The Varroa mite has spread to and become a major pest of honey bees since their introduction in the mid-1980s. They were first reported in the Bluegrass Region of the Commonwealth in 1991 and now occur throughout the state.  The United States Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service estimates losses due to mite infestation exceed $1 billion a year.  Research recommends an integrated pest management approach control that relies on various tools.  Vaporized sprays of oxalic acid have proven to be the most effective chemical control, however, the tools needed to apply are out of most beekeepers' price range.   To solve this problem, the Powell and Clark County Extension Offices partnered with the Powell/Clark County Beekeepers Association to purchase a unit and offer to association members and county residents.  With this unit available to them, beekeepers will have improved hives for years to come.