Toxicological Effects of Synthetic Acaricide Residues in Beeswax

Öz

Synthetic acaricides are widely used by beekeepers in the control of Varroa destructor. These chemicals generate residues in beeswax, posing significant toxicological risks for both honey bee colonies and human health. Commonly used acaricides such as coumaphos, tau-fluvalinate, flumethrin, and amitraz accumulate in beeswax due to their lipophilic nature. Over time, these compounds may also transfer into other bee products, including honey, propolis, and pollen. Studies have shown that these substances exert toxicological risks on larval development, immune function, learning behavior, queen performance, and overall colony productivity. Furthermore, the indiscriminate and intensive use of acaricides accelerates the development of resistance in Varroa destructor populations, leading to increased application rates and a cumulative rise in residue levels in beeswax. Therefore, the promotion of integrated pest management strategies, the adoption of organic acid-based alternative control methods, and the regular replacement of old combs are of critical importance. Effective control of synthetic acaricide residues is essential for sustainable beekeeping and the production of safe bee products. In this review, the toxic effects of synthetic acaricide residues accumulated in beeswax are evaluated in light of current literature.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Acaricides
• beeswax residues
• coumaphos
• tau-fluvalinate
• flumethrin
• amitraz

Balmumu İçindeki Sentetik Akarisit Kalıntılarının Toksikolojik Etkileri

Öz

Sentetik akarisitler Varroa ile mücadelede arıcılar tarafından yaygın olarak kullanılmaktadır. Bu kimyasallar balmumunda kalıntılar oluşturarak hem bal arısı kolonileri hem de insan sağlığı açısından önemli toksikolojik riskler oluşturmaktadır. Yaygın olarak kullanılan kumafos, tau-fluvalinat, flumetrin ve amitraz gibi akarisitler lipofilik yapısı nedeniyle balmumunda birikmektedir. Zamanla bal, propolis ve polen gibi diğer arı ürünlerine geçiş yapabilmektedir. Çalışmalar, bu bileşiklerin larva gelişimi, bağışıklık sistemi, öğrenme davranışı, kraliçe performansı ve koloni verimliliği üzerinde olumsuz etkiler oluşturduğunu göstermektedir. Ayrıca bilinçsiz ve yoğun akarisit kullanımı, Varroa destructor popülasyonlarında direnç gelişimini hızlandırarak daha yüksek doz uygulamalarına neden olmakta ve balmumunda kümülatif kalıntı yükünü artırmaktadır. Bu nedenle entegre zararlı yönetimi uygulamalarının yaygınlaştırılması, organik asit temelli alternatif mücadele yöntemlerinin desteklenmesi ve eski peteklerin düzenli olarak yenilenmesi büyük önem taşımaktadır. Sentetik akarisit kalıntılarının kontrol altına alınması sürdürülebilir arıcılık ve güvenilir arı ürünleri üretimi açısından önemli bir gerekliliktir. Bu derlemede balmumunda biriken sentetik akarisit kalıntılarının toksik etkileri güncel literatür doğrultusunda değerlendirilmiştir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Akarisitler
• balmumu kalıntıları
• kumafos
• tau-fluvalinat
• flumetrin
• amitraz

Kaynakça

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