What is the indicator of a varroa mite infestation in a bee colony?

Deformed wing virus is indicative of a varroa mite infestation due to the biological relationship between the two. Varroa mites feed on the bodily fluids of honeybee larvae and pupae, which can lead to a range of health problems, including the development of viruses. When young bees are affected by varroa mites, they can develop deformed wings and other physical abnormalities. This virus, particularly when spread throughout a colony, can weaken the bee population significantly and ultimately lead to colony collapse.

While reduced honey production, weak queens, and absconding behavior can be associated with overall colony stress and potential issues, they are not as specific to varroa mite infestations as deformed wing virus. Reduced honey production may result from factors such as insufficient foraging resources or environmental stress. A weak queen could be a symptom of various stressors, not necessarily linked to varroa mites. Absconding behavior can indicate several stress factors in an apiary, including poor health or habitat issues, rather than directly pointing to a varroa mite problem. Thus, deformed wing virus serves as a more direct and specific sign of a varroa mite infestation in a bee colony.