varroa mite
noun
var·roa mite
| \ ˈver-ə-wə-
, ˈva-rə-\
, ˈva-rə-\
Definition of varroa mite
: any of a genus (Varroa) of parasitic Asian mites that suck the hemolymph of honeybees and their larvae
especially
: one (V. destructor) of worldwide distribution that is a serious pest of the European honeybee
Examples of varroa mite in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As the University of Maryland shares the latest survey results, entomologists there are urging beekeepers to use three different strategies to fight the spread of varroa mites. — Scott Dance, Washington Post, "University of Maryland-led survey finds honeybee losses highest in 13 years this winter," 20 June 2019 Likely reasons include the proliferation of parasitic varroa mites that can spread disease and viruses into bee colonies, the use of pesticides on crops, and even warming temperatures. — Chase Purdy, Quartz, "New data show the US honeybee population is still dying in record numbers," 20 June 2019 As the University of Maryland shares the latest survey results, entomologists there are urging beekeepers to use as many as three different strategies to fight the spread of varroa mites. — Scott Dance, baltimoresun.com, "Honey bee losses highest in 13 years this winter, University of Maryland-led survey finds," 19 June 2019 Oxalic acid, found naturally in plants and vegetables, can fight the varroa mites. — Kevin Davenport, idahostatesman, "Why are these 250,000 bees hanging out on this sweet Downtown Boise rooftop?," 11 July 2018 Hive loss caused by the varroa mite has been the primary cause of hive loss, although pesticide applications by residents and farmers also contributes to hive loss. — Megan Becka, cleveland.com, "Urban Honey Bee thrives thanks to Akron business partnerships," 2 Apr. 2018 Entomologists have known there has been an issue with bees since varroa mites spread across the world in the 1980s-90s. — National Geographic, "Without Bugs, We Might All Be Dead," 6 Aug. 2017 One scientist likens the varroa mites to having a rat attached to your body, leaching life from you. — National Geographic, "Without Bugs, We Might All Be Dead," 6 Aug. 2017These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'varroa mite.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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