Application of synthetic acaricides has been the major
effective method for controlling this pest. But the intensive
utilization of many chemical substances against the mites
resulted in the development of resistance and the reduction
of their efficacy (Milani 1999). In addition, contamination
of hive products, especially honey and beeswax (Wallner
1999), brought about the idea of finding new and safer
ways of Varroa control. Natural products such as essential
oils offer a highly desirable alternative to synthetic
products. These substances are used increasingly because they are generally inexpensive and have fewer health
hazards to both man and honeybees (Isman 2000).
Recently, some essential oils have been tested for the
control of different honeybee pathologies (Eguaras et al.
2005). Most investigations suggest that they may be a
useful alternative in maintaining lower mite infestation rates
in beehives (Imdorf et al. 1999).
The aim of this work was to evaluate the bioactivity of
some essential oils on Varroa destructor and Apis mellifera
in relation with their chemical composition and physicochemical
properties.