Compositions suitable for administration to or
ingestion by
honey bees and colonies thereof comprising an effective amount of an anthranilic diamide insecticide to reduce or prevent a parasitic
insect infestation of the
honey bees' hive are provided. In some embodiments, the composition is non-toxic and optionally, but preferably nutritional to the bees. In some embodiments, the composition further includes a source of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals, water, or a combination thereof. Such sources can be, for example, natural or artificial
nectar, honey,
sugar,
sugar syrup,
pollen or
pollen substitute,
soy flour, soy
meal,
gluten, skim milk,
yeast, pollard, oil, or combinations thereof. Preferred anthranilic diamides are chlorantraniliprole and
flubendiamide, preferably wherein the amount of the anthranilic diamide is below the contact and / or oral LD50 for the bee. Devices for delivering the compositions and method of use thereof are also provided.