A new pest control option has been developed to target the varroa mite, a parasite found in bee colonies. The mites cause significant problems for both bees and beekeepers, including reduced honey yields and colony collapse.
Bees themselves are particularly vulnerable to the varroa mite’s attacks, which can occur when they’re still larvae. The mite latches on, sucks their blood, and can do so for the rest of its life. Beekeepers face similar issues, as the mites can also reduce honey production and cause devastating colony losses.
Researchers have made significant progress in developing an RNA pesticide that precisely targets the varroa mite’s unique gene. This innovative approach has sparked excitement among scientists, with some labeling it “the perfect pesticide” due to its potential to selectively harm only the target species without affecting other organisms.
Source: https://www.thetimes.com/uk/science/article/perfect-pesticide-spares-bees-by-targeting-gene-in-parasites-59hbkh0g2