As Varroa destructor is one of the most important pathogens of Apis mellifera, there are numerous treatment methods, including pharmaceutical and biotechnological approaches. However, the rapid development of resistance to synthetic acaricides by Varroa destructor has become a significant concern. To date, there have been no investigations into the development of resistance to organic acids. This review examines the potential risk of oxalic acid resistance development by evaluating literature sources from the past 30 years following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Median annual efficacies are calculated and reviewed over time for several application methods. An efficacy higher than 70% is determined as not resistant. Independent of the method of application, no resistance development can be observed, although there are some outliers of the annual median. These outliers can be explained by brood status or study setting. However, the result is limited by the low number of efficacy values, and further standardised studies are needed.

Varroa destructor represents one of the most significant pathogens affecting Apis mellifera. A multitude of treatment modalities exist, including those based on pharmaceutical and biotechnological principles. A few years after the first use of synthetic acaricides, Varroa destructor developed resistance to these substances, becoming a significant concern. The present review assesses the potential risk of resistance development to formic and lactic acid. This is performed by evaluating sources in the literature over the past 30 to 40 years following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Median annual efficacies are determined and evaluated over time. Independent of pharmaceutical form, mite populations are considered non-resistant for efficacies higher than 70%. After the assessment of outliers for lactic acid, the remaining limited data are insufficient to draw conclusions on resistance. The reported unusually low efficacy values for formic acid can be explained by inadequate evaporation rates and study settings. Notably, for both acids, the findings are limited by a low number of efficacy values, and further, more detailed and standardized studies are needed.