EPA-registered Pesticide Products Approved for Use Against Varroa Mites in Bee Hives

EPA is also dedicated to supporting the development of novel solutions for Varroa mite control, such as double stranded RNA (dsRNA) products and other emerging technologies. For example, in September 2025, EPA released a final registration decision for the new pesticide active ingredient, Vadescana, a dsRNA, for control against Varroa mites in honey bee hives. Vadescana works through a mechanism called RNA interference, which prevents the expression of a specific gene that the Varroa mite needs to survive. The effects of Vadescana are highly specific to Varroa mites, and it does not affect humans or other non-target organisms, including bees and threatened or endangered species. To read more about the registration decision for these products and the agency’s response to comments, see docket ID  EPA-HQ-OPP-2023-0558 at www.regulations.gov. 

dsRNA is Not the Same as mRNA 

dsRNA products provide a new way to control Varroa mites and can aid in combating resistance to pesticides for Varroa control. 

The dsRNA in Vadescana and other dsRNA-based pesticides are different from the messenger RNA (mRNA) technologies that are being used for some vaccines. dsRNA pesticides silence genes within the target pest without affecting humans or non-target organisms by degrading  the mRNA that  the pest normally uses to produce proteins necessary for survival.  

dsRNA products are designed to target only specific pests without impacting humans or non-target organisms. Before registering any pesticide, including those that use dsRNA, EPA performs an extensive risk assessment to evaluate the likelihood of effects on humans or the environment. This includes a human health risk assessment that looks at the type and probability of harmful health effects in people who may be exposed to the pesticide and an ecological risk assessment to determine what risks the pesticide may pose to the environment. These risk assessments demonstrated that EPA-registered dsRNA pesticide products are highly targeted, affecting only insects closely related to the target pest species, that the RNA quickly degrades in the environment, and that dietary consumption is safe. 

RNA is a fundamental molecule present in all living organisms, including plants and humans. People consume RNA regularly as part of their normal diet when eating fruits, vegetables, grains, and other unprocessed foods. Consuming RNA from plants is a natural and safe part of human nutrition. For sprayable and other externally applied dsRNA, EPA has required extensive testing with simulated gastric fluids to ensure that the dsRNA in registered dsRNA pesticides would be digested in a similar fashion to the RNA naturally found in plants. EPA is able to rely on how our bodies are naturally well-equipped to process and utilize these molecules without any adverse effects. RNA from food and dsRNA from registered dsRNA pesticides do not integrate into human DNA or affect our genetic material. 

Products Registered to Protect Against Varroa Mites