Locomotion behavioural responses of Varroa destructor exposed to western honey bee (Apis mellifera) semiochemicals

To locate their western honey bee (Apis mellifera) hosts, parasitic Varroa destructor mites depend on tactile and especially chemosensory cues. Modifying these cues in the honey bee colony environment may show potential for use as a means of managing Varroa destructor mite populations. We tested whether chemical compound, previously detected in honey bee colonies or extracted from honey bees and V. destructor mites, modified V. destructor locomotion behaviour. In experiments quantifying time spent by V. destructor mites within areas treated with different chemical compounds, we observed non-significant increasing tendencies in concentration-dependent locomotion behavioural responses. Varroa destructor responses towards compounds tested with different emission sources (e.g. stearic acid, sebacic acid, and racemic ocimene) suggest that mites may use multiple cues to orient within a colony environment. Determination of V. destructor locomotion behavioural sensitivity to individual compounds and blends provides baseline information for future exploration into managing mite infestations using low-volatility compounds at concentrations relevant to V. destructor.