Abstract
Continuous exposure of honey bee colonies to acaricides can affect Varroa destructor populations and their susceptibility to veterinary treatments. In this study, two groups of colonies were established using decontaminated wax or commercial wax (containing more pesticide residues). Both groups received two amitraz treatments and Varroa levels were monitored four times. Colonies containing contaminated wax exhibited consistently higher Varroa populations and the amitraz treatments had limited efficacy in reducing infestation, compared to colonies containing decontaminated wax. The findings suggest a connection between acaricide persistence and Varroa evolution, emphasizing the importance of indirect effects on honey bee behavior and colony dynamics.