Analysis of the effect of ultraviolet irradiation on varroa mite

Abstract

We presented theoretical and experimental material on the influence of UV irradiation on a Varroa mite in the range of UVB and UVC in the study. We obtained mathematical expressions that simulate dependencies of electrical and structural characteristics of protective devices. Such devices implement the operation of HEA-1 hive entrance attachments equipped with LED modules of UV radiation powered by solar photocells. We substantiated parameters of protective devices, which provide a harmful effect of UV radiation on physiological functions of a Varroa mite. These parameters include power and an amount of UV light emitting diodes, their placement in a tunnel of a hive entrance attachment, a wavelength, exposure and geometric parameters of HEA-1 hive entrance attachment. A use of a hive entrance attachment ensures rejuvenation of bees from varroatosis without disrupting their natural rhythm of life, preventing a premature release of a bee colony to a first treatment flight under adverse temperature conditions. Extension of a path of bees from a hive entrance to an exit from a tunnel of an attachment make possible for bees to adapt to meteorological conditions and feel a low temperature of the outside air and return to a hive. In addition, the study of the proposed hive entrance attachment showed a functional ability to prevent penetration of wasps, hornets and rodents to a hive. This happens due to the presence of a tunnel with a calibrated internal opening, which limits direct access to a hive entrance, from which an appealing flavor of honey products spreads. The described device makes it possible to prevent the infection of bees of healthy bee colonies by the exception of possibility of penetration of ill bees-villains into hive entrance. This happens due to the presence of a grid tunnel. Sources of electromagnetic radiation of the optical range of the ultraviolet spectrum (LEDs) irradiate its inner surface.