The effects of some supplementary feed premixes on honeybee ( Apis mellifera L.) colony behavior, performance, and varroa mite infestation

Honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies obtain essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, enzymes, vitamins, and proteins, from natural flowering plants. In recent years, various supplementary feed premixes with different compositions have become increasingly used. These premixes are also claimed to have protective or therapeutic effects against certain bee diseases, particularly infestations by Varroa destructor mites. This study used 40 honeybee colonies to assess the purported therapeutic effects of these premixes. Control (CG), commercial acaricide (CA), and three different premix (PR1, PR2, and PR3) groups were used in this experiment. The effectiveness of these applications against varroa mites and their impact on colony performance and behaviour were evaluated. The effectiveness of premixes and acaricides applied in the spring and autumn against varroa on adult bees and pupae was found to differ significantly. No positive effects of premix application on colony performance were observed. In addition, premix application had no positive effects against the varroa mites, and colony losses were found to be high. While the activity level of the premixes against varroa mites on adult bees and pupae was approximately 35–40%, this rate was 97–98% in the CA group. The study indicates that an effective commercial acaricide against varroa mites had an indirect positive effect on field behaviour, adult bee development, and colony productivity.