Seasonal Incidence and Management of Tropilaelaps clareae (Delfinado and Baker) in Apis mellifera L. Colonies of Kangra Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India

Honey bee colonies face numerous biotic and abiotic challenges that compromise their health and productivity. Among the most destructive of these are ectoparasitic mites, particularly Varroa destructor and Tropilaelaps clareae, which significantly impair colony development. Seasonal incidence of Tropilaelaps clareae (Delfinado and Baker) in Apis mellifera L. colonies was studied in Kangra Valley, Himachal Pradesh, and migratory regions of Anupgarh, Rajasthan, from July 2024 to June 2025. Monthly observations under stationary and migratory conditions assessed colony strength, brood area, pollen reserves, and honey stores. Colony development and brood rearing peaked in spring and early summer, declining in winter. Tropilaelaps clareae infestation peaked in June (45.20 mites/colony, 46.60% brood infestation, 42.60 mites/100 bees), with no infestation in winter due to limited brood and lower temperatures. Thyme and Eucalyptus essential oils reduced T. clareae infestation to 2.00% and 3.00%, respectively, compared to 39.00% in untreated colonies. Plant-based essential oils significantly reduced T. clareae infestation. Thyme oil (Thymus vulgaris) achieved the highest efficacy, reducing brood infestation from 42.33% to 2.00% after three treatments (94.83% reduction), followed by Eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus globulus) at 3.00% (91.36% reduction). The findings highlight seasonal mite dynamics and the efficacy of Thyme and Eucalyptus oils as sustainable alternatives to chemical acaricides for managing T. clareae in Apis mellifera colonies.