For any beekeeper—new or seasoned—keeping honey bee colonies healthy means staying a step ahead of threats. One of the most destructive enemies of the modern honey bee is the Varroa mite, a parasite that latches onto bees, reproduces inside the brood, and weakens colonies from the inside out. While there are various ways to control mite populations, monitoring is the first and most critical step. That’s where the Varroa Easy Check comes in. Why Varroa Mites Are a Big Deal Varroa mites (Varroa destructor) are not just pests—they are colony killers. These mites attach themselves to adult bees and developing brood, feeding on fat body tissue, which plays a vital role in immunity and energy storage. As if that weren’t bad enough, Varroa mites also transmit a range of harmful viruses, such as Deformed Wing Virus, that further reduce bee vitality. Left unchecked, Varroa infestations can cause colonies to collapse within months. This is why routine mite testing is not just a best practice—it...