Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for use to control parasitic mites of honey bees, particularly Varroa mites. In one aspect, the invention is directed to control of parasitic mites of honey bees wherein the active ingredient is a miticidally effective amount of a selected ketone or 1-heptanol, ethyl butyrate, benzaldehyde, heptaldehyde, or d-limonene. In a second aspect, the invention is directed to control of parasitic mites of honey bees wherein the active ingredient is an effective attractant amount of 2-heptanone. The attracted mites are then trapped or otherwise removed from the locus of the bees. The present invention is also directed to methods and compositions which include 2-heptanone to control hive invading pests of honey bees.

Abstract: The temperament of a bee colony is assessed by placing a transducer-containing target adjacent the colony's hive, and inducing the colony to strike the target. Each individual bee strike is converted into an electrical signal by the target's transducer, that is transmitted to a tape recorder, or a totalizing counter for an immediate readout of the intensity of the strike by the colony.