What Kills the Varroa Mite
As winter draws near, beekeepers will want to change treatments from time to time. OAV treatments are ideal during the winter when the queen has stopped laying eggs naturally and is scrambling around the hive. OAV treatment kills the mites and prevents them from coming back to the hive. This treatment is also effective during the broodless period between November and February when the bees stop naturally laying eggs.
Formic acid
Formic acid is a natural pesticide used by beekeepers in Europe for over 30 years. The use of this treatment has been linked to a reduction in the varroa mite population. However, it must be noted that this treatment can also reduce the productivity of the bees, as well as the queen.
Currently, the most effective time to use Formic Pro is late spring or mid fall. The treatment should be applied before the hive is closed for the winter to ensure a strong colony and high production of honey. This treatment will also help maintain a low mite population throughout the winter.
Formic acid is a highly effective treatment against the Varroa mite. It kills the mites with ease, and the mites do not develop resistance to it. The process of applying formic acid to the beehive includes applying it at the appropriate concentration to the beehive. Some beekeepers make their own formic acid solutions, while others purchase commercial solutions.
When applied to a beehive, formic acid kills the varroa. The acid dissipates throughout the hive, killing tracheal and phoretic varroa mites. However, the concentration of formic acid needed is variable, and this requires careful analysis of the dosage and time.
Thymol
Thymol is a chemical that kills varroa mites. It can be used in a variety of applications. It is commonly used in insecticides for beekeeping. Some people use it to control the mites in their hives. However, it is not always effective. There are some other chemicals that may be more effective.
Thymol is a phenolic monoterpene derived from the herb thyme. It is available as a white crystal and is generally safe to handle, but it is still recommended to wear gloves and good ventilation. In a single application, eight to twelve grams will kill two to four varroa mites. However, the crystals can evaporate too quickly in warm weather and can kill bees and brood.
Apiguard is a varroa mite treatment that uses thymol to kill mites. Apiguard contains 25% thymol and is a “soft” chemical. It has a mild odor and is considered a safe option for varroa mite control. There are several mite treatments that may be effective, but you need to choose the one that works best for your hives.
Natural products are better than chemicals for controlling varroa mites. They are safer for bees and are less likely to cause resistance. They also do not create residues that could be found in bee products.
Oxalic acid
Oxalic acid is an effective insecticide for killing varroa mites. It penetrates the mite’s leg and reaches its hemolymph. Oxalic acid is dripped or vaporized onto the mite. The acid builds up in the adhesive lobes of the mite’s leg and forms a crystal, which breaks down into small droplets. The mite then attempts to shake off the crystals.
Oxalic acid is especially effective when applied to bees during the winter broodless period. It can also be used to start a mite-free colony by applying it to the nucleus. This treatment is safe for the new queen and does not affect the survival of the original colony.
Oxalic acid is effective for eradicating varroa mites in honeybee colonies. This treatment is EPA-approved and a safe alternative to apiary medications. It is a fast and effective way to eliminate the mite problem in honeybee colonies.
To apply oxalic acid, bees should be in clusters. Store them in a dark, cool place for at least 24 hours before applying the treatment. Alternatively, you can create an artificial cluster by briefly chilling them in a temperature of 35 degrees. Two hours before applying the oxalic acid, you should spray the cluster with a 1:1 sugar syrup.
Oxalic acid is an effective pesticide, but beware of the side effects. Although it kills the varroa mites, it is not safe for bees and will harm them in severe cases. It can also affect the health of bees and prevent them from brooding.
Hop acids
Hop acids are natural compounds found in the hop plant. These acids are used to treat mites in honey bees, and they are safe for bees. These acids can be sprayed on newly emerged worker bees and packaged bees. They have the potential to become an active ingredient in a veterinary drug, but there has not been enough research to make a final determination about whether or not hop acids kill the varroa mite.
Hop acids are very effective for controlling varroa mites, and are used in several ways. These include acaricides and biotechnical methods. In the fall and winter, a HopGuard(r) treatment is used. The treatment is very effective in preventing varroa mites and can provide an integrated control concept for beekeepers.
HopGuard(r) is a topical treatment that contains hop acids and is extremely effective. It is faster than oxalic acid, which takes five to 10 days to achieve the same level of efficacy. It is also much faster than other winter treatments. The mite population declines in the first 12 days of application. It is also cheaper than hop oils and can be used in combination with other treatments.
Hop acids kill the Varroa mite in honey bee colonies. The mites can spread DWV or acute bee paralysis virus from one colony to another. The higher the mite population is, the more likely it is that a honey bee will get infected. DWV is usually associated with a colony collapse.
Screened bottom boards
Screened bottom boards can be used with a solid bottom board or stand alone. Either way, they will both keep varroa mites from returning to the colony. Make sure the screened bottom board is set so that the open slot faces the back of the hive. You can also use a screened tray or a piece of white corrugated plastic as the mite collection surface.
Screened bottom boards also keep bees cooler during transportation and improve the flow of fresh air into the hive. As mites fall through the screen, they are killed. As a result, your bees will be less likely to become infested with varroa.
A screened bottom board will also help to keep the hive cool, especially during the warmer months of summer. A screened bottom board will also keep small hive beetles away, as these insects dislike light and ventilation. However, you must make sure to replace it with a solid bottom board during the winter months.
Screened bottom boards can also kill the varroa mites. These boards can reduce the mite load by at least ten to twenty percent. In addition to killing mites, they help cool brood during cold weather.
Apistan
Apistan is a pyrethroid based anti-miticide. It was one of the first products to be developed to control this mite. Although it kills varroa mites, it can cause severe side effects to bees. In addition, it must be applied at the correct temperature to kill the mites. It also taints the taste of honey.
Efficacy of Apistan varies from study to study. Some chemicals have a high rate of efficacy while others are ineffective in removing the mites. Apistan is effective in killing adult Varroa mites. It is effective in subtropical and continental climates.
The use of Apistan has been associated with negative effects on bees in New Zealand. It may be harmful to the queens and drones but may be beneficial for worker bees. The chemicals accumulate in beeswax. However, if you are concerned about the effects of Apistan on bees, it is recommended that you do not use this chemical in beehives.
Chemical alternatives to Apistan can help protect your bees. While these treatments aren’t recommended as preventative measures, they should be used once you have found a mite infestation. Apistan is a acaricide strip that kills the mite by spreading through the hive when bees touch it.
Integrated varroa mite control management practices reduce the use of broad-spectrum acaricides, such as Apistan. They can be used by either organic or conventional beekeepers. They contain organic substances such as organic acids, beta-plant acids, and active components of essential oils that are highly effective acaricides. This means that the mites are killed while the host bees remain healthy and productive.