About Us

Source Article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969723061193

We're thrilled to share the buzzing success we experienced at The Beekeeping Show 2024, hosted at the Telford International Centre on Saturday, 24th February. This premier UK beekeeping trade show was nothing short of extraordinary, bringing together over 1,850 visitors and more than 50 exhibitors from across the UK and Europe. Connecting with Beekeepers Near and Far The Beekeeping Show served as a hub for beekeepers and enthusiasts, providing an excellent platform for networking and knowledge exchange. Our team was elated to engage with beekeepers from diverse backgrounds, sharing insights and innovations that make the world of apiculture so vibrant. Meeting Our Valued Customers in Person What made the event truly special was the opportunity to meet some of our valued customers in person. Hearing their success stories and receiving positive feedback about ThermoMite was truly heartening. Our system's impact on varroa mite control has proven to be a game-changer for many, and we are honoured to be an integral part of their beekeeping journey. ThermoMite in Action: Live Demonstrations and Positive Responses One of the highlights of our presence at the show was the live demonstrations of ThermoMite. Visitors had the chance to witness firsthand how our system effectively manages varroa mite issues. The positive responses were overwhelming, with beekeepers expressing enthusiasm about the system's ease of use and remarkable results. A Shoutout to the Organisers and Attendees Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to the organisers of The Beekeeping Show for seamlessly putting together such an impactful event. The central UK location, within minutes of national motorway and rail networks, coupled with free on-site parking, made it convenient for attendees from various regions. A big thank you to everyone who visited our booth! Your enthusiasm and passion for beekeeping were truly inspiring. It's through such interactions that we find motivation to continually enhance our products and contribute to the thriving beekeeping community. Looking Ahead: More Opportunities to Grow Together As we reflect on the success of The Beekeeping Show, we are energised and excited about the future. We look forward to more opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together in the vibrant beekeeping community. The positive momentum generated at the show propels us to continue innovating and supporting beekeepers worldwide. Stay tuned for more updates, success stories, and innovations from ThermoMite. Together, let's create a sustainable and thriving future for beekeeping! #BeekeepingShow #ThermoMiteSuccess #BeekeepingCommunity #VarroaMiteControl #Beekeeping2024

Unveiling the Bee's Unexpected Weapon Against Viruses

Australia Shifts Beekeeping Strategy: Transitioning from Eradication to Management of Varroa Mite

The Beekeepers Quarterly Features ThermoMite™: A Natural Revolution in Beekeeping

Introduction The honey bee, a crucial pollinator for our agricultural ecosystems, faces numerous challenges, with Varroa destructor mites being a major threat to their survival. Varroa mites, often referred to as Varroa, and the viruses they transmit are responsible for significant honey bee colony losses, making them a top concern for beekeepers in the United States. In their efforts to combat Varroa infestations, beekeepers have turned to miticides, chemical substances designed to control mite populations. However, the widespread resistance that has developed against some miticides, such as fluvalinate and coumaphos, has raised alarms within the beekeeping community. The Role of Amitraz in Varroa Control One miticide that has remained relatively effective in controlling Varroa populations is amitraz, despite its long history of use. Amitraz is a formamidine compound that targets octopamine/tyramine receptors in mites, disrupting their nervous system and ultimately leading to their demise. Initially, reports of amitraz resistance were rare, giving beekeepers hope that this chemical could be their go-to solution. Nevertheless, recent anecdotal reports have suggested reduced effectiveness, stirring concerns about the possibility of amitraz-resistant Varroa populations. Amitraz Resistance: A Growing Challenge In a study led by FD Rinkevich in 2020, researchers aimed to address these concerns and shed light on the state of amitraz resistance in Varroa populations across the United States. Their findings were published in "PLoS ONE" under the title "Detection of amitraz resistance and reduced treatment efficacy in the Varroa Mite, Varroa destructor, within commercial beekeeping operations." The study evaluated amitraz resistance in commercial beekeeping operations in Louisiana, New York, and South Dakota, areas with a long history of amitraz use. The results indicated a wide range of amitraz resistance among the operations studied. Some apiaries displayed no resistance, while others showed high resistance levels that resulted in Varroa control failure despite amitraz treatment. Resistance ratios obtained from laboratory bioassays were correlated with reduced efficacy of Apivar®, a commonly used amitraz-based product, confirming the presence of Varroa control failures due to amitraz resistance. Future Directions: The Promise of Thermotherapy with ThermoMite™ As concerns about amitraz resistance continue to grow, the beekeeping community is actively seeking alternative and sustainable Varroa control methods. One promising direction lies in the realm of chemical-free treatments, particularly thermotherapy. This approach involves using controlled heat to eliminate Varroa mites without the use of chemicals. In this context, a groundbreaking technology known as "ThermoMite™" has emerged as a potential game-changer. ThermoMite™ employs Phase Change Materials (PCM) as its primary heat source, offering a power-free, self-sustaining thermotherapy solution. By harnessing the unique properties of PCM, ThermoMite™ provides a precise and efficient way to target and eliminate Varroa mites within honey bee colonies. ThermoMite™, along with similar innovations, may hold the key to a chemical-free future for Varroa control in beekeeping. As research and development in this field progress, the adoption of technologies like ThermoMite™ could revolutionize Varroa management, ensuring the health and sustainability of honey bee populations while reducing the environmental impact of traditional miticides. Collaborative efforts between researchers, beekeepers, and innovators are essential in realizing this vision and securing a brighter future for honey bee colonies. Study Source: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0227264

Introduction Beekeeping is a vital practice that not only supports the production of delicious honey but also plays a crucial role in pollination, ensuring the survival of countless plant species. However, honeybee colonies face significant threats, with the Varroa mite being one of the most devastating pests. To combat this parasitic intruder, beekeepers have turned to innovative solutions like ThermoTherapy. In this blog post, we will explore what ThermoTherapy is, how it works, and the benefits it offers in preserving the health and strength of honeybee colonies. What is ThermoTherapy? ThermoTherapy in beekeeping is a targeted treatment used to control and manage Varroa mite infestations within honeybee colonies. The Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) is an external parasite that attaches itself to adult bees and developing brood, feeding on their bodily fluids and transmitting harmful viruses. If left unchecked, Varroa mites can cause severe damage and even lead to colony collapse disorder. How Does ThermoTherapy Work? ThermoTherapy is an innovative approach that harnesses the power of controlled heat to address the Varroa mite infestation. Targeted Temperature: The key to ThermoTherapy's success lies in maintaining a specific temperature range within the beehive. This range usually falls between 104°F to 108°F (40°C to 42°C). At these temperatures, honeybees can tolerate the heat for short periods without harm, while Varroa mites cannot withstand the higher temperatures and succumb to their demise. Application Devices: Beekeepers utilize specialized equipment to administer ThermoTherapy. These may include heating units, infrared lamps, or other heat-emitting devices. The devices are strategically placed within the hive to achieve uniform heat distribution, ensuring that all mites are exposed to the lethal temperatures. Monitoring and Safety: Beekeepers must carefully monitor the temperature during the treatment process to avoid overheating the hive. Additionally, ThermoTherapy should only be conducted by experienced beekeepers who are well-versed in the proper implementation of this technique. Benefits of ThermoTherapy Non-Chemical Treatment: One of the most significant advantages of ThermoTherapy is its non-chemical nature. Unlike some traditional methods that involve the use of pesticides or chemical treatments, ThermoTherapy provides a natural solution for Varroa mite control. This reduces the risk of chemical residues in honey and promotes organic beekeeping practices. Varroa Mite Eradication: ThermoTherapy has been shown to be highly effective in reducing the Varroa mite population within bee colonies. By raising the temperature to lethal levels for the mites while sparing the bees, ThermoTherapy helps to maintain the health and vigor of the hive. Reduced Mite Resistance: Prolonged use of chemical treatments can lead to mite populations developing resistance, rendering those treatments less effective over time. ThermoTherapy, on the other hand, does not contribute to this issue, making it a valuable component of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Enhanced Bee Colony Health: By controlling Varroa mite infestations, ThermoTherapy contributes to overall colony health. Stronger, healthier colonies are more resilient to other stressors and diseases, allowing beekeepers to maintain productive and sustainable apiaries. Conclusion ThermoTherapy is a promising and environmentally friendly method for managing Varroa mite infestations in honeybee colonies. By harnessing the power of controlled heat, beekeepers can effectively reduce the mite population while preserving the health and strength of their hives. As an essential component of integrated pest management, ThermoTherapy offers a natural and sustainable solution for beekeepers seeking to protect their beloved bees and contribute to the thriving world of beekeeping.

Revolutionising Beekeeping: ThermoMite's Self-Built Retrofit Kit