Bee Gym Review – Does It Help Bees Self-Groom & Remove Varroa?

Summary

The Bee Gym claims to help honeybees to self-groom, scratch and rub to remove varroa mites from their bodies.  Is it too good to be true?

In a limited trial, a well-respected apicultural research group finds significantly lower estimated mite population in the hive with the Bee Gym than the other hives and significantly increased mite drop under the Bee Gym.  They make an initial conclusion that the “Bee Gym has been beneficial but many more similar trials are needed for a considered conclusion”.

This blog post describes how the Bee Gym works and links to this independent research trial and evidence.  It is also a call for the National Bee Unit or University to undertake some further research.

How does it work?

I became aware of the Bee Gym in Vita’s February newsletter and they very kindly sent me a few to pop into my hives.

In summary, the Bee Gym contains a 10cm square plastic frame with a wire and paddles / flippers that the honeybees can rub against in order to self-groom and remove varroa.  It’s a hygienic bee’s dream!  Just writing about it makes me want to have a good scratch!  To use it you simply slide it through the entrance and onto your open mesh floor.

Here is a video of it in action.  There is a lot of rubbing going on … though I don’t see any varroa mites falling off.

There is also an informational graphic:

Is there any evidence that it works?

There has not been much independent research into the Bee Gym but one trial is worth a mention by the Devon Apricultural Research Group (DARG).  This group have good credentials as it was established by a number of individuals including the author and lecturer, Ron Brown, and Peter Donovan of Buckfast Abbey.

In summary their results show:

• Significantly lower estimated mite population in the hive with the Bee Gym than the other hives
• Significantly increased mite drop under the Bee Gym as compared with other hives

And in conclusion:

• “My initial conclusion is that for this trial the Bee Gym has been beneficial but many more similar trials are needed for a considered conclusion. I shall certainly carry on with this trial using more colonies and Bee Gyms in 2017.”  Richard Ball, Chairman DARG

I look forward to hearing more from this group on their experience in 2017.  It would be great if the National Bee Unit or a University could get involved.

Their trial can be downloaded here.  It’s a two pager.  Bee Gym – DARG research trial.

The Bee Gym website also publishes some results: Bee Gym Results.

How much is it?

It is currently retailing at £12.61 in the UK and USA.  Follow this link to Vita to find suppliers and more information: Bee Gym Info & Suppliers.

Read More

• Vita – Visit this website for more information and to find suppliers
• Thermosolar Hive – I expect to receive two of these varroa eliminating hives shortly – this is my review
• Varroa management – My pages on how to control varroa

Finally

The beekeeping season is in full swing. I am very excited.  I have flying bees in all 4 hives.