Best Places to Put Varroa Mite Strips

The best places to put varroa mite treatment strips are in areas where the bees are active and breeding. These areas should be surveyed before the spring nectar collection begins and again after the fall honey harvest is finished. The spring treatment should get rid of the mites before the honey is collected and the autumn treatment should get rid of the mites from the hive before winter bees take over.

Beekeepers understand the importance of controlling Varroa mites to maintain healthy honey bee colonies. These tiny parasites can wreak havoc on bee populations if left unchecked. One common method of mite control is the use of Varroa mite strips. These strips are typically impregnated with chemicals that target and kill the mites. In this guide, we will explore the best places to put Varroa mite strips within beehives for effective mite control and colony health.

Understanding Varroa Mite Behavior

Before delving into the placement of mite strips, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of Varroa mite behavior. Varroa mites primarily infest developing bee brood cells, where they reproduce and feed on the developing bees. They can also attach to adult bees and transmit diseases. Therefore, strategic placement of Varroa mite strips is crucial to target these mites at various stages of their life cycle.

Brood Chamber Placement

The brood chamber, typically located in the bottom portion of the hive, is where the queen lays her eggs and the majority of bee larvae develop. Placing Varroa mite strips in the brood chamber is highly effective as it directly targets mites during their reproduction and feeding stages. Here are a few key considerations for placing mite strips in the brood chamber:

Between Frames

One popular method is to position the Varroa mite strips between frames within the brood chamber. This allows for maximum contact with the mites and ensures that the chemicals released from the strips permeate the brood cells, effectively targeting mites during their vulnerable stages. Ensure that the strips are evenly distributed throughout the brood chamber to cover the maximum surface area.

Alongside Brood Frames

Another option is to place the Varroa mite strips alongside the brood frames. This placement allows for close proximity to the developing brood cells, making it easier for the mites to come into contact with the chemicals. Ensure that the strips do not obstruct the movement of bees or impede access to brood frames.

Underneath the Brood Frames

Placing Varroa mite strips underneath the brood frames can also be effective. This placement ensures that the mites come into direct contact with the chemicals as they move within the hive. It is important to position the strips in a way that does not interfere with the bees’ movement or ventilation within the hive.

Super Placement

In addition to the brood chamber, Varroa mite strips can also be strategically placed in the honey supers. However, it is crucial to exercise caution when using mite strips in honey supers, as it can potentially contaminate the honey. Here are a few guidelines for placing mite strips in the honey supers:

Before Honey Flow

If you choose to place Varroa mite strips in the honey supers, it is best to do so before the honey flow begins. This timing allows the bees to distribute the chemicals throughout the hive before they start storing honey in the supers. This precaution minimizes the risk of contamination and helps maintain the quality of the honey crop.

Above Queen Excluder

To prevent mite strips from entering honey supers, you can place them above a queen excluder. Queen excluders are barriers with small openings that allow worker bees to pass through but restrict the queen’s access to certain areas of the hive. Placing the mite strips above the queen excluder ensures that the chemicals do not come into direct contact with the honey supers.

Additional Considerations

Here are a few additional considerations when placing Varroa mite strips in beehives:

Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions

Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for the specific Varroa mite strips you are using. They will provide detailed instructions on the number of strips to use, duration of treatment, and any additional precautions.

Rotate Placement

To prevent mite resistance to the chemicals used in the strips, it is recommended to rotate the placement of the strips between brood chambers in subsequent treatments. This rotation ensures that mites do not develop resistance to the chemicals over time, maintaining the effectiveness of the treatment.

Consider Hive Strength

Consider the strength of the hive when determining the placement of Varroa mite strips. Weaker colonies may require more concentrated treatment and closer proximity of the strips to the brood chamber.

Proper placement of Varroa mite strips is crucial for effective mite control and the overall health of honey bee colonies. Placing the strips in the brood chamber targets mites during their reproductive and feeding stages, while careful placement in the honey supers minimizes the risk of honey contamination. By following manufacturer’s instructions, rotating strip placement, and considering hive strength, beekeepers can optimize mite control and support the well-being of their colonies. Always monitor mite levels regularly to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and adjust placement as necessary. With the right placement and diligent monitoring, beekeepers can mitigate the impact of Varroa mites and ensure the long-term health and productivity of their hives.

Apivar

Apivar strips are a great way to control Varroa mites. Apivar is a chemical that kills 95% of Varroa mites in one treatment. They are easy to use and should be applied before or after spring nectar gathering. Apivar is best applied to areas where the bees are most active and where Varroa are most likely to breed. The spring treatment is used to reduce the mite population in preparation for the honey collecting season, while the fall treatment is used to kill off Varroa before the winter bees arrive to begin laying their eggs and building their hives.

Apivar is the most convenient mite treatment because it requires no tools. The strips contain a synthetic chemical called amitraz that kills the varroa mites. It is highly effective, but be aware that some areas of the country have developed a resistance to this chemical.

Apivar strips are most effective in early spring and fall. However, you must remove the honey super before applying the strip. This treatment is most effective if the mite drop rate is in the hundreds after 24 hours. If the bees drop mites in the hundreds or even thousands after 24 hours, the Apivar treatment is working. For maximum results, use Apistan in conjunction with other treatments.

A great way to control varroa mites is to use oxalic acid vaporization. This treatment is most effective during the fall and winter months, but it is important to note that oxalic acid vaporization is ineffective against varroa when the mites are inside brood cells. It is important to follow the directions provided by the manufacturer to ensure the best results.

In case you are unsure about whether or not to apply EPA mite strips, you can simply break them into four pieces and apply them on the corners of your brood nest. Repeat this process three times over a week for maximum effectiveness. You should also remember to remove the strips two weeks before the honey super. This treatment is effective in reducing mite numbers while boosting the colony’s growth. In addition, the product is safe for your bees, and it will not harm them or taint your honey.

Another varroa mite control method is breaking the brood cycle. Some beekeepers choose to remove the eggs and capped brood and temporarily remove the queen, reintroducing her when the colony is healthy. Another method is to make a nuc and introduce the queen from the original hive into a new hive.

Checkmite+

When choosing where to use varroa mite strips, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent contamination. Some of these products contain formic acid, which can be toxic to bees and the beekeeper. The key is to follow the directions carefully to avoid underdosing or overdosing the hive, which can kill brood or kill the colony.

Keeping track of the number of mites in the colony is important to determine whether treatment is effective. If a mite infestation is high, you may need a more aggressive approach, such as using a flash treatment. Slow-release treatments, on the other hand, may not be effective for high infestations.

Apivar strips are most effective when used in the spring before nectar collection and in the autumn after harvesting. The product works through contact with the mites and is best applied at temperatures of 59 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. The strips should be placed at the top of the brood box, where bees can access the treatment.

The most effective varroa mite treatment is one that is 100% effective. The active ingredient in the product is formic acid, which is small enough to penetrate brood cap. Moreover, two strips should be placed near the bottom of the brood box, and the bees should be able to move around the hive while applying the product. It is important to use this product according to the instructions and alternate it with another approved treatment.

After a treatment, be sure to wash your hands and equipment thoroughly, and wait at least 4 weeks. In the meantime, it’s important to avoid openings in the hive and to use chemical-resistant gloves when inspecting the bees. Afterwards, you should check the beehives for signs of brood. If the strips have not killed the mites, don’t touch them.

Using Apivar strips is the simplest mite treatment. It requires no tools, requires only two steps to apply, and uses synthetic chemical amitraz to kill varroa mites. However, these strips can be effective only in certain areas, because some colonies are resistant to amitraz.

Oxalic acid vaporization

Oxalic acid vaporizers work by turning oxalic acid into vapor. The acid vaporizes at a temperature of 315 degrees Fahrenheit. The acid will then decompose into formic acid, carbon monoxide, and water. While there is some risk of the acid getting too hot, this acid does not harm adult bees. Moreover, it does not require a beehive break to apply it.

Oxalic acid vaporization is safe for use by humans, but it can be harmful if you inhale the fumes. Although oxalic acid is a natural substance, it is not safe for humans to breathe it, so it’s important to keep this in mind.

Oxalic acid vaporization works best by approaching bee colonies from the front. If you approach the colony from behind, you may risk causing aggression. Also, you should wear protective clothing and use a smoker. Lastly, you should also place plugs in entrances. Professional beekeepers use checklists before performing oxalic acid vaporization to protect the bees.

Oxalic acid vaporization is the most effective way to use varroa mite strips. The strips can be applied to the top bars of brood boxes and hang between frames. These mite strips are not harmful to the bees. The strips are also inexpensive and easy to use. The strips will last for weeks, depending on how often you apply them.

Oxalic acid can be hazardous to human beings, so it is important to use protective equipment. A good suit and heavy-duty gloves are essential. A gas mask with a thick filter is also necessary. You should also wear safety goggles.

Oxalic acid is best applied to bee colonies in the evening. This will not disturb the bees and will give you high effectiveness. You should have a checklist to help you prepare and perform this activity as efficiently as possible.

Oxalic acid strips are effective against a variety of mite species, including phoretic and varroa. These mites will die if the strips are placed on top of the brood frames. If you have high mite populations, this method is recommended. It works fast and is the best option for late season mite problems. In most cases, a single application will significantly reduce the mite population.

Alcohol wash method

You can use the alcohol wash method to remove varroa mites from your bees, but it is not the only solution. There are other methods available, including using soap baths and sugar shakes. Most hobbyists do not want to kill their bees to count mites, so they prefer other methods.

Another way to remove varroa mites is to use the EasyCheck method. This method allows you to keep the bees alive, but it is not as accurate as the alcohol wash method. Moreover, the EasyCheck method is difficult to use when it is humid outside, because the powdered sugar tends to clump together. In this method, the bees are anesthetized with Carbon dioxide gas, which allows them to be shaken loose by the alcohol. The bees are then released through the entrance of the hive or into a basket.

Another alcohol wash method for varroa mites involves the use of Dawn hand dishwashing detergent. This hand wash detergent is not as strong as alcohol, but it will work just fine if you want to use it for washing bees. Make sure you agitate the bees gently. It is also important to keep them loosely suspended in the alcohol. Otherwise, the mites may return to the bees.

If the bees are healthy, the alcohol wash method kills the mites. This method works best when the colonies are not brooding. It is also important to note that a small percentage of the colony is sacrificed. This way, you can get a more accurate assessment of the mite population. It’s important to get the right estimate of the infestation in order to protect your colony.

One popular non-chemical varroa mite control method is using screens in the hive. Using a screen floor, you can count the mites that fall to the floor. The number of mites that drop will accurately reflect the number of mites in the colony. Adult female mites fall from worker bees regularly, and nest-cleaning bees regularly remove dead adults from brood cells. Therefore, the alcohol wash method is only an estimation of the mite load on the adult bees.

Another method involves using a solution of oxyalic acid (OA). OA is acutely toxic to varroa mites and offers low risk to honey bees. OA is often applied between frames of honey bee hives. A 50-mL solution is recommended for each hive. Several different concentrations of OA have been tested. One formulation contains 3.4% OA dihydrate in 47.6% sugar water, while another contains three percent OA dihydrate in 32.0% sucrose.