Using CO2 to Fight Varroa Mites with Aakash Manaswi (398) — Beekeeping Today Podcast

What if carbon dioxide could offer beekeepers another way to control Varroa mites? In this episode, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman talk with award-winning high school researcher Aakash Manaswi, whose multi-year research project investigates using carbon dioxide (CO₂) as a treatment against Varroa mites. Aakash traces his interest in honey bees back to a childhood visit to an apiary, where a beekeeper explained how Varroa was affecting his colonies. That encounter eventually led Aakash to ask whether there might be another way to tackle the parasite.

Aakash explains the development of his CO₂ treatment prototype—a hive-top device that distributes carbon dioxide throughout a colony. His research progressed from laboratory testing of different CO₂ concentrations to prototype development and field trials comparing the approach with existing treatments. He discusses the 30% CO₂ concentration used in his research, treatment timing, effects on phoretic mites, and some of the important limitations that still need to be investigated.

The conversation also explores Aakash's AI-based system for counting Varroa mites on sticky boards, his work with mentors at 3M, USDA, and the University of Florida, and where he hopes to take the research next.

Aakash's work earned first place in Animal Sciences at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and the Peggy Scripps Award for Science Communication.

Before the interview, Jeff and Becky answer a listener question about another emerging tool for beekeepers: artificial intelligence. They discuss where AI can be genuinely useful—and why beekeepers should still question its answers, check its sources, and remember that sometimes the best answer in beekeeping remains, "It depends."

Websites from the episode and others we recommend:

Aakash's Science Project: https://isef.net/project/anim005-capturable-carbon-dioxide-to-save-our-bees
Regeneron ISEF Grand Awards: https://www.societyforscience.org/blog/regeneron-isef-2026-grand-awards/
Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org
The National Honey Board: https://honey.com
Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com

______________

Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode!

As a beekeeper, you want products that benefit you and your bees. When you choose Premier Bee Products, you choose hive components that are healthier for bees and more productive for you. Because we believe that in beekeeping, details make all the difference. Premier Bee Products: Better for bees. Better for beekeepers. Use promo code PODCAST for 10% off your next online order.

Thanks to <a title="Strong Microbials" href= "https://www.stro