Do Varroa mites live on anything other then bees?

[Greg Peck]

I was just wondering it Varroa mites are strictly a honey bee problem or can they cause problems with other animals such as chickens? One of my bee yards is located on a property which has free range chickens. When I told the land owner that I was getting rid of mites from the hives using apigaurd she inquired as to whether or not the apigaurd killed the mites or if it just got them out of the hive and if so would the mites possibly find a new home on her chickens. I told her that I thought that the mites were only a bee problem but thought I would put up a post to see if I was right. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Gena]

Greg- Chickens get lice- don't know about mites.  My chickens used to get lice but I gave them a 1cc shot of Ivomec (cattle wormer) and they're not supposed to ever get them again.  The mites and lice she is thinking of are carried and transferred by birds.  My hives are right next to my chicken shed - as a wind break - been there for almost 5 years - no transfer I've ever noticed.  Gena

[randydrivesabus]

i would think that the chickens would eat the mites.

[Cindi]

Randy, agreed, I bet the chickens could really pick out that shiny burgundy colour of the mites easily, they are always picking and scratching at their bodies, fluffing up their feathers to do it.

Varroa mites are a bee parasite.  Lice are a chicken parasite.  I don't think the two can equate to each other.  Horses and other mammals get lice, they are not the same as chicken lice.  I don't think that any varroa mites would find the hemolymph of the barnyard critters as very yummy, they like bees.  Beautiful day, most wonderful days, love life. Cindi

[KONASDAD]

regardeless, apiguard kills mites.

[Sean Kelly]

I agree with Cindi, I don't think there's any way possible a Varroa could survive off a chicken or anything else since they feed on honeybee larvae.  The varroa is pretty dependent of the honeybee life cycle for it's existence.  Now it could be possible they might infect wasps, hornets, yellowjackets, bumble bees, or other insects for that matter, but not birds or mammals.

Sean Kelly

[Michael Bush]

Just bees.

[Greg Peck]

Thank you everyone for your responses. I will let her know, and maybe charge her for all the chicken food lol.

[MrILoveTheAnts]

I believe they are only a problem for bees. They are found in Bumblebee hives as well but don't cause any problems.