What is VSH?
Understanding VSH (Varroa Sensitive Hygiene): The Foundation of Pol-line Resistance
VSH stands for Varroa Sensitive Hygiene. This is not just a phrase—it is the core behavioral trait that defines the superior mite resistance of our Pol-line queens. This highly specialized, heritable behavior allows a honeybee colony to genetically manage its own Varroa destructor population.
The VSH Mechanism: Targeted Mite Interruption
VSH bees are not only extremely hygienic, they possess an elite form of hygiene: VSH bees can sense varroa infested cells and will uncap and sometimes remove the pupa to disrupt the reproductive cycle of the varroa mite.
The process of VSH is precise and powerful:
- Detection: VSH workers possess the unique ability to detect the presence of reproducing Varroa destructor mites hidden beneath the wax capping of pupal cells.
- Intervention: Once a mite is detected, the VSH workers will precisely uncap the cell for inspection. This interrupts the breeding cycle of the varroa mite.
- Removal: The workers then remove the pupa, thereby eliminating the mites' offspring and interrupting the mite's ability to produce viable daughters.
VSH and Chemical-Free Management
Queens with high VSH expression can produce colonies that require less treatments for varroa mites. Many VSH colonies may not require any chemical treatments at all. Our goal at Northshore Bees is to eventually eliminate chemical treatments for varroa mites in all of our bees through selective breeding for the highest VSH traits in our Pol-line stock. When you choose our Pol-line queens, you are choosing a genetic solution to mite control, validated by the rigorous Harbo Assay right here in Southeast Louisiana.