The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed to register one technical and two end-use products containing a new active ingredient, Vadescana—a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)—for the control of Varroa mites (Varroa destructor) in honey bee hives.

Varroa mites are destructive parasites that feed on honey bees and spread harmful viruses, drastically reducing the lifespan of bees. Left untreated, infestations typically lead to the collapse of entire colonies. As a major threat to pollination services essential for U.S. agriculture and food security, controlling Varroa mites remains a national priority. The EPA is focused on providing beekeepers with safe, effective tools to combat these pests.

According to the EPA’s risk assessment, no risks of concern were identified for human health or the environment, including any adverse effects on federally listed species under the Endangered Species Act. When used as directed, Vadescana poses no expected risk to honey bees, owing to its high specificity to a gene found only in Varroa mites.

In addition to Vadescana, the EPA:

• Registered in March 2025 a new varroacide with l-glutamic acid, a novel ingredient not previously approved for hive use.
• Plans to register a slow-release varroacide product containing oxalic acid by July 2025.

Together, these four end-use products introduce new modes of action for Varroa mite control, bolstering the arsenal available to beekeepers nationwide.

The EPA continues to collaborate with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, state agencies, and honey bee industry stakeholders to support apiculture health and resilience. The agency is also developing educational and training content with partners including:

• The National Pesticide Information Center
• North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
• Canada’s Ministry of Agriculture for Fisheries and Food

These joint efforts include multilingual videos (English, Spanish, and French Canadian) to assist pesticide decision-makers and raise public awareness about Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies for managing Varroa mites, small hive beetles, and wax moths. Additionally, the EPA has funded interactive training modules to help pesticide applicators conduct thorough bee kill investigations.

This initiative marks a significant step forward in protecting pollinators and promoting the responsible use of pesticides in agriculture.

Source – EPA