Method for preventing and controlling bee canelalaelaps furcellatus

Abstract

The invention provides a method for preventing and controlling honeybees of canelaconelaps furcellatus, which is characterized in that the canelaconelaps furcellatus is in a low-oxygen environment and lasts for a period of time, the canelaconelaps furcellatus cannot breed or the reproduction rate is reduced, or the canelaconelaps furcellatus breeds substantially unsuccessfully, so that the canelaconelaps furcellatus population gradually disappears, and the honeybees can survive. The method can effectively prevent mites from harming bees, and is green and environment-friendly.

Description

[0001] This invention claims priority to the earlier Chinese applications, application number 202511107810.1 (filed August 8, 2025) and application number 202511107812.0 (filed August 8, 2025), the entire contents of which, including but not limited to the abstract, drawings, claims and description, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] This invention pertains to the field of beekeeping and relates to a method for controlling mites and its application, particularly a method and device for controlling mites that harm bees. Background Technology

[0003] bee( Apis mellifera Bees are currently the most important commercial pollinators globally, partly due to the global decline of terrestrial insects. An estimated 92 million bee colonies are major contributors to pollination services worth between $235 billion and $577 billion annually worldwide.

[0004] However, mites are one of the main pests that affect or endanger the lives of bees. There are two main types of mites that affect bee life: one is the Diswaa mite (…). Varroa destructor) Another species, commonly known as the "great bee mite," belongs to the genus *Thermus* (also known as the heat mite). Tropilaelaps (commonly known as Tropilaelaps) "Vemites".

[0005] The Varroa mites' original host is the Eastern honeybee. After migrating to other hosts, they parasitize the Western honeybee and spread to almost all beekeeping areas, becoming the most serious pest and disease facing Western honeybee farming worldwide. Honeybees infected with Varroa mites experience a decline in health, even developmental deformities, and the colony exhibits a range of symptoms. It is also a carrier and transmitter of many pathogens. Co-infection with multiple pathogens is more harmful than infection with any single pathogen, causing devastating damage to the bee colony. Without periodic mite control programs, most bee colonies in temperate regions will collapse within 2-3 years, and in severe cases, it can cause widespread death of the bee population in the region.

[0006] Western honeybees have no resistance to Varroa dispensae, which can multiply rapidly within the colony, severely harming colony health once its numbers exceed a certain threshold. The Varroa dispensae life cycle consists of two stages: the seeding period with adult bees and the reproductive period with bee pupae. During the seeding period, Varroa dispensae primarily parasitizes the intersegmental membranes on the abdomen or the thorax and dorsal side of adult bees, accumulating nutrients in preparation for reproduction. During the reproductive period with bee pupae, Varroa dispensae enters the honeycomb cell when the bee larva is nearing capping. About 60 hours after capping, the larva lays its first egg, followed by one egg every 30 hours. The first egg is usually haploid and develops into a male, while the remaining eggs are diploid and develop into females. As the offspring mature, the male and female mites mate. When the bees emerge from the cell, the female mite and its offspring follow the adult bees, but only the female mite and the mated female continue to harm the bees. When Varroa dispensae parasitizes worker or drone cells of the honeybee, it produces 2-3 or 3-4 mature female mites per reproductive cycle, respectively. The cell capping period for worker and drone cells is 12 days and 14 days, respectively. Adding the seeding period of adult female mites on adult bees, the mite can complete a reproductive cycle in as little as 15 days. During reproduction, adult female mites and their offspring feed on bee pupae, severely impacting pupal development and health. Therefore, the reproductive process is crucial to the damage caused by Varroa dispensae. Disrupting the reproductive process of Varroa dispensae is an important strategy for its control.

[0007] Thermostats are ectoparasites of honeybees, belonging to the phylum Arthropoda, class Arachnida, subclass Acari, superorder Parasitica, and superfamily Dermatophyta. They cause particularly severe damage to bee colonies in areas with short overwintering periods. Thermostats survive by feeding on the hemolymph (blood) or fatty bodies of bee larvae or pupae, spending most of their time inside capped cells, only 1-2 days outside. Their reproductive cycle closely coincides with the capping period of honeybees, producing 1-3 offspring per cycle, with two generations produced in approximately 25 days, resulting in a rapid reproduction rate. Affected bees often exhibit symptoms such as limb or wing mutilation, weakened constitution, and significantly shortened lifespan. Due to the short and rapid reproductive cycle of thermostats within the colony, coupled with their swift movement on the comb, early infection is difficult to detect. When beekeepers notice the damage, failure to implement timely and appropriate management measures often severely impacts colony strength, sometimes leading to significant losses for the entire apiary.

[0008] In traditional beekeeping, the frequent use of chemical pesticides to control mites, aiming to reduce the mite infestation rate below a threshold of approximately 10%, is a crucial aspect of beekeeping. Current methods for controlling bee mites achieve their goal by directly killing the mites. For example, chemical acaricides such as deltamethrin, amitraz, and formic acid have long been the preferred choice for beekeeping. However, the long-term use of these chemical acaricides leads to pesticide residues in bee products, and the mites inevitably develop resistance. Furthermore, the pesticides themselves pose significant health risks to bees. Therefore, developing new methods for controlling bee mites is urgently needed.

[0009] Chinese patent 202011044965.2 uses vibration waves to remove mites from bees' bodies. However, these mites are generally adult mites, and have almost no effect on larvae, eggs, or mites that are not attached to the bee's body. The prevention effect is limited by physical methods and cannot fundamentally kill the mites.

[0010] This necessitates providing a new method and equipment that can effectively eliminate or control mites on bees, while being more efficient, environmentally friendly, and pollution-free. Summary of the Invention

[0011] To overcome some technical shortcomings of traditional methods, the invention team discovered that controlling the oxygen content (concentration, volume percentage, or partial pressure of oxygen) in the bee's living environment can effectively prevent mites from harming bees. Furthermore, in some specific methods, low oxygen levels can prevent mites from reproducing, thus effectively eliminating their harm to bees. Moreover, this method requires no chemical pesticides, is simple to operate, and is more environmentally friendly.

[0012] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention provides a method for controlling mites by placing bees in a low-oxygen environment for a period of time, thereby preventing mites from reproducing, causing reproductive failure, death, or a reduction in mite numbers. In some methods, bees can survive and reproduce normally in this low-oxygen environment, maintaining a healthy colony. This technology is based on the different adaptability of bees and mites to low-oxygen conditions, and the phenomenon that mites cannot successfully reproduce under low-oxygen conditions, causing mite reproduction failure, preventing the increase in mite numbers, reducing harm, and gradually eliminating the mite population as individual mites die.

[0013] In some methods, bee colonies or capped brood combs are placed in a low-oxygen environment. This allows mites parasitizing adult bees and their eggs or larvae in the capped brood combs to be in a low-oxygen environment for a period of time, causing the mite offspring to die. This controls the reproduction of mites as a whole, ultimately eliminating the harm of mites to bees and allowing them to live and reproduce normally.

[0014] In some embodiments, the mites include those of the genus *Thermus* (…). Tropilaelaps (commonly known as Tropilaelaps) "Vepimorpha" or "Diswamite".

[0015] In some methods, the hypoxic environment includes the space where bees or bee colonies live or move, creating a hypoxic environment for the bees. In some methods, the space includes the environment where bees directly live and move, such as the beehive, or the environment or space where the beehive is located (e.g., a sealed cavity, such as a room). In some methods, the space can also be capped combs or honeycomb, which can be natural honeycomb, artificial honeycomb, or foundation comb (artificially formed hexagonal depressions on the base plate, with honey layered on top to form a complete honeycomb). In some methods, the bees include bee eggs, larvae, adults, or worker bees, drones, and queen bees.

[0016] In some embodiments, the space may be sealed, such as hermetically sealed, or it may be an unsealed space.

[0017] In some methods, creating a low-oxygen environment in a sealed space involves creating negative pressure (evacuation) within the sealed space, thereby reducing the oxygen content, or introducing a non-oxygen gas, such as nitrogen or a mixture of gases with low oxygen content, into the sealed space, thereby reducing the overall relative oxygen content. This reduction is relative to normal atmospheric conditions, or the oxygen content is within a specific numerical range below sea level. This low-oxygen range can be the oxygen content below sea level, and the oxygen content can be less than the mass percentage, partial pressure, or volume percentage of oxygen at sea level.

[0018] In some methods, the low-oxygen environment includes high-altitude areas, where oxygen concentration naturally decreases with increasing altitude. In other methods, the altitude is above 2500-3000 meters. In still others, the oxygen content in the environment where bees operate is artificially reduced under normal atmospheric conditions (sea level), thus causing mite reproduction to fail. In one specific method, bee colonies are relocated to low-oxygen areas above 3000 meters in altitude, causing mite reproduction to fail. As individual mites die, the mite population gradually disappears, or the increase in mite numbers is prevented, reducing harm.

[0019] In some methods, under environmental conditions where the oxygen content in the air is within the normal range (such as the oxygen content at sea level or at low altitudes), bee colonies are placed in an artificial low-oxygen space, causing mites to fail to reproduce, preventing the number of mites from increasing, reducing harm, and as individual mites die, the mite population gradually disappears.

[0020] In some methods, under environmental conditions where the oxygen content in the air is within the normal range, the airtightness of the beehive is adjusted. This is achieved by creating negative pressure through air extraction, introducing nitrogen, or introducing a mixture of gases with low oxygen concentration. This creates a low-oxygen environment that causes mites to fail to reproduce, prevents their numbers from increasing, reduces harm, and as individual mites die, the mite population gradually disappears.

[0021] In some methods, capped combs of bees infected with mites are removed from the hive (where oxygen levels are normal) and placed in a sealed container with a lower oxygen concentration. This causes the mites to fail to reproduce, prevents their numbers from increasing, reduces harm, and the mite population gradually disappears as the individual mites die. This sealed container can be a room, a box, or a hive.

[0022] In some methods, the period of exposure to a low-oxygen environment ranges from 30 minutes to more than one day, such as 10 days, 20 days, 30 days, 40 days, 50 days, 120 days, 200 days, or even longer. The longer the duration, the better the effect on interfering with mite reproduction. However, this timeframe is based on the premise that the bees can survive or reproduce normally, with the minimum requirement being to ensure that not all the bees die from lack of oxygen.

[0023] In some methods, the low-oxygen conditions refer to an oxygen concentration of 10% to 17% or an oxygen partial pressure of 13.5 to 15 kPa. Oxygen concentrations within this range do not pose a significant visible harm to bees, but mite reproduction is significantly affected, even leading to reproductive failure.

[0024] A second aspect of the invention provides a device capable of interfering with the reproduction of bee mites or reducing the number of mites, thereby ultimately causing the mite population to disappear and thus reducing or mitigating harm to bees. The device is located in a low-oxygen state. The device may include a cavity, such as a beehive, which serves as a space for bee activity.

[0025] The device can be a sealed space or an open space. In this space, bees or bee colonies infested with mites are kept in a low-oxygen sealed space for a period of time to eliminate the harm caused by mites. Then they are taken out of the low-oxygen sealed space, or the oxygen content of the sealed space is kept at a normal or non-low-oxygen state.

[0026] In non-sealed spaces, existing beehives can be modified into mite control devices. For example, beehives typically have openings for bees to enter and exit, and an air inlet is provided. Low-oxygen or oxygen-free gases are introduced through this inlet, reducing the oxygen content within the hive. For instance, the air inlet can be located at the top of the hive, while the bee entrance / exit is at the bottom. Low-oxygen or oxygen-free gases, such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or other oxygen-free gases, are introduced through the top air inlet, and the gas is expelled through the bee entrance / exit. This creates a continuously low-oxygen environment within the hive, which can last for more than one day, such as 20, 30, 60, 100, or 120 days. This keeps the bees, capped brood combs, and honeycomb in a low-oxygen environment, inhibiting mite reproduction and thus eliminating mites. In some methods, to more intuitively measure the oxygen content inside the beehive, an oxygen measuring device can be installed. This device can monitor the oxygen content in real time, keeping it within a pre-set low-oxygen range. If the detected oxygen content is higher than the set value, the aeration flow rate is increased to maintain the low-oxygen range. If the oxygen content is lower than the set range, the aeration flow rate is reduced or aeration is stopped to raise the oxygen level back to the set range. When aeration stops, the bee inlet is connected to the outside atmosphere, allowing the high concentration of oxygen from outside to enter the beehive naturally through gas exchange.

[0027] In some methods, a gas source is provided, such as a portable gas storage tank or compressed gas (which can be non-oxygen gas), to inflate the beehive. In other methods, the gas source and inlet are connected via a gas tank. In still others, a gas flow controller or valve is installed between the gas source and inlet, allowing for automatic or manual control of the gas flow rate. This creates a low-oxygen environment within the beehive in the field, eliminating mite infestations. In some methods, the low-oxygen environment can be automatically controlled. A central processing unit (CPU) is connected to the gas flow controller and oxygen testing equipment. When low oxygen is needed, the oxygen measuring equipment is activated to measure the oxygen content (concentration, volume percentage, or partial pressure) in the environment, sending the data to the CPU. The CPU then sends a signal to the gas flow controller to control the gas inflation. For example, when it's necessary to initially lower the oxygen level in the beehive, the central processing unit (CPU) sends a command to the oxygen testing device to test the initial oxygen content (e.g., oxygen concentration). The device then sends feedback back to the CPU, which determines if the oxygen concentration is within a set range, such as 0% by mass, 5-17% by volume, or 5-17% by volume. If it's within this range, no aeration is performed. If it's outside this range, for example, exceeding a preset range, the CPU sends a command to the gas flow controller to control the flow rate or open a valve to aerate the beehive, for example, with nitrogen or nitrogen with a low oxygen content, until the oxygen level is within the preset range. Conversely, if the oxygen level is too low, aeration stops, and the oxygen level is allowed to rise to the preset range.

[0028] In some cases, the gas cylinder contains nitrogen or a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen with an oxygen concentration of 0-16%.

[0029] In some methods, there can be one or more oxygen testing devices to test oxygen content at different locations. In other methods, this design allows for the simultaneous control of multiple beehives. In still other methods, Bluetooth wireless signal transmission can be used; the oxygen testing device, the valve opening of the gas tank, and the flow rate control are all equipped with Bluetooth wireless technology, and the central control unit also receives Bluetooth wireless signals, enabling remote automatic control.

[0030] In some methods, the principle of bee respiration is used to generate a low-oxygen environment. Bees naturally need to absorb oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, which can also be used to improve existing beehives. An oxygen testing device is still installed inside the beehive. The beehive has an opening for bees to enter and exit, and this opening can be opened or closed, or the opening size can be controlled to regulate airflow between the beehive and the outside (the entire beehive is airtight except for the sealed entrance and exit). When a low-oxygen environment is needed, such as at night, the opening can be closed, creating a sealed environment within the beehive. At this time, the oxygen concentration may be the same as the outside oxygen concentration. As the bees absorb or consume oxygen through respiration, the oxygen content inside the sealed beehive decreases, and the oxygen testing device detects whether it has reached a preset range. In some methods, a similar approach is used, where the oxygen testing device and the automatic opening / closing of the opening are connected to a central controller (wireless or wired). The opening / closing of the opening controls the oxygen content inside the beehive, thereby controlling mite reproduction. In some methods, a mechanism can be provided to remove carbon dioxide from the hive. This mechanism removes carbon dioxide from the hive and then re-introduces the degraded gas into the hive, thereby reducing the harmful effects of high carbon dioxide concentrations on bees. In some methods, the carbon dioxide removal mechanism can be connected to a gas removal mechanism, allowing the gas inside the hive to pass through and reduce the carbon dioxide concentration. This mechanism can be installed directly inside the hive or outside the hive.

[0031] The technical effects or innovations of this invention.

[0032] The method of this invention is highly innovative and has the following characteristics compared with existing traditional technologies: (1) It does not rely on any drugs and there is no risk of drug residues in bee products; (2) There are many implementation options and it can be organically combined with beekeeping production; (3) When this method is used properly, it can effectively avoid mite damage. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a map showing atmospheric oxygen content data for different altitude regions (Xishuangbanna, BN; Kunming, KM; Linzhi, LZ; Lhasa, LS).

[0034] Figure 2 This is a graph showing the trend of Varroa mite parasitism rate over time in different altitude regions, as described in a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 3 A graph showing the number of Varroa mites in individual cells of honeybees at different altitudes during the gray-breasted pupa (GX) and stationary pupa (NE) stages.

[0036] Figure 4To artificially control the average oxygen concentration in low-oxygen beehives, data graphs were generated from two oxygen detectors, Hive-“1-5”-1 and Hive-“1-5”-2, in each beehive.

[0037] Figures 5A-5B To investigate the effects of artificially controlling hypoxia in beehives on Varroa mite reproduction in cells at different stages of bee breeding, among which... Figure 5A Naturally high oxygen content (control). Figure 5B This is a comparative diagram of the effects under low oxygen content in a specific embodiment of the present invention (the naming or definition of each stage of bee reproduction: larva, L; white-eyed pupa, WP; pink-eyed pupa, PRP; purple-eyed pupa, PP; yellow-breasted pupa, YX; gray-breasted pupa, GX; stationary pupa, NE); the naming or definition of each stage of Varroa mite reproduction or the Varroa mite cycle: Varroa mite egg (egg); Varroa mite pronymph (proto); Varroa mite deuto; adult male mite (adult male); adult female mite (adult female); the average number of fertile female mites produced by each female mite (R).

[0038] Figure 6 A graph showing the number of Varroa mites in individual cells during the gray-breasted pupa (GX) and stationary pupa (NE) stages in an artificially controlled hypoxic beehive environment.

[0039] Figure 7 The diagram below shows the structure of a low-oxygen beehive in a specific embodiment of the present invention: 1. Hive cover; 2. First vent; 3. First oxygen detector; 4. Airflow regulating valve; 5. Ventilation pipe; 6. Gas tank; 7. Second oxygen detector; 8. Hive body; 9. Second vent; 10. Hive entrance.

[0040] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the decomposition structure for controlling low oxygen levels in a beehive according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a low-oxygen beehive device according to a specific embodiment of the present invention (a schematic diagram of a device that utilizes the natural respiration of bees to consume oxygen and generate low oxygen).

[0042] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a low-oxygen beehive according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 The diagram shows a partial structural schematic of a beehive.

[0044] Detailed description mites Mites are not insects, but arthropods belonging to the class Arachnida. Bees, on the other hand, belong to the insect class. The mites used in this invention can be mites found on bees. The term "bee mites" primarily refers to mites that parasitize bees or their habitats (e.g., beehives, hives), such as the two main types of harmful mites found in beehives: *Discochaeta spp.* and *Heat mite*. They pose a serious threat to bee colony health and are one of the main factors contributing to the global decline of bee colonies. The bees in this invention can be eggs, larvae, or adults at any stage of bee reproduction, and the mites also refer to any stage in the reproductive cycle, such as eggs, larvae, or adults.

[0045] Diswamite ( Varroa destructor Commonly known as the Varroa mite, it is reddish-brown in appearance and relatively large (approximately 1.1 x 1.6 mm), visible to the naked eye. Parasitic targets: It primarily parasitizes the cells of bee larvae and pupae, especially drone cells (because drones have a longer development period, making them more suitable for mite reproduction). Life cycle: Adult female mites lay eggs in capped larval cells. The larvae feed on the blood of bee larvae and pupae. When bees emerge from the cells, the adult mites also attach themselves to the larvae and crawl out, continuing the spread. In some methods, to create a low-oxygen environment that needs to be maintained for a period of time, the oxygen concentration in the cells needs to be reduced, causing the mite eggs and nymphs to die from lack of oxygen, preventing them from progressing to the next stage. Alternatively, when the mites are adults, placing bee larvae or adult bees in a low-oxygen environment causes the mites to die from lack of oxygen, preventing them from laying eggs again. Over time, this prevents the mites from completing effective reproduction, ultimately eliminating the harm caused by mites to bees.

[0046] Varroa mites are actually ectoparasites of honeybees. Their original host is the Eastern honeybee, but after host migration, they parasitize the Western honeybee and spread to almost all beekeeping areas, becoming the most serious pest and disease facing Western honeybee farming worldwide. The direct harm caused by Varroa mites includes directly feeding on bee body fluids, leading to deformed wings, shortened abdomens, weakened constitution, and shortened lifespan in newly emerged bees. More seriously, they are also carriers and transmitters of many pathogens (such as Deformedwing Virus), and the damage caused by pathogen transmission is often greater than that from direct ingestion. Bees infected with Varroa mites experience a decline in health and even developmental deformities, and the colony exhibits a series of symptoms. Co-infection with multiple pathogens is more harmful than infection with any single pathogen, causing devastating damage to the colony. Without periodic mite control programs, most bee colonies in temperate regions will collapse within 2-3 years.

[0047] Heat mites ( TropilaelapsThermonus radiata is an ectoparasitic mite belonging to the phylum Arthropoda, class Arachnida, subclass Acari, superorder Parasitica, and superfamily Dermoidea. Commonly known as the "small bee mite," it causes significant damage to bee colonies, especially in areas with short overwintering periods. Appearance: Yellowish-white, very small (approximately 0.5 x 0.3 mm), difficult to see with the naked eye. Parasitic Species: Primarily parasitizes the cells of bee larvae and pupae, rarely remaining on adult bees for extended periods. Life Cycle: Enters the capped cells after they have closed, reproduces extremely rapidly, and completes its entire life cycle within the capped cells. The period without brood (when there are no larvae or pupae) is a vulnerable point for its survival.

[0048] Therefore, the key to creating a low-oxygen environment for heat mites is to keep the sealed nest cells in a low-oxygen environment. This reduces the oxygen concentration outside the nest cells, while the nest cells themselves are in a process of air circulation with the outside world. As a result, the oxygen content inside the nest cells decreases, thus preventing mite reproduction. This can be achieved by preventing egg laying, causing the eggs to die, the larvae to die, or the adult mites to die, thereby controlling mite reproduction and ultimately reducing the number of mites or causing the population to disappear.

[0049] Damage caused by heat mites: Similar to Varroa mites, but more severe, causing mass mortality of larvae and pupae, which rot and turn black, commonly known as "white-headed pupae." Severely infested bee colonies weaken rapidly, leading to absconding or death. Heat mites survive by sucking the hemolymph or fatty bodies of bee larvae or pupae, spending most of their time inside capped cells, only 1-2 days outside. Their breeding season closely coincides with the capping period of bees, producing 1-3 offspring per breeding cycle, with two generations produced in about 25 days, resulting in rapid reproduction. Affected bees often exhibit symptoms such as limb or wing mutilation, weakened constitution, and significantly shortened lifespan. Due to the short breeding cycle and rapid reproduction rate of heat mites within the colony, coupled with their swift movement on the comb, early infection is difficult to detect. When beekeepers notice the damage, failure to implement timely and appropriate management measures often severely impacts colony strength, even causing significant losses to the entire apiary.

[0050] Actually, the mites mentioned here do not refer solely to adult mites, but rather to mites at any reproductive stage, including eggs, protonymphs, deutonymphs, adult males, and adult females. A low-oxygen environment at any reproductive stage can prevent mites from completing their reproductive cycle. For example, low oxygen levels can prevent eggs from developing into protonymphs, low oxygen levels can prevent deutonymphs from developing into male or adult female mites, and low oxygen levels can cause adult mites to die. This reduces mating and egg-laying, thus interrupting or terminating mite reproduction. Similarly, bees can be in any reproductive cycle, and so can mites. Therefore, artificially creating a low-oxygen environment allows bees to tolerate low oxygen levels at any stage, while making mites intolerant to oxygen levels at any stage prevents mites from completing their reproductive cycle, while allowing bees to reproduce normally.

[0051] Of course, this invention does not only include the two types of mites that harm bees mentioned above. All other mites that harm bees are within the scope of protection of this invention. Here, we only list two mites that are more harmful to bees as specific examples for illustration.

[0052] bee Bees are a general term for a group of insects belonging to the order Hymenoptera and the family Apidae. Therefore, mite control here refers to the control of mites on bees, which are a type of insect. The so-called mites on insects or bees do not necessarily need to parasitize the insect's or bee's body. Rather, they are mites that directly or indirectly harm insects. For example, they may infiltrate before the bee is capped and live with the bee's larvae or eggs, harming them without necessarily parasitizing the bee's body. Bees generally include the honeybee (Western honeybee) and the honeybee (Eastern honeybee). They live in "swarms." The bee in this invention can be a single bee or a swarm of more than one. A bee swarm is a complete social unit capable of self-sustaining and reproduction, consisting of a queen bee, tens of thousands of worker bees, and hundreds of drones during the breeding season. It is like an independent living organism: the queen bee is the "reproductive system," the worker bees are the "body" and "brain," and the entire hive is the "shell" of this life. The term "bee" in this invention includes adult bees as well as larvae or eggs, encompassing any of the following reproductive stages as defined in this invention: larva (L); white-eyed pupa (WP); pink-eyed pupa (PRP); purple-eyed pupa (PP); yellow-breasted pupa (YX); gray-breasted pupa (GX); stationary pupa (NE); or adult bees after emergence. Therefore, even if low oxygen levels persist for a period during the entire reproductive period of bees, it will not have a substantial impact, but mites will affect or prevent their reproduction.

[0053] Capping the honeycomb: This refers to the process by which bees seal a cell with beeswax, covering it with a layer of wax that has already filled with mature honey or a fully developed larva. Mites typically enter the honeycomb before it is capped and can harm the bees.

[0054] Low-oxygen environment (low oxygen, time, environment) The invention team discovered that mites, which harm bees, and bees have different sensitivities to oxygen levels. Therefore, by creating low-oxygen conditions, bees can reproduce while mites are unable to reproduce completely or partially, thus reducing their numbers and eliminating or partially eliminating the harm caused by mites to bees. This method does not require chemical pesticides, making it more reliable and environmentally friendly.

[0055] The difference in sensitivity to oxygen levels may stem from the fact that bees, as highly active social insects, possess an efficient respiratory system and a degree of tolerance for short-term hypoxia (for example, when bee colonies cluster for winter, the carbon dioxide concentration inside the colony naturally increases, while the oxygen concentration relatively decreases). Mites, on the other hand, as relatively primitive parasitic arthropods, have simpler respiratory systems and are more sensitive to changes in gas composition. In hypoxic environments, their physiological activities are severely hampered, ultimately leading to death. Therefore, creating hypoxic conditions and placing bees or mites in the same environment for a sustained period allows bees to tolerate short-term hypoxia, while mites cannot tolerate the difference in oxygen levels. This physical method can then kill mites or prevent them from reproducing, thus eliminating the harm mites pose to insects.

[0056] The term "low oxygen" in this invention includes an environment devoid of oxygen, as well as an environment with low oxygen concentration or low oxygen content. Low oxygen content refers to an environment with a mass percentage concentration, volume percentage, or low oxygen partial pressure. "Low oxygen" is defined as an oxygen content below the normal level relative to sea level. In some embodiments, low oxygen is defined as a level below which the volume percentage, mass percentage, or partial pressure of oxygen is relative to sea level, or as the absolute mass or absolute volume of oxygen relative to sea level. The term "oxygen content" in this invention can refer to oxygen mass percentage, oxygen volume percentage, or partial oxygen pressure, or it can refer to the absolute mass or volume of oxygen. In other words, when oxygen content drops to a low level, it can mean that the oxygen mass percentage, volume percentage, or partial pressure in a given space is below the corresponding value at sea level, or it can mean that the absolute mass or absolute volume of oxygen in a given space (where the volume is usually fixed) is below the corresponding absolute value at sea level, which can be converted into a volume percentage, mass percentage, or partial oxygen pressure.

[0057] Generally, at sea level, the partial pressure of oxygen is 21.223 kPa, with a volume fraction of approximately 20.946% and a mass fraction of approximately 23.2%. For example, any value below 21.223 kPa relative to the partial pressure of oxygen, such as 7.5 kPa, 10 kPa, 11 kPa, 12 kPa, 13 kPa, 14 kPa, 15 kPa, 16 kPa, or 17 kPa, is a possible embodiment of the low oxygen content of this invention. For example, maintaining an oxygen partial pressure between 13.5 and 15 kPa is optimal for completely eliminating mites; while other values ​​may not be the most effective, they at least reduce the number of mites and can achieve mite control. This explanation also applies to the mass fraction and volume fraction. A mass concentration of 0-21%, 0-18%, 0-15%, 10-17%, or 15-17% relative to the mass fraction is also a possible embodiment of the low oxygen content of this invention. Any oxygen volume percentage less than 20.946% is acceptable, such as 0-20%, 0-15%, 0-13%, or 10-15%, which are specific embodiments of the low-oxygen content of this invention. The low-oxygen conditions of this invention can be easily obtained through a limited number of experiments with specific mites and bees, thus effectively controlling mites. Of course, bees are just one example; the principle is the same if this method can be used to control mites on other similar insects like bees.

[0058] In some methods, a so-called low-oxygen environment generally refers to a situation where the low-oxygen environment needs to be maintained for a period of time. When the insect is a bee, the bee can actually survive or complete its reproduction. Bees can reproduce from eggs to larvae and then emerge as adults. They can survive or complete their reproductive cycle at any stage. However, mites cannot survive at any stage of their reproductive cycle, or they cannot complete their reproduction. For example, mite eggs cannot hatch into larvae, or larvae cannot become adults. In other words, mites cannot complete their full reproductive cycle, but bees can reproduce and survive normally.

[0059] The statement that bees can survive or reproduce can mean that 100% of the bees can survive or reproduce safely, or it can mean that 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 98% of the bees in the colony can survive. The statement that mites cannot survive means that 100% of the mites cannot survive or cannot complete their reproductive cycle, or that at least 55% or more of the mites cannot survive or complete their full life cycle.

[0060] The so-called low-oxygen treatment needs to be sustained for a certain period of time. This time can range from 30 minutes to 24 hours, or even 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, or more than 4 days, 10 days, 15 days, 30 days, 40 days, 100 days (too difficult), 120 days or longer. Generally, at a specific oxygen concentration, the duration can be more than 1 day. It can be understood that at a specific oxygen concentration, the lower the concentration, the shorter the treatment time; if the oxygen concentration is higher, the treatment time is longer. This specific oxygen concentration, for different bees or different mites, can be obtained through a limited number of experiments. In some methods, the duration can be 12-24 hours, or more than 24 hours, such as 48 hours, 3 days, 5 days, 10 days, 20 days, 30 days or longer.

[0061] In some methods, the so-called low-oxygen "environment" can be a natural environment or an artificially created one, such as sealed or unsealed locations. For example, at a certain altitude, the oxygen content naturally decreases. By utilizing these natural environmental conditions, bees can be placed in such a high-altitude environment, allowing them to survive while preventing bee mites from surviving or completing their reproductive cycle, thus killing or eliminating the mites and reducing their numbers, thereby eliminating the harm caused by mites to bees. In some methods, the altitude is above 2500 meters or 3000 meters. It's important to understand that this altitude is not absolute; it can be measured, and any altitude that creates a low-oxygen environment is suitable.

[0062] In other methods, the hypoxic environment is an artificially created condition. This can be achieved in any external environment, regardless of the oxygen concentration (generally higher than the hypoxic environment described in this invention). In some methods, a sealed space is provided, initially with the same oxygen concentration as the outside environment. There are many ways to reduce the oxygen level in this space, such as using negative pressure to reduce the gas concentration and oxygen content within the sealed space, thus creating a hypoxic environment. In some methods, a non-oxygen gas is introduced into the sealed space. Although this increases the pressure, the relative oxygen content also decreases, creating a hypoxic environment. In some methods, the introduced non-oxygen gas includes nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or any other inert gas or mixture of these non-oxygen gases, or a mixture of other gases containing a low concentration of oxygen. By introducing this gas into the sealed space, the oxygen concentration or partial pressure within that space is reduced, thus creating a hypoxic environment. The process involves creating a low-oxygen, sealed space using the methods described above. Bees, or beehives containing capped brood combs, or hives with capped brood combs, are then placed within this sealed space for a certain period. Afterward, the bees, capped brood combs, or hives containing capped brood combs are removed from the sealed space. Alternatively, in some methods, the sealed space is opened to the outside environment, eliminating the low-oxygen environment. This sealed space can be a sealed room, a sealed glass house, a sealed hive, or any other type of space. The choice depends on the specific circumstances.

[0063] In some methods, a low-oxygen environment can also be a non-absolutely sealed space. This non-sealed space naturally includes the natural environment at high altitudes. It also allows for gas flow within a non-absolutely sealed space, continuously maintaining a low-oxygen environment. This method can be organically combined with beehives containing capped combs for bees, making it easier to achieve a low-oxygen environment without hindering bees' entry and exit from the hive.

[0064] In some methods, the beehive is the primary habitat for bees, allowing them free access. Naturally, the beehive has an opening or hole connecting it to the outside atmosphere. Even in such cases, a low-oxygen environment can still be maintained inside the beehive. This can be achieved by placing the beehive in a sealed, low-oxygen space, or by creating a low-oxygen environment within a normally oxygen-rich environment outside. In this case, methods such as continuously introducing low-oxygen gas into the beehive can be used to lower the oxygen content to a low level and maintain this state for a period of time, preventing mites from reproducing or completing their life cycle and thus eliminating the harm caused by mites to bees. More specifically, nitrogen or a nitrogen mixture containing a low oxygen concentration can be introduced to lower the oxygen content inside the beehive relative to the normal oxygen content of the outside atmosphere, maintaining a low-oxygen state for a period of time, such as 24 hours, 1-10 days, or 10-15 days. Alternatively, sensors for oxygen concentration or partial pressure can be installed inside the beehive to measure the oxygen concentration or partial pressure and maintain it under a set low-oxygen condition. If this condition is not met, a controller can be used to introduce low-oxygen gas or other non-oxygen gases into the beehive to maintain a continuous low-oxygen environment.

[0065] Bees create a low-oxygen environment through their own respiration, as do their equipment. Besides introducing non-oxygen or low-concentration oxygen gases into the beehive to maintain a low-oxygen state, another specific implementation does not require introducing non-oxygen gases but instead relies on the bees' own respiration to create a low-oxygen environment. For example, beehives typically have a small opening or entrance for bees to enter and exit. This opening can be freely opened or closed, for instance, open during the day and closed at night. When the opening is closed, the beehive becomes a relatively sealed environment, and the bees' respiration consumes oxygen and produces carbon dioxide, naturally creating a low-oxygen environment within the beehive. Of course, the opening and closing of the opening can be automated. When the oxygen level in the beehive falls below a set threshold, the opening can be activated; when it rises above the preset threshold, the opening automatically closes, thus maintaining a continuously preset low-oxygen environment within the beehive. This automatic control can be achieved by a motor moving the opening and closing of the opening. This automatic control can be achieved through a controller electrically connected to a sensor that measures the oxygen concentration within the beehive. Therefore, in some methods, to control the oxygen concentration range to ensure it falls within a low-oxygen environment, oxygen concentration or partial pressure sensors can be installed in the beehive to measure the specific concentration within a set range. In other methods, if too much carbon dioxide may harm the bees, carbon dioxide can be removed from the beehive. For example, adsorbents for carbon dioxide can be alkaline solutions, such as sodium hydroxide solution, calcium hydroxide suspension, or amine solution. Solid adsorbents can also be used, such as soda lime (a highly efficient solid absorbent, appearing as white or off-white granules, commonly used in laboratory drying tubes, which absorbs water vapor while removing CO2); sodium lime (primarily used in life support systems for manned spaceflight (such as spacecraft and space stations) and submarines due to its light weight, small size, and high efficiency, crucial for these scenarios with extreme space and weight requirements); physical adsorption: activated alumina; molecular sieves, etc. Any physical or chemical action capable of removing carbon dioxide can be considered a specific embodiment of this invention. In some methods, there is also a blower that draws out the mixed air from the hive and passes it through the carbon dioxide medium in the hive, and then delivers the gas that has passed through the carbon dioxide medium back into the hive, so that the oxygen in the hive is in a low-oxygen environment.

[0066] In some specific ways, such as Figure 9-11The specific equipment includes a housing 11 containing a cavity 110. One or more honeycomb frames 102 are installed within this cavity, each frame containing multiple honeycombs, providing space for bees to move around. The housing includes a sealing plate 101 that seals the cavity 110. A cover 120 is installed on the sealing plate 101 to prevent rainwater from damaging the seal. The sealing plate 101 can seal the opening of the cavity 110 in various ways, such as using silicone or wood and applying glue to create an airtight seal. An opening 13 for bees to enter and exit is provided on the housing 11. This opening has a baffle 19 that can be opened or closed. This baffle is connected to the rotating shaft of a motor 18. As the motor rotates, the baffle 13 can be adjusted to seal the opening 13 or to open it, thus controlling the airflow between the cavity 110 and the outside air. An oxygen content testing device 16 is also installed on the housing to test the oxygen content within the housing. When it is necessary to reduce the oxygen content inside the chamber 11, the baffle 19 can be sealed at the outlet or the opening size can be reduced. The bees will consume oxygen through their own respiration, thereby reducing the oxygen content to a pre-set low-oxygen range, such as a volume percentage reduction to 10% or 15%. The test value can be obtained by testing with an oxygen content testing device. If the oxygen content is lower than the pre-set range, the baffle 19 can be opened, widening the opening and allowing outside air to enter the chamber 11, thereby raising the oxygen content back to the pre-set range.

[0067] In some methods, while bees consume oxygen through respiration, they also produce carbon dioxide. Therefore, a blower 15 is installed on the hive to draw gas from inside the hive through pipe 17. This gas then enters a carbon dioxide adsorption box 14 filled with a carbon dioxide adsorption medium. The medium adsorbs and removes the carbon dioxide, and the adsorbed gas is then returned to the hive through pipe 171. This circulating method removes carbon dioxide, preventing excessive carbon dioxide levels from harming the bees. Alternatively, a carbon dioxide adsorption box can be installed inside the hive, which is also a possible method.

[0068] Equipment for controlling bee mites The equipment referred to here is an environment containing a spatial concept, in which the oxygen concentration is kept low. This creates a space where mites and bees have different sensitivities to oxygen, preventing mites from reproducing while allowing bees to reproduce normally. This space can be a sealed or unsealed space, and can specifically refer to a beehive, which includes frames with multiple cells for the bees to live in. In some methods, the oxygen in the chambers or spaces of this equipment is kept low for a period of time, including automatic or manual methods, and may also include methods that create negative pressure through vacuuming.

[0069] In some methods, the device includes a cavity for housing bees or a hive frame, containing a low-oxygen concentration of gas for a period of time. In some methods, an oxygen concentration measuring device is connected to the cavity to measure the oxygen concentration or partial pressure within the cavity. In some methods, a central controller (CPU) is also included, connected to the oxygen measuring device and a gas flow rate controller connected to a gas tank, which is connected to the gas tank and the gas within the cavity via piping. Typically, a low-oxygen concentration range or a specific low-oxygen concentration value is preset. If the oxygen concentration in the cavity is within the preset range as measured by the oxygen concentration measuring device, feedback is sent to the central controller. If the oxygen concentration is outside the preset range, for example, higher than the preset value, feedback is sent to the central controller, which then controls the flow rate controller to increase the gas flow rate, introducing a low-oxygen or oxygen-free gas into the cavity to bring the oxygen concentration to the preset value. If the concentration is lower than the preset value, oxygen is introduced to restore the preset value. In some methods, multiple gas cylinders can be used. Some cylinders store oxygen-free gases, such as nitrogen, while others store low-oxygen-concentration mixed gases. These are used when the oxygen concentration in the chamber exceeds a preset value. Additional cylinders containing high-concentration oxygen can be provided; when the concentration in the chamber falls below the preset value, a flow controller releases high-concentration oxygen into the chamber, thus bringing the oxygen concentration back to the preset level. This preset value is typically a low-oxygen concentration, such as below the oxygen concentration in the ambient atmosphere at normal altitudes, or any concentration within the range of 0-17%. In some methods, a timer is also connected to the central controller. This timer calculates the duration for which the low-oxygen concentration in the chamber is maintained. If the maintenance time exceeds the preset time, operation can be stopped, or the chamber can be connected to the outside environment. The timer setting can be any duration from 30 minutes to 20 days, based on the number of bees or hives being processed. In some methods, the cavity is the cavity of the beehive, which contains multiple honeycomb frames. This keeps the cavity of the beehive under low-oxygen conditions for a period of time, preventing mites from reproducing and ultimately causing the entire population to disappear.

[0070] like Figure 7-8As shown, a housing 8 is provided, with a cover plate 1. One or more honeycomb frames are installed inside the housing 8, each frame containing multiple honeycomb combs. An opening 10 for bees to enter and exit is located near the bottom, at the same height. Openings or conduit inlets 9, 2 are provided on both sides of the housing, with one inlet 2 lower than the other. These inlets, via pipes, are used to introduce non-oxygen gases or gases with very low concentrations, thereby reducing the overall oxygen content inside the housing. After gas is introduced, excess gas can be discharged through the opening 10. This continuous introduction and discharge maintains a low-oxygen state inside the housing for a period of time. To monitor the oxygen content inside the housing in real time, oxygen testing devices 3, 7 are provided. The oxygen testing devices 3, 7 are electrically connected to a gas flow controller 4 via wires. The flow controller 4 is connected to a gas tank 6. When the oxygen content inside the housing exceeds a pre-defined value, the flow controller is activated, for example, by opening a valve, allowing the gas tank 6, which stores nitrogen or low-oxygen gas, to fill the housing, thus reducing the oxygen content. The gas flow controller includes a processor that connects to the oxygen testing device 3 and the flow controller for automatic adjustment. Manual adjustment is also possible by opening the flow meter valve to manually fill the tank. The gas cylinders contain compressed gas and can automatically release gas based on pressure. Detailed Implementation

[0071] The present invention will be further described in conjunction with the embodiments, but these specific embodiments do not limit the present invention in any way, and the scope of the present invention is limited by the claims of the present invention.

[0072] Example 1: The effect of altitude on Varroa mite population growth Materials and Methods This study used Italian honeybees ( Apis mellifera Unless otherwise specified in the specific embodiments of the present invention, all research bee colonies were initially treated regularly with acaricides to control Varroa mites (ligustica). Varroa destructor However, its use was discontinued at least two months before each experiment to allow the mite population to grow naturally. No acaricides were used throughout the study, and the bee colonies were allowed to live or die naturally. Each research colony was housed in a single hive.

[0073] The reproductive cycle of the Varroa mite, an ectoparasitic mite of honeybees, is well-established, and subsequent studies have shown no detectable changes in it over at least the past 24 years. In short, the female Varroa mite invades cells containing fifth-instar larvae one day before the worker bee larvae are capped. After the cells are capped, the female mite feeds on the bee larvae and lays the first prolarva (called an egg) 60 hours later. This egg develops into a pronymph after 30 hours (male) or 22 hours (female). The first egg always develops into a male, followed by three to four eggs that develop into females. The pronymphal stage lasts 52 hours (male) or 32 hours (female), followed by the denymphal stage, lasting 72 to 80 hours (male) (female), before molting into an adult. Mating between siblings occurs within the cells, but only adult females survive leaving the protected capped cells to live and feed on adult bees (the seeding period).

[0074] The relationship between altitude and mite population growth To verify the effect of altitude on Varroa mite population growth, 60 bee colonies in Xishuangbanna were divided into four groups of 15 colonies each, based on the Varroa mite infection rate of worker bee pupae. These groups were then transferred to four different altitude locations for rearing. The initial infection rates (day 0) for each group of 15 colonies were as follows: Xishuangbanna BN (altitude 554 m, initial 1% infection rate); Kunming KM (altitude 1966 m, initial 3% infection rate); Linzhi LZ (altitude 2928 m, initial 3% infection rate); and Lhasa LS (altitude 3637 m, initial 9% infection rate). The infection rate of worker bee pupae was recorded two and four months after colony transposition. Figure 2 It can be seen that in Xishuangbanna, at low altitudes, the mite infection rate increased from 1% initially to 15% after two months, and even exceeded 50% after four months. This high infection rate directly led to mass bee colony deaths, with 10 colonies dying completely. In Kunming, the infection rate of 15 colonies remained above 20% after two months; although the population size was preserved, the bee population declined significantly. Conversely, in high-altitude areas, such as Linzhi, the initial infection rate was 3%, and it remained around 9% after two or four months, while the bee colony size remained largely unchanged, and bee deaths were minimal. In Lhasa, at an even higher altitude, although the initial pupal infection rate was 9%, it dropped to 1% after four months, indicating a significant reduction in the total mite population, while the bee colony size remained unchanged, and almost no bees died due to mite infestation. This clearly demonstrates that the mite infection rate in bees gradually decreases with increasing altitude, and that the increase in altitude appears to be closely related to oxygen levels.

[0075] To further investigate the effect of altitude on Varroa mite reproduction, at each of the four locations, we measured the reproductive capacity of Varroa mites based on at least 216 infected cells per group (distributed across seven different bee developmental stages). We found a significant negative correlation between altitude and the ability of Varroa mites to produce viable (mating) adult female offspring (R) (r[7] = -0.968, p < .0001), see details in [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 The negative impact of altitude on Varroa mite reproduction is due to the influence of altitude on Varroa mite reproductive capacity (r

[302] = -0.78, p < .0001). Figure 3 This results in a highly significant negative impact on offspring development, including delayed or arrested development. Specifically, in Lhasa, mites lay a maximum of only two eggs, very few of which develop into pronymphs (due to low oxygen levels, mite eggs cannot develop into nymphs), resulting in R=0. Under normal oxygen conditions, Varroa mites lay 4-5 eggs, which develop into pronymphs after 22-30 hours, as observed in the low-altitude groups in Kunming (R=2.0) and Xishuangbanna (R=1.6) (specific data omitted). Figure 3 It can also be seen that when looking at the number of offspring of mites in two different stages of bee life, the higher the altitude, the lower the number of offspring. The number is 4.9 in Xishuangbanna at low altitude, while it is 0.9 in Lhasa at high altitude, a difference of nearly 5 times.

[0076] The Influence of Oxygen Content on Mite Reproduction We measured oxygen levels at different altitudes (e.g.) Figure 1 We discovered that oxygen levels varied with altitude, seemingly directly impacting Varroa mite reproduction. To further confirm that reduced oxygen (hypoxia) (13.5-13.6%) in Lhasa was the primary cause of Varroa mite reproduction failure, we artificially lowered the oxygen concentration in 10 modified beehives to an average of approximately 13.0% at an altitude of 88 meters (Shaoxing, Zhejiang, where oxygen content is 21%) by adjusting the nitrogen and oxygen mixture. Figure 4 And, after 11 days, we observed the reproduction of the mites. We found that the control group had about 4 offspring (oxygen content 21%), while the experimental group had about 1 offspring (oxygen content 13.5-13.6%). Figure 6 ).

[0077] We have once again demonstrated that although Varroa mites in low-oxygen hives lay an average of only 1.5 eggs, almost all of them fail to develop further (R=0). Figure 5B Similarly, in very rare cases, the first (male) offspring develops into an adult (e.g. Figure 5B In the control colony, normal mite reproduction was observed again. Mites at different reproductive stages eventually multiplied into either female or male mites, and their numbers increased with each reproduction (R=1.5). Figure 5A ).from Figure 5A Control and Experiment Figure 5B It is clear that mites pose a threat to bees throughout their entire reproductive cycle. However, bees can reproduce normally under low-oxygen conditions, while mites cannot reproduce normally at any stage.

[0078] The above experiments further demonstrate that oxygen is directly related to mite reproduction, and low oxygen levels are the main cause affecting mite survival. This is the first time our invention team has discovered the reproductive physiological limit affecting Varroa mite reproduction, leading to the disappearance of mites from bee colonies and opening up new potential control methods.

[0079] Example 2 See Figure 7-8 A beehive device with adjustable oxygen concentration was designed, consisting of a hive body 8, a gas conduit 5, a gas tank 6, an oxygen concentration meter 7,3, and a gas flow rate controller 4. The hive body 1 is an improvement on a conventional beehive. The hive body remains basically sealed, with a small opening 10 at the bottom front for bees to enter and exit, while maintaining airflow with the outside. Small openings 9,2 are made on both the front and rear sides for inserting conduits to introduce gas of a specific oxygen concentration.

[0080] One end of the gas conduit 5 is connected to the small openings 9 and 2 on the front and rear sides of the housing 1, and the other end is connected to the gas cylinder 6. A gas flow rate controller 4 is installed on the gas pipe between the gas cylinder and the small opening. The gas pipe contains nitrogen gas with an oxygen concentration of 0-16%, or a mixture of pure nitrogen and oxygen, or pure nitrogen gas.

[0081] Two oxygen concentration meters 7 and 3 were placed inside hive 1 to measure the oxygen concentration at two different locations within the hive. The gas flow rate inside the hive was regulated in both automatic and manual modes. In automatic mode, the oxygen concentration meters were connected to a gas flow rate controller 4 outside the hive via wires. When the oxygen concentration inside the hive was too high, the gas flow rate was increased; when the oxygen concentration was too low, the gas flow rate was decreased. In manual mode, the gas flow rate was manually adjusted while the oxygen concentration inside the hive was monitored in real time. Using this device, nitrogen was uniformly supplied into the hive to maintain an oxygen concentration of approximately 14%. After 8 days, the reproduction of heat mites was checked. The results showed that no heat mites reproduced in any of the capped cells. Conversely, in hives without a low-oxygen environment (oxygen concentration of 21%), a large number of heat mites were found to reproduce after 8 days.

[0082] Example 3 Bee colonies were relocated from an environment with normal oxygen concentration (23.2% by mass or approximately 20.95% by volume) to Lhasa, Tibet (a hypoxic environment with an oxygen partial pressure of approximately 13.5 kPa) and placed there for 10 days. The reproduction of *Heterospermum erythrorhizon* mites in capped worker bee cells was observed before relocation (under normal oxygen concentration conditions) and after 10 days in the hypoxic environment. The results showed that under normal oxygen concentration conditions, the success rate of adult *Heterospermum erythrorhizon* mites was 90%; however, the success rate was 0% in the hypoxic environment (13.5 kPa). After two months, the parasitism rate of *Heterospermum erythrorhizon* mites in capped worker bee cells decreased from 8% to 2%.

[0083] Example 4 The bee colony was moved from an environment with normal oxygen concentration to a hypoxic chamber with an oxygen partial pressure of 15 kPa and placed there for 10 days. The reproduction of *Heterospermum erythrorhizon* mites in the capped worker beehives was observed before the move (under normal oxygen concentration conditions) and after 10 days in the hypoxic environment. The results showed that under normal oxygen concentration conditions, the success rate of adult *Heterospermum erythrorhizon* mites was 92%; while in the hypoxic environment with an oxygen partial pressure of 15 kPa, the success rate was only 12%. After two months, the parasitism rate of *Heterospermum erythrorhizon* mites in the capped worker beehives decreased from 7.2% to 2.5%.

[0084] Example 5 Referring to Example 2, a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen (5% oxygen concentration) was uniformly supplied to the hive to maintain an oxygen concentration of approximately 11.5%. After 10 days, the reproduction of heat mites was checked. The results showed that no heat mites reproduced in any of the capped cells. In contrast, under normal oxygen concentration conditions, the success rate of adult heat mites reproduction was 95%.

[0085] Example 6 A 20 L sealed container was selected, with a small opening in the upper and lower halves serving as the air inlet and outlet, respectively. Nitrogen gas was uniformly introduced into the container until the oxygen concentration (oxygen partial pressure) dropped to approximately 15%. A newly sealed comb infested with Varroa mites was placed inside the container. The oxygen concentration was recalibrated daily by adding nitrogen gas. After 10 days, the cells were opened to check the Varroa mites' infestation and reproduction in each cell. The results showed that all Varroa mites had zero effective offspring, while the control group had an average of 1.2 effective offspring.

[0086] Example 7 Using the experimental setup from Example 2, the oxygen concentration in the container was reduced to 13% by supplementing with nitrogen. Newly capped worker bee brood combs infested with Varroa mites were placed in the container. The oxygen concentration was recalibrated daily by supplementing with nitrogen. After 10 days, the cells were opened to check the Varroa mites' infestation and reproduction in each cell. The results showed that all Varroa mites had an effective offspring count of 0, while the control group had an average effective offspring count of 1.2.

[0087] Example 8 The bee colony was moved from an environment with normal oxygen concentration to an artificial hypoxic chamber with an oxygen partial pressure of 13.5 kPa and placed there for 10 days. The reproduction of adult female mites corresponding to capped worker bees in the emerging cells was observed after 10 days under both normal oxygen concentration and hypoxic conditions. The results showed that under normal oxygen concentration conditions, the number of offspring produced by the adult female mite was 4.36 ± 1.37, of which 2.45 ± 0.83 were adult daughter mites; while after 10 days in the hypoxic environment with an oxygen partial pressure of 13.5 kPa, the number of offspring produced by the adult female mite was 1.56 ± 0.86, of which 0 were adult daughter mites.

[0088] Example 9 Referring to the schematic diagram of the device described in Example 2, a commonly used beehive was wrapped or filled with plastic wrap or other materials to create a relatively sealed environment. Small openings were made on both the front and back sides of the beehive, and the hive door was slightly ajar. Nitrogen gas was uniformly introduced into the beehive through these openings to maintain an oxygen concentration of approximately 14%. After 5 days, the reproduction of the Diswaa mites was checked. The results showed that the total number of offspring produced by adult female mites corresponding to worker bees nearing the hatching stage was 1.03 ± 1.14, of which 0.22 ± 0.52 were adult daughter mites, indicating that the vast majority of female mites did not reproduce effectively.

[0089] Example 10 Referring to the schematic diagram of the device described in Example 2, a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen with an oxygen concentration of 5% is uniformly supplied into the beehive through two small openings at the front and back, maintaining the oxygen concentration inside the beehive at approximately 13.5%. Figure 7 After maintaining the colony for 10 days, the reproduction of the mites was examined. The results showed that the total number of offspring produced by the adult female mites corresponding to the capped worker bees before they emerged from the cells was 1.23±1.01, of which the number of adult daughter mites was 0.03±0.18, meaning that the vast majority of female mites did not reproduce effectively.

[0090] Example 11 refer to Figure 9-11 The designed beehive maintains a low-oxygen condition through the bees' natural respiration. The oxygen concentration inside the hive is maintained at approximately 10% (using an oxygen measuring device) by adjusting the size of the bee outlet (13). After 20 days, the reproduction of the *Discochaeta spp.* mite is examined. The results show that the total number of offspring produced by adult female mites corresponding to worker bees nearing the hatching stage was 1.03 ± 1.01, of which 0.03 ± 0.18 were adult daughter mites, indicating that the vast majority of female mites did not reproduce effectively. In contrast, the number of offspring produced by adult female mites in the control group was 4.36 ± 1.37, of which 2.45 ± 0.83 were adult daughter mites.

[0091] All patents and publications mentioned in this specification represent publicly available technology that can be used by this invention. All patents and publications cited herein are also listed in the references as individually referenced. The invention described herein can be implemented in the absence of any one or more elements, or one or more limitations, which are not specifically stated herein. For example, the terms “comprising,” “substantially consisting of,” and “consisting of” in each instance herein can be replaced by the other two terms. The term “an” herein simply means “one” and does not exclude the inclusion of only one, but may also indicate the inclusion of two or more. The terminology and expressions used herein are descriptive and not limiting, and there is no intention to suggest that the terms and interpretations described herein exclude any equivalent features; however, it is understood that any suitable changes or modifications can be made within the scope of this invention and the claims. It is understood that the embodiments described herein are preferred embodiments and features, and any modifications and variations can be made by those skilled in the art based on the spirit of the invention described herein, and such modifications and variations are also considered to fall within the scope of this invention and the limitations of the independent and appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for controlling bee heat mites, characterized in that, By keeping the heat mites in a low-oxygen environment for a period of time, the mites cannot reproduce or their reproduction rate is reduced, or their reproduction essentially fails, thus causing the mite colony to gradually disappear.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned low-oxygen environment is defined as an oxygen mass concentration of 0-19%, or a volume percentage of 0-19%, or an oxygen partial pressure of 0-19 kPa.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The oxygen mass concentration is between 10% and 17%, or between 13.5 and 15 kPa oxygen partial pressure, or between 9% and 17% by volume.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The duration is described as 12 hours to 30 days.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The method for creating a low-oxygen environment includes: relocating bee colonies to low-oxygen areas at altitudes above 3,000 meters, causing the mites to fail to reproduce and thus gradually eliminating the mite population.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The method of setting up a low-oxygen environment includes placing a bee colony in a low-oxygen chamber, causing the mites to fail to reproduce and thus gradually eliminating the mite population.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The methods for generating low oxygen in the low oxygen chamber include: creating negative pressure in the chamber, introducing non-oxygen gas, or introducing gas containing a low concentration of oxygen, or a combination of two or more of these methods.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The cavity is a closed cavity container, such as a sealed room.

9. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The cavity is a beehive containing honeycomb frames.

10. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The non-oxygen gases mentioned include inert gases, carbon dioxide gases, and mixed gases with low concentrations of oxygen, including gases with low oxygen concentrations.

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