowers a colony’s resistance to treatments, and supports stronger, more sustainable hives.

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✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • The tuition is $49. The money goes directly to the BC Honey Producers’ Association and Technology Transfer Program for investment in further courses and programs to support honey producers in BC.

  • The course is self-paced. Based on our estimations, dedicating 2-3 hours per week typically leads to completion within two weeks. However, students have four months from the date of enrolment to complete the curriculum

  • Enrolment is open year-round to all individuals, so you can enrol anytime! The course is self-paced with a time frame of four months to complete the curriculum once you enrol.

  • We have created a Free Sampler course that allows you to see how the content is delivered so you can know if this learning is right for you. Try it now

  • No prerequisites or prior education is required. This course is designed for intermediate beekeepers seeking to have a better understanding of honey bee pathology. If you have no prior experience with honey bees, we do recommend taking the ‘Introduction to honey bee biology and apiculture’ before taking this course.

  • Yes, our TTP Lead, Nuria will be available to answer questions about course content. And if you are having technical problems you can email Dan at learningsupport@ttp-bchpa.ca. There are also open class forums to discuss with other students

  • No. This course is for you to learn about honey bees and apiculture for your own purpose. Each module does have a quiz, but it has unlimited attempts. There are also self-knowledge checks throughout the course on what we consider to be important knowledge. Again, these allow unlimited attempts. So in the end, there are no grades, and once you complete the course and the end of course survey, you will receive an electronic badge indicating completion.